If you've been paying any attention to cafe conversations, TV or the sadly more ubiquitous social media in the last 12 months you could not escape the impression 2016 sucked, so what better way to kick the annus horribilis to the curb than with some light escapism and pure joy.
Such was the case on Saturday night at Crown Theatre for opening night of the stage adaptation of what is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, which by the way topped the American Film Institute's Greatest Movie Musicals list and is ranked as the fifth greatest American motion picture of all time.
Singin' In The Rain is based on the tumultuous time in Hollywood when sound came to the movies. Various Hollywood execs said it wouldn't last and legend has it several actors' careers were ended due to voices that were akin to fingernails on a blackboard.
The lead role of Don Lockwood is taken by Grant Almirall who, in perfect showbiz tradition was the first reserve to the understudy who had to take the role when Adam Garcia was injured. He's perfect, having played Lockwood in various international productions, and in certain light on certain angles even looks like a young Gene Kelly, and Almirall brings the grace yet physicality to his dancing that Kelly was renowned for.
Gretel Scarlett is spunky as Kathy and Jack Chambers as Cosmo Brown, the role which brought Donald O'Connor a Golden Globe Award, is goofy and funny, and boy can he dance.
Little wonder Chambers was nominated this year for the Helpmann Awards himself.
If you do manage to see this production look for bite marks all over the stage because in the role of Lina Lamont the shrew with a voice that would strip paint, Erika Heynatz chews on the scenery every time she steps on stage. Her star turn of "What's Wrong With Me?" which was not included in the 1952 film but fits seamlessly into the stage musical, is a tour de force.
And then there is the rain, yes, you will actually see 12,000 litres of rain falling onto the Crown stage and when the do de do dos start, your troubles will fade and you'll be taken to a place of pure, exuberant, joy.
