“Singin’ in the Rain”: Original Film vs. Stage Performance

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“Singin’ in the Rain” has easily advanced to one of my favorite musicals. I saw “Singin’ in the Rain” for the first time in class on Monday. However I had seen a rendition of it live on stage prior. My brother featured in the play and played both Cosmo and Jimmy Thompson, the singer of “Beautiful Girl,” in different casts. The scene of Cosmo singing “Make ‘Em Laugh” as well as the scene when “Beautiful Girl” is sung evokes a feeling of nostalgia for me.

Inherently, there were several dissimilarities between the scenes in the movie in comparison to the show that took place on the stage at my former high school. The setting, musical ability, and costuming were all extremely different. As I watched the scene in the movie, I was comparing the mis-en-scene between the two performances I witnessed. The sets and props were innately different as there is a time lapse of over 60 years involved. In addition, the clothing that was worn by the characters in the movie was very true to the time, whereas in the stage show, the costumes were modeled after the actual time the story occurred.

The cinematography is another factor to take into account. Discernibly, the play did not involve the use of cinematographic forms. On stage, as also told by Kathy Selden in the film, cannot be as deeply manipulated essentially. In film, the camera can tell the story depending on the angle, speediness, placement, etc. On stage, the audience cannot see a variety of shots and sceneries. I enjoyed being able to see the same story told in a wide variety of locations in its original form. For example, the scenes when the two aforementioned songs are performed allow for ample space as the camera moves along with the performances. Seeing a larger amount of space used for the characters to move around while they perform creates a platform for more activity and thus more excitement.

Although Cosmo was a major character throughout the film, his performance of  “Make ‘Em Laugh” undoubtedly gave him the absolute spotlight as it did for my brother. And while the character that sings “beautiful Girl” does not play a major role in the entirety of the film, he experiences a moment of stardom as well. The scene helps to tie the story together and give more insight about life at the time. I have now seen the inspiration behind the way the play was exposed the amount of space can entirely change how far the creative license can be carried.

Going back and watching the video of my brother’s performance opens my imagination to how it could have been different if there was more space to move around. A live representation of a movie is a courageous feat because editing and camera manipulations are not possibilities. In all, a play on stage will never come close to a viewing of a movie, but it is interesting to consider how all the various settings from a film can be transformed into an in-person stage performance.   “Singin’ in the Rain” has been reproduced on numerous occasions throughout the world and it has set a standard for Hollywood movies ever since.

28 thoughts on ““Singin’ in the Rain”: Original Film vs. Stage Performance”

  1. Fascinated by the fact that you were actually able to see a live performance. I think that is awesome! I would be curious to see Singing in the Rain live myself. The transformation of this into a live performance had to be an interesting one. As you mentioned, the camera plays such a crucial role in the film. Portraying the narrative without that technology had to be difficult. What did they do for the voice illusion between Lina and Kathy? It seems like a moment that might require film.

    Overall, thanks for the insight. Love the comparison.

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  2. Seeing the live version of the film first must of made seeing original film version very interesting because you probably unconsciously started comparing the two. It is difficult for me personally to imagine Singin in the Rain as a stage play because more of the scenes have some much going on. I think there are probably a handful of scenes that could easily translate to the stage. It is really interesting to hear about your interpretation of the film having seen movie performed on stage first.

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  11. Comparing “Singin’ in the Rain” in its original film form to the stage performance, I find myself torn between the two. While the film holds the timeless charm and iconic performances of Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, the stage adaptation brings its own energy and liveliness, especially with personal connections like my brother’s involvement. It’s akin to the debate between Loklok and Thop TV, where each offers unique experiences; Loklok for its simplicity and reliability, and Thop TV for its versatility and extensive content. Ultimately, both versions of “Singin’ in the Rain” and the streaming platforms cater to different preferences, yet share the ability to evoke cherished memories and nostalgia.

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  16. I absolutely agree with your sentiment about “Singin’ in the Rain” being a fantastic musical. It’s interesting how experiencing the film and the stage performance can evoke different emotions and memories. Your connection to the stage performance through your brother’s involvement adds a personal touch to your experience with the musical. It’s like using PicsArt for PC; just as PicsArt allows you to add personal flair to your photos, your connection to the stage performance adds a unique perspective to your enjoyment of “Singin’ in the Rain.”

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  24. “Comparing ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ on film versus its stage adaptation is like using the Meitu app to transform a classic photograph into a dynamic, modern portrait. Both mediums offer unique interpretations, with the film capturing the essence of the era in vivid color, while the stage performance adds a live, kinetic energy that immerses audiences in the magic of the story. Just as Meitu Android
    enhances photos with its creative filters, the stage adaptation of ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ breathes new life into the timeless tale, showcasing the enduring appeal of this beloved classic through a fresh lens.”

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  28. “Singin’ in the Rain” has always been a cherished musical for me. I first experienced it during a live stage performance where my brother played key roles, making it all the more special. Seeing it on screen in class recently brought back memories of those live performances and the nostalgic feelings they evoked. Speaking of memories, have you visited or downloaded yacine tv lg tv yet? It’s worth checking out!

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