Crooked Table Podcast: ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ (featuring Ryan McQuade)

Even though we just covered Hamilton in our first-ever Crooked Roundtable, we’re not quite ready to move on from musicals just yet. So this episode, we’re discussing one of the most beloved big-screen musicals of all time: 1952’s Singin’ in the Rain starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds.

Ryan McQuade returns to the show to help us break down why Singin’ in the Rain is such a joyous and unforgettable experience. We’ll discuss the behind-the-scenes drama, how the film comments on real-life cinema history, and — of course — the indelible music, many of which debuted in earlier films.

So put your dancing shoes on, grab an umbrella, and get ready to tap your way through that shower with Singin’ in the Rain.

SYNOPSIS

When silent films begin to transition to “talkies,” everyone has trouble adapting. Don (Gene Kelly) and Lina (Jean Hagen) have been cast repeatedly as a romantic couple. But when their latest film is remade into a musical, only Don has the voice for the new singing part. After a lot of practice with a diction coach, Lina still sounds terrible. Kathy (Debbie Reynolds) — a bright young aspiring actress — is hired to record over her voice.