After an eventful winter break, students at the Lehigh Valley Charter HS for The Arts (Charter Arts) began rehearsals for the school’s spring musical, “Singin’ in the Rain.” Written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, with songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, “Singin’ in the Rain” is a musical-romantic comedy, adapted from the 1952 film of the same name, that brings to light the harsh realities of Hollywood.

According to the school’s Artistic Director of Production Arts, Rae Labadie, the positive feedback from last year’s production of “Sweeney Todd: School Edition” prompted the school’s artistic directors to choose another unique musical. “Singin’ in the Rain” is an exciting choice because it takes place in the 1920s, and we’re getting ready to celebrate the ‘twenties’ all over again now,” says Labadie. “The conflict of the show is over the introduction of new technology in cinema: talkies. Today, in the 2020s, we’re faced with a similar evolution in the use of film projections taking the place of traditional sets. It’s also a dance-heavy show, so we get to showcase the dance talent in the school.”

Since starting the rehearsal process a few weeks ago, the cast and the crew are learning what it takes to put together a show as complex as “Singin’ in the Rain.” Thankfully, according to Labadie, the process, so far, has been fantastic.

“Producing a show is a little bit like solving a sudoku puzzle,” she stated. “You start with a few factors and then complete the lines and boxes as you figure out the missing pieces.”

What should the audience expect?

“We hope, after seeing this show, that audiences will reflect on embracing change,” Labadie said.

Society today, according to Labadie, is facing the same kind of challenges as people did in the 1920s.

“We are dealing with the same exciting but scary changes and navigating the same types of relationships,” she said. To make the show unique, the students have added a contemporary flare, which gives a generous nod to our country’s history.

Labadie became the artistic director of production arts when the school added the major to its curriculum in 2018. Students in this department explore the making of both live and recorded entertainment productions through producing, event management, design, technology and construction. Students graduate with skills in set design and construction, costume design and construction, audio and video production, lighting design, stage management, prop fabrication, special effects makeup application, projection design and animation, and more. Being involved in the production of the spring musical each year also adds to the students’ experience.

“Singin’ in the Rain” runs March 18-22 in the Charter Arts Theatre, located at 321 East 3rd St. in Bethlehem. There are evening performances March 18-21 at 7 p.m. and a matinee performance March 23 at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets or to learn more about Charter Arts, visit www.CharterArts.org.