DeSales University Act 1 will stage a classic musical and Reading Theater Project (RTP) will kick off its play-reading series.

Act 1 presents “Singin’ in the Rain,” April 24 to May 3 and RTP presents “Play Reading Series: Revelation,” April 24 to May 29.

Based on the classic 1952 MGM musical, “Singin’ in the Rain” is the story of a movie studio and its leading actors, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, navigating the new talking-pictures technology.

The story takes place in 1920s’ Hollywood when “The Jazz Singer” (1927) and talking pictures became all the rage. Silent film actors and actresses suddenly found themselves learning to enunciate for the camera.

While Lina believes that she and Don are Hollywood sweethearts, Don views their relationship as a work partnership only and falls for a talented young actress, Kathy Selden.

The stage adaptation is filled with the same broad comedy, jazzy dancing, oft-quoted lines and famous songs of the era, including “You Were Meant for Me,” “Good Morning” and the title song.

The stage adaptation is based on a screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed.

Director of the Act 1 production is Anne Lewis, DeSales University associate professor of theater. Choreographer is Stephen Casey, DeSales University associate professor of theater.

There’s a “Royal Rascal Wrap Party” after the May 2 performance. Celebrate the Golden Age of Hollywood with popcorn, concession candy and nonalcoholic beverages. Theater-goers may place their handprint on a star and enter a raffle to win swag and Act 1 and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival gift cards.

There are talk-backs with the cast after April 27 and April 29 performances.

The May 3 performance has open-captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and audio descriptions for patrons who are blind or visually-impaired. Tickets are half-price for patrons using these services. Information: 610-282-3654, ext. 1.

The performance is recommended for ages 13 and up.

“Singin’ in the Rain,” 7:30 p.m. April 24, 25, 26, 30, May 1, 2; 2 p.m. April 27, May 4; 9:45 a.m. April 29; 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. May 3, Act 1 DeSales, Main Stage Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley. 610-282-3192, https://www.desales.edu

Reading Theater Project will stage plays by local playwrights in its “Play Reading Series: Revelation,” Boscov Theatre, GoggleWorks.

Each is a staged reading followed by a talk-back with the playwright, director and actors. Literary Manager Adam Richter coordinates the series, taking place on three Thursday evenings.

“Parish Blood Drive,” by Ryan Elmore; directed by Jody Reppert, 7 p.m. April 24: At the annual Holy Child Parish blood drive, Joe Wells enlists the help of his estranged daughter-in-law Leslie and his granddaughter Fran for administering donations. Familial tensions boil in the company of Maryann, a Red Cross nurse, and Terry and Sophia, two teenage siblings who come to donate. When a snowstorm forces them all to remain at the drive longer than any of them intended, conflict ensues.

“Faithless,” by Kimberly Patterson; directed by Sue Sneeringer, 7 p.m. May 15: Shireen learns that Dr. Duffy, her mentor, won’t sign off her dissertation because her research might expose Duffy’s work as insufficient. Without Dr. Duffy’s signature, her life and career are held hostage. So, Shireen decides that she should take some hostages of her own.

“Hero Work,” by Adam Richter, 7 p.m. May 29: Mild-mannered reporter and copy-desk scourge Josh Watkins moonlights as a superhero. His biggest nemesis: Finding a work-life balance, especially when a disaster strikes the city and Josh must decide which of his identities will do the most good.

“Play Reading Series: Revelation,” 7 p.m. April 24, May 15, May 29, Reading Theater Project, Boscov Theatre, Goggleworks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Reading. Ticket information: 484-706-9719, https://readingtheaterproject.org/

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com