DOWNEY - The Downey Civic Light Opera has released its 2011-12 season schedule, and it begins with "Singin' in the Rain" on Sept. 30, described by executive producer Marsha Moode as "one of the freshest and most exuberant musicals ever made."With book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, lyrics by Arthur Freed and music by Nacio Herb Brown, choreographers as well as stage actors and directors have delighted in "Singin' in the Rain" for its youthful vitality and its satirical view of Hollywood. "Singing' in the Rain" will be presented Sept. 30 through Oct. 6. Next, starting Feb. 17, the DCLO will present for the first time in its history, "Red, Hot and Cole," the life and times of legendary composer-lyricist Cole Porter, who was also one of the wittiest and swankiest writers in Broadway history. Many of his compositions, including "Begin the Beguine," "What is This Thing Called Love" and "Anything Goes," remain classics. Show closes March 4. To close out the season, the DCLO will present, also for the first time, "The Pajama Game," with book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell and music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. When it first opened in 1954, it was considered a workplace romance story, but for its 1973 and 2006 revivals, workers' rights became the topical issue, and is back in the news again. "Hernando's Hideaway" and "Hey There" remain its most famous songs, regardless of social climate. "The Pajama Game" opens Feb. 17, 2012 and runs through June 8. Good seats are available to all performances. For information, e-mail downeyclo@hotmail.com, go to downeyciviclightopera.org or call (562) 923-1714.

********** Published: April 7, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 51