DOWNEY - The Downey Civic Light Opera continues its tradition of staging great Broadway musicals at low prices with the Sept. 29 opening of "Singin' in the Rain."Adapted from one of the most exuberant movie musicals ever made, its songs include "You Stepped Out of a Dream," "All I do is Dream of You," "You Are My Lucky Star" and a title song that made movie and stage immortality. The production run ends Oct. 16. When glamour, sophistication and chic characterized the good life, Cole Porter was there to give it musical accompaniment. "Red, Hot and Cole" includes a roster of songs that not only capture the tone of living well by living with class, but captures the universal experience of being in and out of love. Conceived by Randy Strawderman, with book by Strawderman, James Bianchi and Muriel McAuley, "Red, Hot and Cole" takes us not just from Paris to New York, but to places in the heart that laughed to love ("Let's Do It") and in "What Is This Thing Called Love?" asked the question better than anyone else. Feb. 16 - March 4, 2012. The history of labor relations in America has not exactly been characterized by song and dance, but the legendary George Abbott and author Richard Bissell showed us that romance is possible anywhere, even in a pajama factory. Their collaboration on "The Pajama Game," with music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, was a Broadway hit in 1954, in 2006, and is a dependable pick-me-up for audiences for high school and college theater departments. "Hey There" and "Hernando's Hideaway" are two of its songs that swept the nation. May 31 - June 18, 2012. The Downey Civic Light Opera is in its 56th year and still going strong where most Southern California CLO's are faltering or have shuttered. Though some people travel from afar, part of that success is owed the loyal audiences of Downey. In its gratitude, the DCLO offers some of the lowest prices in the Southland. Group sales and good seats are available for the upcoming season, as well as further subscriber discounts. Call (562) 923-1714 and get in on the fun.

********** Published: August 25, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 19