_Singin' in the Rain' drenches Family Playhouse this weekend

Water works The Guide staff • June 19, 2008 Saying it's never rained inside Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center isn't exactly accurate. The theater has had a few leakage issues that have only recently been repaired. But this weekend will mark the first time rain will intentionally fall in the building. Family Playhouse's summer production, "Singin' in the Rain," will feature one of the most daring props used by local theater groups in Cenla: A 20-feet wide, 8-feet deep, 15-feet tall rain and drain setpiece. Set builder Catherine Pears, with a consultant, designed and built the piece in about three weeks. The prop is utilized in the most famous scene the film -- protagonist Don Lockwood's umbrella-embellished song-and-dance number that bears the film's name. Alexandria's Kris Prestridge takes on Gene Kelly's Lockwood, and... [read full story]