Whiteford Student Lands Key Role in Croswell Show

By RACHEL NAGLE

Advance Reporter

ADRIAN – When it came time to audition for the Croswell Opera House's upcoming production of "Singin' in the Rain," Whiteford sophomore Carolyn Mohler knew the role she wanted.

She wanted to play Lina Lamont.

"I auditioned for Lina because I thought it would be a very fun role," Mohler said. "Getting into this role is pretty easy because I've had past experiences with playing this type of (character)."

The Croswell Opera House in Adrian will begin their landmark 160th anniversary year later this month with the all-area high school production. Adapted from the classic 1952 film, "Singin' in the Rain," the musical chronicles Hollywood's transition from silent films to "talkies" through the relationship between silent film star, Don Lockwood, his squeaky-voiced co-star, Lina Lamont, and the aspiring actress, Kathy Seldon.

Every unforgettable song from the beloved film has been preserved in this stage adaptation of what has, at times, been called "the greatest movie musical of all time."

The director of "Singin' in the Rain" is Sarah Nowak, with choreography by Sydney Bramlett. Music direction is by Wynne Marsh with vocal direction by Mandy Kruse.

The role of silent film star, Don Lockwood, is played by Kai Yuen of Adrian while his co-star, Lina Lamont, is played by Mohler. Trent Aneed of Adrian plays the role of Cosmo Brown, Don's long-time best friend and former dance partner. The film producer, R.F. Simpson, is played by Gage Sterling of Adrian while the director, Roscoe Dexter, is played by Alexander Rabideau of Deerfield.

Among the remaining cast members are Emily Anderson, Colbie Baer, Zoelle Blackmon, Amelia Bowman, Kayla Bradberry, Katherine Dolson, Evan Garcia, Brenna Gifford, Fiza Gohar, Grace Kent, Amelia Martinal, Libby Pifer, and Trae Wesson, all of Adrian; Laila Seeburger of Blissfield; Kina Eby of Deerfield and Noble Witt of Palmyra.

Mohler, one of the lead actresses, got involved in theater at the Croswell when she was 8. She was inspired by her mother. She has been a part of many other productions such as "Into the Woods," as Rapunzel, "Parade," as Lola Stover, and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," as Veruca Salt. That play was done at Whiteford High School.

Mohler said she was intrigued by this role.

"Lina Lamont is a very outgoing actress who is a star in the silent film industry," she said. "She is gorgeous but very unaware and not always the smartest."

At Whiteford, Mohler is also involved in cross country, track and field, marching/concert band, choir, musicals, and dance. She is the daughter of Chad and Maria Mohler.

"I want to continue acting in other community productions because I love musicals, but don't want it to be my career," she said.

Mohler said she spends about 18 hours a week either at rehearsal or at home practicing – while tech week and the week before tech week it increases to about 35 hours.

"Singin' in the Rain" opens on Jan. 31. The first weekend will have performances on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The second weekend will have performances on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $12 to $25 for adults and $12 for students and may be ordered online at croswell.org or by calling 517-264-7469.