A Spirited ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ That Hits All the Right Notes : The Saddleback College summer stock production of the musical based on the 1952 MGM classic features a solid cast, inventive special effects, splashy costumes and lavish settings.

When it opened on Broadway in July, 1985, “Singin’ in the Rain” prompted such a downpour of negative reaction from critics that it nearly closed after one night (the $4.5-million show would have been one of the costliest bombs in history).

But its backers withstood the storm. With the help of an aggressive TV ad campaign that stressed theatergoers’ accolades, the show went on and even spawned a successful road company. (It stopped off at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in December, 1986, becoming the Center’s first-ever musical presentation.)

“Singin’ in the Rain,” now a staple on the community theater circuit, is currently at the McKinney Theatre at Saddleback College, where it displays the exuberant spirit of the film that spawned the show--the 1952 MGM production starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor in a terrific story about Hollywood’s transition from the silents to the talkies.

Against a Tinseltown backdrop complete with revelations from a Louella Parsons-like radio announcer, matinee idol Don Lockwood (Kirby Ward), his sidekick Cosmo Brown (Randy Rogel), leading lady and femme fatale Lina Lamont (Diane Vincent) and starlet Kathy Selden (Leslie Becker) all try to rescue Lockwood and Lamont’s latest film, “The Dueling Cavalier,” from disaster.

The sharp dialogue jabs everything from studio moguls to artiste directors to silent stars whose screechy voices now imperil their careers. But the real highlights are the dance numbers--”Make ‘Em Dance,” “Moses Supposes,” “Broadway Melody” and the perennially popular title tune.

The Saddleback cast is solid. Supporting players Carlos Romero as studio chief R.F. Simpson, Curtis Pope as director Roscoe Dexter and David MacArthur as Mr. Dinsmore the diction coach all shine, and there are clever production touches such as using movie screens to show specially shot footage. The costumes are splashy, the settings are lavish and the special effects are inventive.

“Singin’ in the Rain”

Kirby Ward: Don Lockwood

Randy Rogel: Cosmo Brown

Diane Vincent: Lina Lamont

Leslie Becker: Kathy Selden

Carlos Romero: R.F. Simpson

Curtis Pope: Roscoe Dexter

David MacArthur: Mr. Dinsmore

A Saddleback College summer stock production of the musical based on the 1952 MGM film. Adaptation by Betty Comden and Adolph Green from their screenplay. Songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed. Original choreography by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen. Directed by Sheryl Donchey. Musical director and conductor: Lee Kreter. Choreographer: Susan Errickson. Scenic design by LK Strasburg. Scenery coordinator: Wally Huntoon. Costume coordinator: Charles Castagno. Lighting design by Kevin Cook. Stage manager: Nancy Staiger. At the McKinney Theatre on the campus, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. Performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3. Through July 27. Tickets: $10-$14. Information: (714) 582-4656.