MANCHESTER, NH — It’s hard to say for sure whether Dan McHugh was born for a moment like this. But it sure feels that way.
When he takes the Palace Theatre stage April 15 in the role of dapper dancin’ fool Don Lockwood — a character immortalized by Gene Kelly in the original film version of “Singing in the Rain” — McHugh will be fulfilling a childhood dream.
“Without exaggerating, my first memory of life was watching “Singin’ in the Rain’ at my grandparents’ house. I’ve always loved it. I’m sure there’s home video of me somewhere doing the floor circle run that Cosmo does during “Make ‘em Laugh,” says McHugh.
“Singin’ In the Rain,” which runs from April 15-May 7, brings the musical sensibilities of the 1952 film version to life on the Palace stage in a classic recreation of a story that recalls Hollywood’s transition, from silent movies to talkies.
McHugh won’t give away any trade secrets on how the technical crew will recreate Gene Kelly’s literally fluid dance number of the show’s title tune, but he promises there will be rain.
“It’s a big secret, but it will be fantastic. That’s all I can say about it. You’ll just have to come to find out,” says McHugh.
Although the show hearkens back to a very different time, McHugh, 32, has nothing but love for the classic films of the ’40s and ’50s, films which in many ways guided him toward a professional career in dance and theatrics.
“Those films exemplified the Golden Age of movie musicals, and there was something magical there, whether it was a guy alone tap dancing in the rain, or actors like Fred Astaire and Donald O’Connor taking over the stage in those gigantic musical numbers,” says McHugh. “It was the ability of these films to tell a story in a way that captivated the audience; truly, a heyday.”
McHugh was born and raised in Apple Valley, Minn., and describes himself as a late theater-geek bloomer.
“I got a late start at learning how to do these things. As a kid I played every sport there was, until the sixth grade. Then, I had the opportunity to take dance lessons when this girl I liked asked me to go with her to a dance class,” says McHugh. “The girl didn’t work out, but I liked dance, a lot, and only wished I would’ve started sooner. I stopped playing sports after that, and dedicated my time to tap dancing, and then singing and theater, and other forms of dance.”
He knows he has big tap shoes to fill, as Don Lockwood, since Gene Kelly’s performance in the movie is ranked somewhere between magical and untouchable.
“No one can be Gene Kelly. He was the absolute best. But when I’m up on that stage, I’m hoping to call upon the childhood wonder and passion that still lives inside me. I want to bring that forth, and make sure it comes across to the audience,” says McHugh.
“As we’ve been staging the show, I can’t help but go back to being that 5-year-old kid in my grandmother’s living room. I get emotional, and so I go with that for a moment or two before I push it aside and get back to being the professional that I am. But to be honest, I’m having trouble containing just how excited I am to be doing this show,” McHugh says.
Although his grandparents have passed on, his parents will be coming for opening night, as will his wife, Jessica.
“Of course I’m excited about performing ‘Singing in the Rain,’ which is so amazing. But I think another special moment will be singing “You Were Meant for Me,” which in the show takes place on a soundstage, when Don and Kathy realize they have feelings for each other,” says McHugh. “That was one of our wedding songs, and it’s nice that she will be there on opening night when I sing it.”
Aside from actually singing in the rain on the Palace stage, McHugh says the thrill of finally getting to perform at the Palace is a professional goal that has been a long time coming.
“I’ve worked with so many people who tell me how great it is to be in Manchester, and how amazing the theater is. I’ve been hearing about it for years, and I’ve been trying to get here for a long time. Now that I’m here, I have to pinch myself, daily. It’s everything I imagined it would be,” he says.
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Other featured performers in ‘Singing in the Rain’ at the Palace Theatre:
Megan Bussiere received her M.A. in Speech Pathology from Kean University in her home state of NJ, and teaches tap at NJCU. Theatre credits: White Christmas (Judy), Tokyo Disneyland, My One and Only, Legally Blonde. www.meganbussiere.com.
Chris Duir’s credits include the national tour of “Grease.” Regional favorites include “Crazy For You,” “Damn Yankees,” “The Producers,” and “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Also: Celebrity Cruises, Disney, Galaxy Macau.
Caylie Rose Newcom: Favorite regionalcredits: Oklahoma! (Dream Laurey), Nice Work If You Can Get It (Eileen Understudy), and Cabaret (Rosie).
Michael Verre. Credits: National Tour of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Papa Who), Le Nozze di Figaro (Don Curzio-McCarter Theater), Spamalot (Sir Bedevere-Park Playhouse), Les Miserables (Joly/Thenardier US-Little Theater on the Square), The Producers (Roger-Park Playhouse),and LMAOff Broadway.