By Susan Parker

“Singin’ in the Rain,” now a classic 20th century movie, opened in 1952 and starred the legendary dancer Gene Kelly, who with Stanley Donen directed and choreographed the movie. Although it was not an immediate hit, the musical comedy has demonstrated staying power. His female lead was Debbie Reynolds.

In 1983, a stage adaptation debuted. The play largely follows the original story; like the original film, the play also has staying power.

This weekend, Community Players of Salisbury brings that story to the Wicomico High School Auditorium with a cast of 50 and a live orchestra for three performances.

Rusty Mumford, a longtime Players veteran, directs the production.

“This play has been a dream of mine for years,” Mumford said. “Everything is coming together. For me it has turned into a family affair.”

Mumford’s wife Becky, son Jeremy, and two grandchildren are all involved in varying capacities.

The timeless story captures audiences with its story of anquish over new technology, unrequited love and plenty of laughter.

“It’s so good to work with a cast that is overall young or young at heart,” Mumford said. Cast members largely depict characters that are older. “They are maturing and are like sponges as they learn from the 1950s actors who performed in the movie.”

Gianna Pesoniello, 22, of Snow Hill, plays the female lead, Kathy Selden, who is a “wanna-be” actress during an era when silent movies were becoming obsolete as “talkies” were all the rage.

This transition opened up doors for some performers who were silent no more as audiences were now able to hear the actors and actresses speak their lines and even sing.

“Kathy is excited about the new ‘talkies,’“ said Pesaniello. “She runs into a bit of a scandal as she has to sing for another character, Lina Lamont, who does not have a good singing voice.”

Lina Lamont is played by 28-year-old Devin Bradley.

“Lina Lamont is the diva of all divas,” said Bradley, laughing. “She is a silent film star who is having to deal with talkies. But she has an awful speaking voice and singing voice, so her voice double is Kathy. And she’s obsessed with Don Lockwood, the male lead.” Don Lockwood, played by Luke Schoellkopf, does not share that affection.

“I grew up watching ‘Singin in the Rain,’ “ Schoellkopf said. “This is my dream role. Don seems very genuine, but he’s a famous actor who falls for a woman who pretends not to know who he is.” Don was played by Gene Kelly in the original film, so Schoellkopf has not only memorized his lines, he’s honed and refined his dancing skills.

Kyle Hayes, 29, plays Cosmo Brown, Don’s childhood best friend and partner in mischief. Cosmo’s life is also about to be impacted by the dawn of talkies. ­

“Cosmo plays piano for silent films,” said Hayes. “He likes to make himself laugh and get others to laugh as well. He has a good time and is always looking out for his friend Don. He’s a wacky, slapstick sort of character.”

“The magic of theater is that you get to show the audience a different side of yourself,” said Hayes.

Bradley, whose character is disliked generally, was not surprised that she was cast as Lina the diva.

“I would like to think I am nice, like Kathy, but somehow I always knew I’d be cast as Lina,” she said. Like Schoellkopf, Bradley grew up watching the movie. “It’s been a lot of fun. It’s such a a creative challenge to portray a personality that doesn’t exist within yourself.”

Mumford said he was determined to make it rain on the stage. Not to give away anything, let’s just say he found a way.