Broadway veteran directs teens in ‘Singin’ in the Rain Jr.’ in Brookhaven

The Brookhaven Little Theatre production of “Singin’ in the Rain Jr.” opens Friday, June 5, 2026, for a three-day, four-show run at the Haven Theatre, the community theater said.

Director and music director Randy Redd, a Brookhaven native now based in Los Angeles, said five days into rehearsals the cast had already mastered the show’s “Make ‘Em Laugh” number, including pratfalls and comic timing. Redd said he returns for a fifth summer to lead the teen camp because the program did not exist in his hometown when he was growing up.

According to Brookhaven Little Theatre, Redd brings about three decades of professional theater experience to the production, including a Broadway debut in the original cast of “Parade” at Lincoln Center, Off-Broadway credits and regional directing work. He is joined by choreographer Taylor Newby-Kahre and assistant director Ben Newby-Kahre. The theater said actor Gregor Patti also joined the team this week.

Production Manager Steven McMorris said the teen camp condenses rehearsals into intense days, with participants working from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the show coming together in less than two weeks. McMorris said the theater has moved toward a concise camp experience that uses minimal staging and projected backdrops to keep productions efficient.

Teens in the cast described the camp as a place to build confidence and community. “This just gives me a space to be creative, and sing and share my love of music with other people,” said 15-year-old Magnolia Jones of Bogue Chitto. Thirteen-year-old Gage Dyess of West Lincoln Attendance Center said he enjoys the people and the chance to try different character choices. Brookhaven teens Lorelai Gennaro and Oliviah McCullom said working with professionals is inspiring and has helped them grow as performers, the theater said.

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