"Singin' in the Rain"

 It was raining that Sunday, keeping us indoors, and Ben opened his kiddie umbrella in

 the house. Naturally, this prompted me to add “Singin’ in the Rain” to my repertory of

 songs, and I twirled the little umbrella around in my clumsy imitation of Gene Kelly’s

 graceful movements.  Ben, almost three, found the line, “I’m happy again!” especially

 easy, and I would pause at that line so he could sing it.  The next day Ben wanted to

 open the umbrella and sing it again.  I didn’t  remember all the words to the tune, so once

 at home I bought the DVD of the movie, learned the words, and brought it for

 them when we returned to Philadelphia for Stevie’s birthday.  Stevie, now five, liked

 it, and quickly learned Gene Kelly’s name; and he laughed when Kelly splashed the

 policeman at the end of that signature scene. I assured the boys that they splash better

 than Gene Kelly, and they got me wetter than the policeman from their splashing while I

 bathed them. Oh, they liked to hear that!

   

 Our next visit, Stevie asked if we could watch Singin’ in the Rain together; Ben

 sang the lyric, “I’m happy again,” and both boys swung their arms, imitating Kelly.

 Stevie was especially captivated by  the big production finale, “Broadway Melody,” and

 he called Cyd Charisse “the Green Lady,” referring to her costume; he was also intrigued

 by the hoods flipping  coins during Cyd’s dance number.  Both boys volunteered that

 Lena Lamont (Jean Hagen) was “mean.”  Singin’ in the Rain has become my favorite

 song with all the grandkids.