About the Show:
Singin' in the Rain is a musical based on the classic 1952 film of the same name, which starred Gene Kelly (An American in Paris, Broadway's Pal Joey) and Debbie Reynolds (The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Tammy and the Bachelor). Set during the breakout of talking pictures, it follows the transformation of a silent film into a talkie, with dramatic and comic results. Singin' in the Rain has music by Nacio herb Brown, lyrics by Arthur Freed, and a book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. The score includes such songs as "Make 'Em Laugh," "Good Mornin,'"You Are My Lucky Star," and, of course, the famous title song.
The show premiered in London's West End on June 30, 1983 and enjoyed great success, running through September of 1985. A revamped Broadway transfer ran from July 2, 1985 to May 18, 1986, and was directed and choreographed by Twyla Tharp (Movin' Out, Come Fly Away). The show has enjoyed several revivals, tours, and international mountings. Order your Singin' in the Rain tickets now to experience this classic story live on stage!
Plot Synopsis:
Don Lockwood is a multi-talented silent film star skilled in singing, dancing, and stunts. But his leading lady is the airheaded Lina Lamont, who is infatuated with him. After the breakout of talking pictures, the studio decides that their new film, The Dueling Cavalier, needs to be a talkie. The changeover proves disastrous, chiefly due to Lina's truly awful speaking voice.
After a preliminary screening reveals the film's shortcomings, Don's friend, Cosmo Brown, comes up with the idea to dub over Lina's voice, and they convince studio head R.F. Simpson to turn the film into a musical, The Dancing Cavalier. They get an aspiring actress, Kathy Selden, to provide the voice for Lina's character, and Don falls in love with her. Enraged, Lina tries to sabotage the romance and spitefully demands that Kathy provide her voice in all of her future films but remain uncredited.
The film premieres to immense success, but the audience demands to hear Lina sing live. Don and Cosmo set up a backstage microphone for Kathy to sing into, but they raise the curtain mid-performance, causing the audience to turn on Lina and make Kathy a star.
Awards:
- 1983 Olivier Awards: 1 nomination
- 1986 Tony Awards: 2 nominations
- 2001 Olivier Awards: 4 nominations, 1 win
Creative Team:
| Music | Nacio Herb Brown |
| Lyrics | Arthur Freed |
| Book | Betty Comden, Adolph Green |
| Based on | 1952 film Singin' in the Rain |
Singin' in the Rain News:
| February 15, 2012 | The newest West End revival of Singin' in the Rain opens at the Palace Theatre. |