SINGIN' IN THE RAIN In Manila Extends through Sept. 13

Manila, Philippines--As a tribute to the 1952 screen version of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, international touring production leading man Duane Alexander (in the childlike water-frolicking frenzy of Don Lockwood) has been captivating Manila audiences in Lunchbox Theatrical Productions' latest smash offering at Solaire's The Theatre. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN kicked off its limited run in the Philippines, which began gala night, August 20, until recently confirmed extension, September 13, which will have the 27-strong cast soaking wet (totaling 26 shows).

"Our wardrobe department is doing a great job keeping the wet and wash costumes always in order!" says Alexander, talking about the extensive "wet" wardrobe collection of the show.

"I think around 3 to 4 sets a show," he continues, giving a thoughtful estimate of how many special "rain" outfits (per person) gets wet each performance.

Lunchbox Theatrical Productions' second international musical offering at The Theatre (since 2014's "Chicago"), SINGIN' IN THE RAIN is also certified in both Broadway and West End as a smash hit, whose 1952 screen original secured for Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds a unique niche in the pantheon of musical icons in the tradition of slapstick humor and light romance.

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN features a 27-strong cast headlined by Bethany Dickson taking on Kathy Selden, the Debbie Reynolds-patented "schoolmarm with sex appeal" archetype; Duane Alexander in this production is the haplessly romantic, love idealist Don Lockwood; Steven van Wyk foils as the quasi-pint-sized, laughter-addled, unsinkable Cosmo Brown; and, in a featured role, Taryn Lee-Hudson donning the blonde tresses of the exquisitely-gammed, decibel-defying, "post-talkies" silent screen diva, Lina Lamont.

Directed by Jonathan Church and choreographed by Andrew Wright, the backdrop of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN borders on an almost indistinguishably satirical take on the defunct star-contract system of Warner Brothers--when moguls would exercise creative and contractual authority in an almost "slave-like" sense of ownership over its actors--borrowing Bette Davis' description of her contractual battles against the movie company.

David Atkins Enterprises, Michael Cassel Group, Concertus Manila, Dainty Group, and Lunchbox Theatrical Productions present SINGIN' IN THE RAIN in Manila, which is based on the 1952 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer screen classic and produced through special arrangements with Warner Bros Theatre Ventures, Inc.

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, a four-time Olivier-nominated musical, is the grand initial installment in the five-part "Spectacle of Shows" series of theatrical productions, ushering in the year-ender theater season of 2015, presented by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions in partnership with Concertus Manila.

The other four upcoming productions to complete the roster of 2015's "Spectacle of Shows" are:

LA SOIRÉE, an Olivier Award-winning cabaret showcase that features sensual and mind-blowing acrobatics, layered with a healthy flair of sophisticated adult humor; the first-ever Manila tour of LOUIS PEARL - THE AMAZING BUBBLE MAN; the renowned musical spectacle, BEYOND THE BARRICADE, which brings together in one concert stage past principal performers from "LES MISERABLES" as they take on iconic songs from "The Phantom of the Opera," "Jersey Boys," "Evita," "Wicked," "Miss Saigon," "West Side Story," "Mamma Mia!" and many others; and finally, the non-verbal, kitchen percussion and musical comedy show, the hit Korean export COOKIN' NANTA.

For ticket pricing/reservation/purchase for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN and other productions included in the "Spectacle of Shows," call (632)891-9999 or visit ticketworld.com.ph.

Photos: (1) Duane Alexander plays Don Lockwood; (2) Alexander, Bethany Dickson, and Steven van Wyk (Photos by Erickson Dela Cruz)

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