Musical Theatre West's SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Opens Tonight

Musical Theatre West (MTW) is Singin' in the Rain runs tonight, July 10, through July 26 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Featuring all of the beloved songs, splashy dance numbers, and comedic antics, this two-time Tony nominated musical delivers the best of the beloved film, live on stage.

Tickets are now on sale at the MTW Ticket Office, online at www.musical.org, or by calling (562) 856-1999, ext. 4. Ticket prices start at $20. Opening weekend is sold out, so get your tickets now!

Based on what is recognized as the "Greatest Movie Musical of All Time" by the American Film Institute, the stage version of Singin' in the Rain is faithfully and lovingly adapted by Broadway legends Betty Comden and Adolph Green with songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed. Brought to life is each unforgettable scene, song, and dance, including the show-stopping title number, complete with an onstage rainstorm! Audiences of all ages can sing along and relive the classic music from the iconic "Singin' in the Rain" to the footloose and fancy free "Make 'Em Laugh" and "Good Mornin'."

Singin' in the Rain has all the makings of a 1920's Tinseltown tabloid headline - the starlet, the leading man, and a love affair that could change lives and make or break careers! In silent movies, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont sizzle, but behind the scenes things aren't always as they appear on the silver screen. Lina's squeaky voice might be the end of her career in "talking pictures" without the help of a talented young actress to do the talking and singing for her.

Adapted faithfully from the 1952 movie of the same name, the stage version made a splash on the West End in 1983, earning a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for "Best Actress in a Musical." Two years later, the show opened on Broadway under the direction and choreographed by Twyla Tharp, earning Tony nominations for "Best Book of a Musical" and "Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical." The Broadway production also earned Drama Desk Award nominations for "Outstanding Choreography" and "Outstanding Featured Actress," and the award for "Outstanding Special Effects."

A 2000 revival production on the West End brought home Laurence Olivier Award for "Best Musical Revival" and three additional nominations. Returning to the London stage again in 2012, the show earned another three Olivier Award nominations.

MTW's Singin' in the Rain stars Leigh Wakeford as the charismatic Don Lockwood. The Ovation Award winner for "Best Supporting Actor" for his role as Camen Ghia in 3D Theatrical's production of The Producers (a role he portrayed in both La Mirada and Redondo Beach productions), Wakeford most recently seen in LaMirada Theatre's production of Mary Poppins as Bert. National tours credits include productions of The Drowsy Chaperone (Robert Martin) and Chicago: The Musical.

Natalie Anne MacDonald brings to the stage the lovable Kathy Seldon. Most recently appearing in productions of MTW's South Pacific and LaMirada's Mary Poppins, MacDonald starred in productions at Disneyland and Universal Studios as well as productions of Chicago: The Musical and Pirates of Penzance with Mainstage Performing Arts and The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music with Actor's Repertory of Simi.

Justin Michael Wilcox will make you laugh as Cosmo Brown. Credits include national tours of A Chorus Line (Mike Costa), Oliver! (Noah Claypole), and A Christmas Carol (Marley/Ghost of Christmas Present/ Fred), and an international tour of Guys and Dolls (Joey Biltmore). With more than 30 regional theatre credits to his name, local audiences will remember Wilcox for his performance in LaMirada's performance of Billy Elliot and his turn as Iago in Disneyland's production of Aladdin.

Rebecca Ann Johnson brings a voice to the preferably voiceless Lina Lamont. An MTW veteran, Johnson earned an Ovation Award nomination for her turn as Elizabeth in The Producers and critically acclaim for her performance as Sandra Bloom in the west coast premiere of Big Fish. Johnson's credits include the Mark Taper Forum's Pippin! And DeafWest Theatre's Children of a Lesser God. Audiences will also recognize her from such television shows as Anger Management, The Middle, and Community, as well as the feature films Breaking Wind and 30 Nights of Paranormal.

Musical Theatre West's production is under the direction and choreography of Jon Engstrom and musical direction of John Glaudini. The production is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of 2014-2015 Honorary Season Producers: The Ackerman Family/Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation, Ken & Dottie Reiner, and Don & Marlene Temple. Howard & Elaine Davis, Jon & Amanda Hall, and Arlene Solomon serve as Associate Producers and Don& Judy McNulty Black, Sheldon & Shell Whitney Grossman, and Ethel Severson serve as Show Sponsors. Paul Garman serves as Executive Director/Producer for MTW.

Don't miss out on the musical event of yesteryear, today, and for all time! Tickets are now on sale at the Musical Theatre West Ticket Office, by calling (562) 856-1999, ext. 4 or online at www.musical.org.

Pictured: Leigh Wakeford stars as Don Lockwood in Musical Theatre West's "Singin' in the Rain". Photo Credit: Caught in the Moment Photography.

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