SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Storms the Stage at Theatre Memphis, Now thru 6/30

Singin' in the Rain, a cloned stage version of the 1957 film classic, will open on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis tonight, June 7 and run through June 30, 2013.

The ultimate feel good musical based on one of the world's best-loved films, this show has charm, romance and comedy plus old Hollywood glitz and glamour. Set in a period when silent movie stars are the biggest names in the world, Don Lockwood has it all ... a string of hit films and a studio-engineered romance with the most beautiful actress in town. But with the new phenomenon of the talking picture on the way and a chance meeting with a talented young chorus girl, things start to change. Popular iconic songs are featured in this production including Good Morning, Make 'em Laugh, Moses Supposes and the favorite Singin' in the Rain.

Directing the production at Theatre Memphis Ann Marie Hall excitedly says, "I am constantly amazed by the number of people dedicated to this project. Actors, singers, dancers, stage managers, crew, costumer, choreographer, music director, all the technical designers ... all working with one goal in mind." Her enthusiasm continues, "There will be singing. There will be dancing (tap dancing makes me very tired...and I'm just watching it). There will be rain! Just remember though...it's all about the love story. That's why he's singing."

A unique aspect of this stage production, aside from the prerequisite rainfall, is the video within the play that simulates the silent films and the first "talkie". The Theatre Memphis production team built the major set pieces months in advance to be able to video tape the sequences required for the show. Running Pony Productions, known locally for the high energy introduction videos for the University of Memphis and the Memphis Grizzlies, has partnered with Theatre Memphis to create realistic video replications of the 1920's silent film era. According to Randall Hartzog, Director of Marketing and Communications at Theatre Memphis who served in the capacity of video producer says, "It was important the 'look' was just right for the videos. That look really sets the mood for the comedy that accompanies the projections. Running Pony has such a great staff and this was something that really appealed to them. It is not every day that you get to get wildly creative in a commercial piece."

The cast for Singin' in the Rain includes some true Theatre Memphis veterans. Rob Hanford, Lydia Hart and Stephen Garrett play the three principle roles of Don Lockwood, Kathy Selden and CosMo Brown, respectively. Other featured roles are played by Claire Hayner, John Hemphill, Mary Buchignani and Justin Willingham.

Theatre Memphis Executive Director Debbie Litch takes an upbeat approach when talking about the show which has name recognition through its celluloid counterpart. "Everybody knows this movie title," she says. "And they won't be disappointed by the stage version. As a matter of fact they may be amazed at the production surprises when it comes right down to it. We have everything you would imagine on stage for this show ... silent movies, amazing choreography, an incredible ensemble for vocals and, yes ... have we mentioned RAIN?"

Singin' in the Rain, with screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolf Green and songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, is directed by Ann Marie Hall, with choreographer Christi Hall and music director Jeff Brewer.

The production will run at Theatre Memphis on the Lohrey Stage, 630 Perkins Ext, Memphis, TN, tonight, June 7 - 30, 2013. Showtimes: Wednesdays June 19 and 26 and Thursdays @ 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm with matinees @ 2pm on Sundays. Tickets: $28 adults, $15 students with valid ID, $10 children under 12. Box Office: 901.682.8323 or online at www.theatrememphis.org.

Theatre Memphis is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization located at 630 Perkins Extended (corner of Perkins Extended and Southern) and is a community theatre whose mission is to provide outstanding theatrical experiences to enrich the lives of our audiences and participants.

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