Gruber, Lockwood & More Star In Ordway's SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, Opens 6/16

An all-star ensemble of performers will dance their way across the Ordway stage in a new production of "Singin' in the Rain," opening June 16 on the Ordway main stage. The production features some of the region's brightest talent including Michael Gruber as Don Lockwood, Christina Saffran Ashford as Kathy Selden, Tony Vierling as Cosmo, Austene Van as Lina Lamont, Richard Ooms as R.F. Simpson, and Claudia Wilkens as Dora Bailey.

"Singin' in the Rain" burst upon the American scene in 1952 and quickly became one of the most celebrated movie musicals of all time. The musical stage production embraces the best of the beloved songs and characters, overflowing with romance and unforgettable dance numbers. And because no production of this classic musical would be complete without rain, Director/Choreographer James Rocco promises that it will rain on the Ordway stage, to the tune of 500 gallons of water for each performance. "Our production team has created their own backstage waterworks department that provides the perfect atmospheric setting for the iconic dance scene," says Rocco. "I can't wait to see The Audience reaction when Don Lockwood takes the stage, umbrella in hand, and splashes his way through the title song. It's going to be wonderful."

The enduring popularity of "Singing in the Rain" belies its rather unusual origins. MGM producer Arthur Freed, who was responsible for overseeing MGM's lavish musicals, originally conceived the show as a vehicle for his catalog of songs written with Nacio Herb Brown for previous MGM musical films of the 1929-39 period. These films are largely unknown today, but the songs have become part of the American musical theater canon. They include "Singin' in the Rain" from "Hollywood Revue of 1929" (1929), "Good Mornin" from "Babes in Arms" (1939), and "You Are My Lucky Star" from "Broadway Melody of 1936" (1935). In addition, "Make ‘Em Laugh" was written for "The Pirate" in 1948 but was widely considered a near-plagiarism of Cole Porter's "Be a Clown."

"Singin in the Rain" runs June 16-28 on the Ordway main stage.

TICKET INFORMATION

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

345 Washington Street

Saint Paul, MN 55102

Box Office: 651.224.4222

Group Sales: 651.282.3111

www.ordway.org

PERFORMANCE DATES

June 16-28, 2009 (previews June 16 & 17)

$49 - $75

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