Photo Coverage: SINGIN' IN THE RAIN International Tour Cast Meet Press in Manila

Co-written by Rocky Christopher Fajardo

Manila, Philippines--The main cast of the new international touring production of Broadway and West End's hit musical SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, featuring Grant Almirall (Don Lockwood), Bethany Dickson (Kathy Selden), and Steve van Wyk (Cosmo Brown), delighted the Philippine press on Thursday, May 28, at Solaire Resort and Casino's The Forum with one of the show's signature musical numbers: the hummable '50s classic "Good Morning."

Touted to "make a splash" with the help of 12,000 liters of "rainwater" and a 27-strong cast at The Theater in Solaire Resort and Casino from Thursday, August 20, and onwards, the triple-threat-trio cheerily confessed to having endured a sleep-deprived week. A week that began the moment the stage curtains closed their final performance in Auckland, New Zealand's Civic Theater and lasted well up to their well-applauded "Good Morning" performance in Manila.

"I never thought I'd be visiting four countries in the span of one week!" said Dickson during the press call.

"We three are all so happy to be here and are so excited to see you again in August!" added van Wyk.

Stepping Into Iconic Dancing Shoes

"The choreography is all new, although there are tributes to the iconic dance routines from the original film that audiences will surely recognize!" said Almirall of the film's legendary choreography, which was originally created for the eponymous screen version by film director/choreographer and star Gene Kelly and co-director Stanley Donen.

"Some audiences will definitely remember the standout 'Don Lockwood and lamppost dance' during the rain sequence!" he added when asked how far the dance routines of the 2012 Olivier Award-nominated stage adaptation of "Singin' in the Rain" have evolved from the choreography of the Academy Award-nominated 1952 film of the same title.

"It's a dream-come-true to step into the shoes of such well-loved characters [such as Kathy Selden] played by legendary actors like Debbie Reynolds," added Dickson, who also had the chance to take on another iconic leading lady of the stage, Maria in "The Sound of Music" in the recent South African and New Zealand productions.

"The two roles are completely different, but it was a lovely challenge for me; Maria was 'Julie Andrews'--you want to go there but you don't!" Seldon gushed, sharing her experiences on going from Maria Von Trapp to Kathy Seldon.

"It's the same but on a different level. Debbie Reynolds is so, so famous, so iconic, adored, and cherished by people; Julie Andrews is the same. I cant' believe I've had that opportunity!" she said.

"'Cats' is more physical--sort of animalistic in terms of the dancing; it's more earthy. This [SINGIN' IN THE RAIN] is all so very light and beautiful; it's light like ballet--you move in beautiful lines and the moving grace of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire!" Almirall chimed in when asked on the different dance requirements that separate his Mungojerry in a 2009 production of "Cats" and his Don Lockwood in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN.

From Charming Screen Gem to Theatrical Extravaganza

Audiences who specifically request for a seat in the "splash zone"--a special seating area in the theater notorious for getting "splashed" during the rain sequence--will be given special ponchos to keep them dry.

The customized poncho and the intricate technology behind the staged "downpour" however are not the only draws the show has in captivating its audiences.

Originally adapted from the eponymous 1952 MGM film to a 1983 West End production--with the film version ranked as the Seventh Greatest Movie of All Time by the American Film Institute--SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (the musical) went on to win the 2001 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, besting Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I" and Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance."

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN is brought to Manila by David Atkins Enterprises, Michael Cassel Group, Concertus Manila, Dainty Group, and Lunchbox Theatrical Productions. It is produced by Stage Entertainment and Chichester Festival Theatre.

For tickets, call (632) 891-9999 or visit ticketworld.com.ph.

Photos: Jory Rivera

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