Singing in the Rain - A Romantic Comedy

The Story

This will be the first time that David Atkins has staged the classical musical "Singing in the Rain" in Sydney.

Written in 1952, the film starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor has become one of the most popular musicals on screen, known particularly for the scene with Kelly singing and dancing in the rain. It is set in 1927 at the end of the silent film era and it was filmed in 1952, at a time when American cinema was being threatened by television. It's a movie about movies, steeped in Hollywood lore, full of in-jokes and references to the film industry.

It was rewritten for the stage in the 1980's, however it has never been performed in Australia until David Atkins initiated the idea.

Produced by David, it stars Rachael Beck in the Debbie Reynolds role, opposite Todd McKenney in the Gene Kelly role, and Wayne Scott Kermond in the Donald O'Connor role.

"Singing in the Rain" is a romantic comedy and centers on movie star Don Lockwood's efforts to keep his place in the firmament when the talkies change the face of Tinsel town, while also juggling the willful demands of his squawky-voiced silent-screen partner Lina - who can't sing, dance or act - with those of the woman he grows to love.

More than 30 cast members wowed the opening-night audience in Sydney, Australia in May, 2001 and featured detailed tap routines and spectacular singing amid stunning sets. Behind the scenes, an even more complicated "show" was going on as more than 60 crew brought the extravaganza to life.

"A lot happens backstage because of the water in the rain scene," producer / director / choreographer David Atkins said. McKenney taps sings and acts in virtually every scene but dancing in the rain is his greatest challenge.

The Logistics

After touring every major city in Australia, Singing in the Rain will be in Hong Kong in autumn, and then move to Singapore before heading back to Australia. To stage a musical of this caliber is very expensive and risky affair, but once again, OOCL will help to materialize the passion of David Atkins to get the show to go on its Asia tour. The sets, props and costumes occupy 16x 40' containers.