12,000 liters of water onstage nightly

“The rain scene is just about everyone’s favorite screen musical moment. On a theater stage, it has to be seen to be believed!” James Cundall, international theater producer, gushes about “Singin’ in the Rain,” which comes to Manila in August.

“This stage production was one of the hottest tickets in London’s West End during its run,” Cundall says. “I am delighted to bring one of my favorite musicals to Philippine audiences!”

Making a big splash from the moment it premiered, the production extended its run at the Chichester Festival Theatre in Britain before transferring to the famous Palace Theatre in London in 2012. It enjoyed a sellout West End season and a major UK tour, plus praise from critics and audiences alike.

Set in 1927, it tells the story, made famous by Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds in the 1952 MGM film, of the first Hollywood musical. The iconic choreography is flawlessly recreated onstage.

Adds Cundall: “The movie is arguably the greatest Hollywood musical ever made because of the range and complexity of its song and dance numbers.”

To achieve the famous rain scene, the production uses half a mile of flexible pipe work, a 10-ton water tank and a water system that creates a downpour from above as well as flooding from below the stage, “raining” (and recycling) over 12,000 liters of water per performance.

Presented in Manila by Visa, “Singin’ in the Rain” opens on Aug. 20 and will play for a strictly limited season at The Theatre at Solaire.

Visa cardholders may purchase discounted tickets until April 12 via www.visa.com.ph. Call 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.