London production of classic Hollywood musical makes a Beijing splash

When it comes to Singin' in the Rain, the nostalgic Hollywood musical comedy released in 1952, the splashing rain, and exuberant songs and dances always leave a lingering impression.

On Friday, a stage adaptation of the classic film made its debut in China with 16 shows that are running at the Beijing Performing Arts Centre till Feb 27.

Beijing is the show's only stop in the country.

Set during the transition to talkies in the 1920s, Singin' in the Rain follows Don Lockwood, a silent movie star, who is caught in the whirlwind of this technological revolution. He has everything he wants, but harbors a secret love life.

The musical was first staged in London's West End in 1983. A revival in 2012 led to it winning four Laurence Olivier Awards nominations, paying tribute to the much-loved film and making fresh fans with its infectious energy, dazzling choreography and timeless songs, including numbers like Good Morning, Moses Supposes, and Singin' in the Rain.

At the same time, the visuals — neon lights, retro glamour costumes, modern lighting and mechanical effects — combine to create a stunning spectacle.

According to the musical's director, Jonathan Church, what made the production so acclaimed was its innovative onstage rain effects, with a water curtain containing up to 6 metric tons of water used to simulate the rain.

Church also highlights another feature, namely that the dance sequences for the London West End version were choreographed by Andrew Wright.

"His choreography is fast and clever, and brings new vitality to the classic film," the director said at the Beijing Performing Arts Centre before the first performance on Friday.

"The creative team brought the full production from London to Beijing without making significant changes to the show itself.

"Its emphasis on joyful, lighthearted entertainment and classic songs makes it a favorite with people of all ages," he adds.

Music is the thread that connects the entire production, adds Robert Scott, the music director.

"We want the audience to experience the romance and joy of that golden age. So when adapting the piece, we were very faithful to the original film. As soon as the audience walks into the venue, they will immediately recognize the familiar melodies," says Scott.

On Feb 11, lead cast members, including Grant Almirall (as Lockwood), Emily Langham (as Kathy Selden), Stephane Anelli (as Cosmo Brown), and Brendan Cull (as Roscoe Dexter) gathered at the Beijing Performing Arts Centre to meet the audience and explore the highlights of the production.

"We certainly focus on how the film shaped the characters, but we also bring our own interpretations to the roles," says Langham. Taking her portrayal of Selden as an example, she emphasizes the character's determination and ambition, in addition to her sweetness.

Almirall, who plays Lockwood — the central character — says that he has several dance scenes in the rain. "It will definitely be a physical challenge, but I've incorporated rehearsals and performances into my daily life," he says.