The 1952 film Singin’ in the Rain is considered one of the pinnacles of the musical genre in film history — and a standard against which musicals, both on film and on stage, have been judged ever since. However, it took more than 30 years for the movie to be adapted into a stage production. But since its world premiere at the London Palladium in 1983, there hasn’t been a time when the stage musical hasn't been performed somewhere in the world, becoming as iconic on stage as it is in film.

In 2012, the British director Jonathan Church, then the Artistic Director of the Chichester Festival, premiered a new production of this classic that opened to rapturous reviews and transferred from Chichester to London’s Palace Theatre. The production was so popular it was revived in 2021 at the famed Sadler’s Wells in London, where it was once again a critical success and a box office smash. After a tour of Japan and another of the UK and Ireland, Church's production of Singin’ in the Rain is finally making its North American premiere at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre from September 23 to October 23, 2022.

Tickets to Singin’ in the Rain will go on sale Friday, April 29 through www.mirvish.com, by phone at 1-800-461-3333 and in-person at the theatre box office.

Singin' in the Rain, the musical, has a story and book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, who adapted their screenplay for the 1952 film, lyrics by Arthur Freed, and music by Nacio Herb Brown. The high-energy choreography is by Andrew Wright, the sumptuous sets by Simon Higlett and the lighting design by Tim Mitchell. It is produced by Michael Harrison Entertainment and Jonathan Church Productions, and presented in Toronto by David Mirvish. Casting for this production will be announced soon.

The Story & Songs

The story is set in Hollywood in the waning days of the silent film era. Don Lockwood is a movie star with everything he could seemingly want: fame, adulation and a well-publicised “romance’” with his co-star Lina Lamont. But Hollywood is about to change forever. There is rumour of a new kind of film, where the actors actually talk ... and sing ... and dance. Can Don and the uniquely voiced Lina make the transition, and will chorus girl Kathy Selden fulfil her dream of stardom and capture Don’s heart along the way?

The score features some of the most popular songs of all time, including ”Make 'Em Laugh", "Good Morning", “Moses Supposes”, "You Are my Lucky Star" and, of course, the title tune.

Fun Fact

This production is famous for its use of on-stage rain. Over 14,000 litres of water, the equivalent of 5 tonnes, are used at every performance (Here’s a list of things which also weigh 5 tonnes: 2 Rhinos, 11 Grand Pianos and 30 Panda Bears.) Before you accuse the show of being environmentally irresponsible, you should know that all the water used is recovered, cleaned and used again. The water is heated to 37 degrees (for performer comfort — there’s nothing quite as effective at ruining the mood than freezing cold showers), and it takes 15 minutes to drain all the water after each performance. This ingeniously designed effect also uses 100 metres of heavy duty rubber hose. Be aware that audience members seated in the very front row may feel a few drops of water. There is no extra charge for this “immersive” experience.

Strictly limited engagement: September 23 to October 23, 2022

Tickets on sale Friday, April 29, 2022

Performance Schedule

Tuesday - Saturday: 8:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday matinees: 2:00 PM

Wednesday matinees: 1:30 PM

(Performances on Sunday September 25: 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM)

Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King Street West, Toronto, ON

Tickets $59 - $175 available only through www.mirvish.com and by phone at 1-800-461-3333.