HOUSTON, TEXAS…Theatre Under The Stars will bring Hollywood magic to the stage this holiday season with the classic musical Singin’ in the Rain from December 2-19, 2004 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (800 Bagby at Walker). With music by Nacio Herb Brown, lyrics by Arthur Freed and a book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Singin’ in the Rain features such beloved tunes as "Good Morning," "All I Do Is Dream of You," "Make ‘Em Laugh," and the title song, "Singin’ in the Rain," which is still one of the most spectacular numbers ever realized on stage – complete with real rain.

Based on the classic MGM musical, Singin’ in the Rain is an uproarious spoof of Hollywood in the 1920’s, when the talkies were just beginning. The stage version retains all the glamour, romance, comedy, tap-dancing extravaganza and high-stepping shenanigans brought to life by movie icons Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor in the Academy Award-nominated film.

Joining the production in the principal roles are Michael Gruber as Don Lockwood, Randy Rogel as Cosmo Brown, Danette Holden as Kathy Selden, and Rachel DeBenedet as Lina Lamont. Gruber has appeared on Broadway in Swing!, Kiss Me, Kate, and Miss Saigon, among others. Rogel has appeared in regional productions of Me and My Girl and Singin’ in the Rain. Holden, who appeared in TUTS’ recent production of Kiss Me, Kate, was seen in the recent Broadway revival of Anything Goes. Seen last season in TUTS’ Brigadoon, DeBenedet was recently cast in the upcoming Broadway production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Jamie Rocco will serve as director and choreographer for TUTS’ Singin’ in the Rain. Having appeared on Broadway in Cats and Wind in the Willows, Rocco has also served as creator of the Musical Staging for 1997 The Wizard of Oz starring Roseanne, Eartha Kitt and Mickey Rooney at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden. Most recently, Rocco choreographed the World Premiere of Yankee Doodle Dandy at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company. Singin’ in the Rain will also feature scenic design by Michael Anania, sound design by Christopher "Kit" Bond, costume design by Greg Barnes, and lighting design by David Neville.

The Tony-nominated stage version made its Broadway debut on July 2, 1985 and ran for 367 performances. The New York Times has called Singin’ in the Rain “one of the greatest Hollywood musicals ever made,” while the Chicago Sun-Times has called it “lighthearted and happy.”

Set in the Roaring ‘20’s, Singin’ in the Rain takes a loving look at the end of the silent film era, and cinema’s rocky transition to sound. After years of honing his skills on the vaudeville stage, hoofer Don Lockwood has finally reached the top and become a swashbuckling star of the silver screen. Then the self-satisfied celebrity has his confidence shattered when ingénue Kathy Selden dismisses film actors as “shadows” without substance. After getting over the insult, he falls hard for her – much to the consternation of his costar, the sexy, selfish Lina Lamont, who wants Don all to herself. But Don and Lina have more to worry about than romantic troubles. Sound is coming in, and, thanks to Lina’s shrill, shrieking voice, their first “talkie” has left the preview audience roaring with laughter. Now there is only one way to save the movie and their careers – turn “The Dueling Cavalier” into a musical, with Kathy secretly dubbing Lina’s lines.