How long is the musical singing in the rain. Musical "singing in the rain". the history of creation and the entire film. Why you should go to the musical "Singing in the Rain"

On May 28, the actors of the musical "Singing in the Rain" will say goodbye to their heroes - the performance of the production in Russia ends. Singing in the Rain premiered in October 2015. HELLO.RU talked about how the preparations for the start went in detail, it was time to take stock: almost 300 performances were played during the season, which were attended by more than 500 thousand spectators. Scene from the musical "Singing in the Rain"

Anastasia Stotskaya, Tatyana Lazareva, Mikhail Shats, Roman Aptekar and other actors gave Muscovites smiles non-stop: the performances went on daily and always sold out. Here it is just right to be surprised - it would seem that the history of Hollywood from the time of silent films, which underlies the plot, is not genetically close to the Russian audience. However, acting, talented dialogues and wonderful music did their job - the musical "Singing in the Rain" conquered Moscow.

The plot of the performance is well known to the public from the 1952 film of the same name, recognized as the best American musical film of the last 100 years in the rating of the American Film Institute. The action takes place in Hollywood, where star actors Don Lockwood and Lena Lamont bathe in the rays of glory. However, silent films are replaced by sound, and their careers are in jeopardy, because Lina has an unpleasant voice. To save the new sound film from failure, Don Lockwood decides to enlist his beloved, aspiring actress Kathy Selden, to voice Lina. However, Lina does not agree that she needs a replacement. She plots, weaves intrigues and tries to defend her place under the sun. Anastasia Stotskaya as Lina Lamont
Yulia Iva as Katie Seldon

Stage Entertainment, which distributes the production in Russia, has already announced that The Singing Ones and their other project, The Phantom of the Opera at the MDM Theater, will be replaced by Cinderella and Vampires' Ball. However, if the scenery of "The Phantom" has already been dismantled and in order to watch it, now you need to go to Broadway or Paris, then there is still a chance to see "The Singing Ones": tickets are available until May 28.


Stanislav Chunikhin as Don Lockwood

HELLO.RU collected 15 interesting facts about the musical "Singing in the Rain", which will make you run for tickets to the latest performances now.

During the rental on the musical "Singing in the Rain":

1. More than 3.5 thousand tons of water poured onto the stage.

2. 32 thousand yellow raincoats were used, which were given to the audience of the first 3 rows.

3. In total, for about 600 hours, the artists of the musical danced the step dance. This is equivalent to 25 days and almost a full calendar month!

4. 6 artists became parents, including the performers of the main roles of Don and Cosmo - Stanislav Chunikhin and Roman Aptekar.

5. 300 times a whipped cream cake hit Lena Lamont's face (and that's 900,000 calories!).

6. More than 100 colorful umbrellas are broken during the rain dance.

7. 43 hair dryers failed.

8. The artists of the ensemble lost a total of 77.8 kg.

9. Over 100 dance shoe heels were used.

10. Half a kilometer of anti-slip tape was pasted onto special step shoes - "stepovkas".

11. 200 meters of Velcro used for quick change suits.

12. 300 sleeves sewn on.

13. 5,000 hairnets and 90,000 hairpins were used to create hairstyles in the style of the 20s.

14. For men's hairstyles, 150 kilograms of styling gel were used.

15. And the women needed 170 bottles of hairspray.

After Moscow, the musical "Singing in the Rain" will go to St. Petersburg - the premiere will take place on July 13 at the Vyborgsky Palace of Culture. Performances will run until the end of July.

Composing a new stage musical based on an old screen musical is just inherently insidious. And in the case of Hollywood's "Singing in the Rain" - even more so, since here the untranslatable "movie-to-movie" trick, where actors of the 50s play actors of the 20s, and the camera shoots a working camera, has to be translated into theatrical language. The showiness of the immortal film about the end of the era of silent cinema is a constantly moving frame, that is, again a tool beyond the control of the theater. However, the film's entry into history was ensured by three all-conquering and not tied to the plot of the hit: "I'm Singing in the Rain", "Good Morning" and "Make 'Em Laugh". For the last circumstance, apparently, once the bigwigs of the West End clung to, composing a simple show for the sake of three numbers with a tap dance and umbrellas.

Stage Entertainment's Moscow performance is a Russian-language version of the most recent English version composed by director Jonathan Church and choreographer Andrew Wright in 2011. Here, almost literally, one after another, mise en scenes from the film are reproduced: fans of Monumental Pictures are crowding around the red carpet, here silent film stars are shown an experimental film with sound, here in an empty pavilion against the backdrop of an artificial sky, stately Don Lockwood confesses his love to the quivering Kathy Selden, and here already he dances in the downpour and sings: “In the downpour I sing” (author of the translation is Alexei Ivashchenko). The main thing means of expression here - installed above the stage and not covered by anything watering. The audience in the front rows are handed out raincoats before the start, and as soon as the sounds of thunder come from the speakers, the auditorium is filled with panicky rustling.

In their desire to repeat the film to the smallest detail, the authors stumble in almost every episode about forced compromises. Instead of a crowd of fans - five helplessly rumpled people. Instead of chasing on the roofs of trolleybuses - a monotonous dialogue on a bench. John Lockwood must dance to embrace a lamppost (just like in the movie) - the pillar, betraying its fake essence, treacherously staggers. Such petty quibbles may seem redundant if one is not aware of the degree of perfectionism of the filmmakers. In the name of a spectacular texture, for example, they added milk to the streams of rain.

It would be strange to judge the performance level by looking at one of the many line-up options. We can only say that the radiant smiles of the constantly tap-dancing artists carry approximately the same meaning as the facial expressions of synchronized swimmers fighting for bronze. The TV presenters Mikhail Schatz and Tatyana Lazareva, specially indicated on the poster, do not dance or sing, both appear here in supporting roles (manager of the film studio Roscoe Dexter and radio presenter Dora Bailey) to gather a welcoming applause, say with an expression of remark and retire - such is the director's drawing of the role.

The only truly meaningful acting job is Cosmo Brown, played by Alexander Bocharov. Tight, light, looking strictly into the eyes of a partner, he seems to be hiding his inner Pierrot behind endless jokes; serious tragedy emerges through his signature outing "Make 'Em Laugh". Another thing is that this artist, who has been playing supporting roles in all the main local musicals for almost ten years, this time is back on the bench and appears in the role of Cosmo irregularly.

However, the frank failure of Singing in the Rain in no way means the failure of Stage Entertainment, which has taken on the mission of introducing the Russian public to the classics of Broadway and the West End. "Beauty and the Beast", "The Little Mermaid", "Phantom of the Opera" - all these are the main examples of the genre, adapted for the Russian audience with minimal losses. "Singing in the rain" is one of them, of course. Fortunately, the orchestra is available, no one forgets the words and everyone hits the notes. So what is important in this case is that the given opportunity to see this sample and update your own system of ideas about the classics of the most optimistic theatrical genre.

Year of creation: 1952

Director: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly

Country: USA

Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

American musical with Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds starring.

The plot of the movie

Hollywood, 1927 Silent movie star Don Lockwood(Gene Kelly), escaping from a crowd of fans, accidentally ended up in a dancer's car Katie Selden(Debbie Reynolds) who agreed to take him home. The next time Don and Katie met was at R's party. . F. Simpson(Millard Mitchell) - the owner of the film studio, in the films of which he plays Lockwood.

Some time later, a friendship arose between them, which soon developed into a romantic relationship.

Meanwhile, a novelty began to conquer the screens - cinema with sound, and Simpson decided to put on his studio a sound picture with Don and his permanent partner Lina Lamont(Jean Hagen) starring.

Actors who were accustomed to acting very differently on the set of silent films found it difficult to adapt to the new demands. Caused the most trouble Lina: During the test screening, her harsh screechy voice, combined with a New York accent, caused the audience to laugh at the most inopportune moments.

Don has already decided that the film can be put an end to, but his best friend Cosmo Brown(Donald O'Connor) came up with the brilliant idea of ​​voicing Lina voice Katy. Simpson gave the go-ahead for the re-voicing and the friends enthusiastically set to work.

The history of the filmSingin' in the Rain

Picture premiere"Singin' in the Rain"took place on March 27, 1952 in New York. Studio " Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer(MGM) turned to the writers Adolf Green(Adolph Green) and Betty Comden(Betty Comden) with a proposal to create the basis for the film, which was supposed to include the best musical numbers from the pictures taken by the studio.

The film was intended to be a remake of the 1928 silent film. "Extra Luggage"(Excess Baggage), however, in the process of working on the script, the playwrights decided to change the plot and take as its basis the story of the transition from silent cinema to sound.

The filmmakers were Stanley Donen(Stanley Donen) and Gene Kelly, who had filmed together three years earlier"Dismissal tocity ​​”(On the Town), which became for both debut in directing.

For the role Don Lockwood were going to invite an actor and a singer Howard Keel(Howard Keel), but later the role passed to Kelly. TO osmo Brown it was also not Donald O "Connor who was supposed to play, but another actor. The writers wrote the character of this character based on Oscar Levant(Oscar Levant), but then he was invited to this role O'Connor, who was much younger than both Levant and Kelly.

Role Katie Selden MGM management planned to give the famous actress - D Judy Garland(Judy Garland) June Allison(June Allyson) or Jane Powell(Jane Powell), but the producers considered them too old for the role. Eventually Katie played by 19 year old Debbie Reynolds, on whose account there were already several screen roles.

Debbie understand that participation in"Singing in the Rain"will be a breakthrough in her career, and she approached her work very responsibly. In order not to be late for the start of filming, the girl had to get up at 4 in the morning and take buses with two transfers to get from her parents' apartment, where she then lived, to the studio. Relationships on set were not smooth. Kelly as a director and choreographer, he was sometimes a real despot. Yes, he said from the beginning Reynolds that she can't dance at all.

The actress was very hurt by this remark, and she sobbed for a long time, climbing under the piano in one of the pavilions. Stumbled upon her there. Fred Astaire(Fred Astaire), who, having learned the reason for the tears, gave the girl several lessons. Throughout the filming Reynolds she worked so hard on choreographic numbers that blood vessels burst on her legs.

Got no less About "Connor. Kelly did not forgive him for any mistakes, and Donald from strong feelings he smoked four packs of cigarettes a day. When it came to filming "Make 'Em Laugh", in which Kelly inserted some difficult acrobatics, O'Connor after playing all the doubles, he suffered from exhaustion for a whole week. In addition, the poor fellow had burns on his face that he received while performing pirouettes on the carpet. When these torments ended, it turned out that the film with this scene was rejected, and after a short pause, O "Connor had to repeat it all over again.

To yourself Gene Kell and was no less demanding than his colleagues. During the preparation of the most famous number of the film - a dance in the rain Kelly caught a cold and got pneumonia, but did not refuse to act and with a temperature of 39 degrees famously danced under the water jets. A single take was filmed, which entered the picture.

Such dedication to his work did not go unnoticed, and many years later Debbie Reynold about Kelly:

“Gene Kelly was a great dancer and cinematographic genius. In Singing in the Rain, he made me a star. He taught me to dance and work hard, to be loyal and loving - like he is towards his family and friends.

Initially, MGM planned to allocate $ 665,000 for the filming of the Pole film, however, only the costumes made by Walter Plunkett(Walter Plunkett), "pulled" for $157,000. In the end, the film's budget exceeded $2.5 million, but all these costs paid off with a vengeance - at the beginning of the rental, the studio's profit was $7.7 million.

Movie "Singing in the rain"became a recognized film classic. The picture is included in the Top 10 best American films and is considered the greatest film musical of all time.

In 1953 "Singing in the rain"were nominated for Oscar" in the categories of Best Supporting Actress (Jean Hagen) and Best Score for a Musical Picture, as well as a British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) in the category of Best Film. That same year, Donald O'Connor was honored with " golden globe”for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical, and the picture itself was nominated as Best Comedy or Musical Film.

Interesting facts about the film Singin' in the Rain

- To perform your choreographic number Sid Chariss(Cyd Charisse) learned to smoke. Not before filming in "Singing in the rain", nor after them, the actress was not addicted to nicotine.

- To make the raindrops and splashes on the film look better, milk was added to the water for the "Singin" in the Rain "number. According to another version, the water was tinted with ink.

- for a role Lina Lamont originally planned to invite Judy Holliday(Judy Holliday).

— Fragments of a silent black-and-white picture shown at the beginning of the film with the participation of Don and Lina— excerpts from the 1948 film The Three Musketeers, in which Gene Kelly played D'Artagnan. In fact, this film is in color and with sound.

- film crewSinging in the rain"often worked 19 hours a day.

Film Singing in the Rain

The premiere of the acclaimed musical Singing in the Rain, presented by the famous Stage Entertainment, will last only two days in Moscow. This production will be shown in Russia for the first time. On October 3 and 4, the Main Hall of the Rossiya Theater awaits all connoisseurs of beauty. You can buy at a convenient time on our website and appreciate the game of talented actors.

At the turn of the eras

The idea of ​​the musical was not born by chance: its action is based on the plot of the film released by the MGM film studio back in 1952. It tells about the difficult transition from silent to sound cinema. According to critics and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts, the film is recognized as the best musical of the century. Now the story is repeating itself on the stage, telling about the love of a film actor and a dancer.

As conceived by the director-producer, the musical "Singing in the Rain" is a beautiful fairy tale that will be interesting to watch for both very young viewers and fans. theatrical art aged. The action takes place in 1927, when the era of silent films began to come to an end. All songs and music for the production were written during the Great Depression, and the impeccable performance of the actors takes the audience back to those difficult years.

grand staging

"Singing in the Rain" - the musical will be held with live orchestral accompaniment, and its duration is 2.5 hours. All this time, an enchanting show will unfold on the stage, in which the brilliant Broadway choreography is intertwined with excellent vocals. The text of the Russian adaptation was written by Alexei Ivashchenko, known for his translations of the musicals The Little Mermaid and The Phantom of the Opera.

The plot revolves around actor Don Lockwood, who is supposed to act in films with his partner Lina, who has an unpleasant shrill voice. To save the film, Don invites the charming dancer Katie to do the voice acting. From this moment, the main intrigue of the performance unfolds.

Last year's autumn in Moscow was very fun. Almost every person who follows the theatrical life smiled. The legendary show "Singing in the Rain" was staged in the city. Reviews of the musical both from critics and from ordinary viewers make you think.

Birth of a legend

In 1952, a comedy appeared on American television screens, the plot of which was destined to pass through the centuries and remain on the list of the best musical tapes in the world. Many critics of that era noted that the movie tells about the biography of Hollywood. Indeed, Singing in the Rain is about the transition from silent film to sound film. Directed by Stanley Donen and It should be noted that the latter also owned the main role.

The comedy Singing in the Rain has a very interesting plot. Viewer reviews confirm this.

The story takes place in 1927. At the peak of its popularity, silent films, screen stars - Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont. The public believes that actors look beautiful not only on the set, but also in real life. Accordingly, journalists attribute a stormy romance to the heroes. In fact, Don can't stand his partner.

The protagonist meets a simple but talented actress who only subjugates theater stage. This is Kathy Seldon. With her modesty, sense of humor and ease, the girl wins the heart of a man. This is how the main love line paintings "Singing in the rain". Reviews of the audience are unanimous: this is one of the best stage couples.

At this time sound films gained popularity. Don's company also decides to make a film with a voice. However, it turns out that their star Lina is a squeaky and absolutely deaf girl. Consequently, Lockwood and his best friend Cosmo Brown decide to slightly change the tape, which is about to be released. Instead of the ugly Lamont voice, the sweet voice of Katie Seldon will sound. The cunning and unscrupulous Lina learns about the experiment and begins to twist her intrigues.

Problems of reincarnation

Therefore, the basis of the theatrical musical is the plot of the famous film. For the first time on stage, this picture was reproduced in foggy London, in 1983. And only 2 years later the story "Singing in the Rain" hit Broadway. The reviews were overwhelmingly positive. Many new products have been added to the dance and musical numbers.

Of course, at first, the directors puzzled over how to transfer scenes from the film to the theater stage for a long time. The rain was especially problematic. During the filming of the film, milk was added to the water to make the drops show up better on the film. But it is much more difficult to cause a downpour in a closed theater hall full of people. However, the efforts of the creators of the musical were crowned with success, and the viewer received a new, completely unique product.

Team of specialists

Talented theater workers created a musical from the film Singing in the Rain. The reviews were varied, but they all praised the original idea of ​​the authors.

Since 2015, you can enjoy the ingenious production in the Russian capital. The producer was Dmitry Bogachev. He is also the head theater company Stage Entertainment. More than one classical musical came out from under his leadership.

The cast is no less interesting. The role of Don is shared by Andrey Karkh and Stanislav Chunikhin. The image of the capricious and squeaky Lina is embodied by Maria Olkhovaya and Anastasia Stotskaya. Romantic Katie is the character of Yulia Ivi. Also in the musical appeared and However, the audience liked Roman Aptekar the most in the role of Cosmo Brown.

Backstage secrets

Represents the unique "Russia" ("Singing in the rain"). Reviews of critics and guests about the work of this arena have always been generous with compliments.

The management of the premises admitted that more than 12 tons of water poured from the ceiling onto the floor every day. Of course, it was possible to make a visual effect of a downpour, but it is this atmosphere and weather that reveal the romantic nature of the hero.

It is worth noting that the clothes were stylized under the 30s of the last century. All outfits for Russian artists were sewn specially to order in London workshops. In general, about 250 costumes are used for one show. Some heroes change clothes ten times in one performance.

Enthusiastic spectators also say that there can be so many characters on stage that one has to be content with the overall picture to consider the outfits, makeup and movements of all.

Star comments

The premiere took place on 3 October. The city that hosted "Singing in the Rain" is Moscow. Viewer feedback was positive. It should be noted that at the first show, popular actors were sitting in the hall, who strictly and objectively evaluated the work of their colleagues.

For example, a Russian actress and TV presenter came to the theater with her whole family. She was delighted with the performance. The woman noted that of all the characters, she was most surprised by Lina Lamont, whose role was played by Anastasia Stotskaya. The actress knows from her own experience how difficult it is to wring her voice and speak in someone else's intonation for several hours.

And other stars attended the musical "Singing in the Rain." Reviews of the audience, who themselves often perform on stage, are very interesting for ordinary citizens. Another celebrity guest Nonna Grishaeva shared that she spent several hours looking at a talent that is not inferior to Broadway. She noted that what the actors did on stage was real magic.

First impression

Fabulous energy awaits the audience before entering the theatre. For the winter holidays, the yard was decorated with garlands and lights. Guests note that the atmosphere of the bright 30s of the XX century is felt right from the door. Employees walk around in original costumes, and the walls are decorated with photographs of famous actors from Hollywood. The audience is divided: you should come to the theater earlier, because if you are late, they are allowed into the hall only after 20 minutes of the performance.

Best of all, they can tell about the musical “Singing in the Rain” reviews. The best places to watch are the center. Dissatisfied viewers also leave their opinions, and part of the negative attitude is associated with the location. The worst thing is to sit on the very edge, because part of the stage is not visible from there. Accordingly, the viewers say, visually the picture is not symmetrical.

negative emotions

Not everyone likes this job. The audience, which often attends similar productions, complains that the dialogues are very simple, the humor is strained, and often the jokes from the stage are ignored by the audience. Also, some visitors believe that the ticket price is too high.

Often, viewers notice: the actors forgot that “Singing in the Rain” is a musical. Reviews about the singing of some heroes are extremely negative.

There are bad comments about the dancers as well. Guests notice that sometimes amateurs come across among professionals. Their hesitant steps spoil the whole impression of the choreographic number.

In addition, many supporters of the original 1952 film were amazed that the songs they knew were not in English, but translated into Russian. Of course, the scriptwriters tried to reflect the content of the compositions as much as possible, but because of this they lost their “soul”, the dissatisfied guests complain.

Sometimes visitors note that they did not have enough drive in the performance. Dancing turned out to be especially memorized and colorless.

Positive charge

However, those who do not notice minor troubles are sure that everyone who has the opportunity should watch Singing in the Rain (musical). Feedback on the work of screenwriters, directors and actors is positive.

Many visitors are convinced that the Russian troupe deserves praise, since the production of compatriots is not much different from their Broadway counterparts. First of all, the guests note that the musical is very good and funny. There is no vulgarity and evil in it. You can go to the performance with children.

Stotskaya's work is especially often admired. Yulia Iva, who plays the role of Katie, is also praised. However, the audience was most impressed by the work of Roman Aptekar. He surprisingly skillfully performed the number “Laugh”, the audience shares.

Guests who sit in the first three rows are given raincoats, not in vain. During a downpour on the stage, the actors splash a lot of water while dancing. But it should be noted that thin raincoats do not save from rain. However, enthusiastic spectators practically do not pay attention to wet clothes.

Gives a lot of positive and energy "Singing in the rain" (musical). Feedback from satisfied guests is the best confirmation of this.