The legendary Hollywood musical Singin’ in the Rain has been re-imagined for the Parisian stage, this time under the glittering roof of the Lido on the famed Champs-Élysées. Eleven years after the original theatrical version lit up the stage of the Théâtre du Châtelet, director-artist Jean-Luc Choplin reunited with Canadian stage-director Robert Carsen to deliver a production that combines classic choreography with immersive water effects.
Choplin first tackled the show in 2015 while helming the Théâtre du Châtelet, collaborating with Carsen on a debut adaptation that captured the spirit of the 1952 film. The duo’s long-standing partnership—spanning roughly two decades—ensured a deep familiarity with the source material, allowing them to translate the exuberant energy of the original into a spectacle suited to the Lido’s opulent venue.
From Châtelet to the Champs-Élysées: a decade later
When the curtain rose at the Lido, the audience was greeted by a burst of actual rain cascading from hidden rigs, immediately echoing the iconic opening of the movie. The technical system, designed to drench the stage without soaking the spectators, creates a genuine sensation of wet pavement beneath the tap-shod feet of the performers. Lead actress Ashley Day steps into Gene Kelly’s legendary role, delivering the famous sidewalk-singing solo with infectious vigor while droplets glitter around her.
A production that showers the audience
The show’s scale is evident in its numbers: 24 interpreters glide across the stage, executing tap, Charleston and tango sequences meticulously arranged by choreographer Rebecca Howell. Accompanying them are 14 musicians led by conductor Martin Surot, who keep the classic score vibrant and true to its original arrangements. The visual extravagance is heightened by an arsenal of 240 costume pieces—satin, lace, pearls, crystals and feathers—each designed to sparkle under the Lido’s dazzling lighting.
Music, choreography and visual splendor
Charlie Waddell shines as Cosmo Brown in the uproarious number “Make ’Em Laugh,” recreating the physical comedy and frantic footwork that have become synonymous with the character. The production embraces the film’s meta-commentary on the transition from silent to sound cinema, presenting the 1920s Hollywood setting through a blend of projected images and live set pieces. This minimalist yet effective use of projections underscores the theme of image-making central to the original storyline.
Beyond the stage, the Lido’s intimate configuration draws the audience into the performance. At moments, performers step into the auditorium, letting water droplets splash across the aisles and inviting spectators to become part of the rain-soaked spectacle. This close interaction, combined with the high-energy tap routines and the timeless humor of the script, creates a joyful atmosphere that mirrors the unbridled optimism of the classic film.
The combination of authentic rain, lavish costumes, robust musical direction and seasoned direction by Robert Carsen results in an experience that feels both nostalgic and exhilarating, proving that the charm of Hollywood’s golden age can still sparkle on a Parisian stage.
