This winter, Lyric Opera of Chicago presents a special cinematic event: the American classic musical A Symphonic Night at the Movies: Singin’ in the Rain accompanied by the Lyric Opera Orchestra. The one-night-only performance will take place on Chicago’s largest stage at the architecturally spectacular Lyric Opera House, featuring the Chicago debut of conductor Nicholas Buc. Tickets for this event on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. are on sale now at lyricopera.org/singinintherain.
Named the “Greatest Movie Musical of All Time” by the American Film Institute, Singin' in the Rain tells the story of Hollywood stars Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) during the era when silent films were evolving into talkies in the 1920s. With memorable performances by Debbie Reynolds as Kathy Selden, who captures Lockwood's heart, and Donald O'Connor as Cosmo Brown, Lockwood's best friend and fellow entertainer, Singin' in the Rain features beloved songs like "Good Morning" and "You Are My Lucky Star." The film, combined with the live, full forces of the acclaimed Lyric Opera Orchestra, make this a unique experience and a first in Lyric Opera of Chicago history.
Singin’ in the Rain is a timeless masterpiece with music by composer Nacio Herb Brown and lyrics by Arthur Freed. Directed and choreographed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly, the film is renowned for its music and breathtaking dance sequences. The late, legendary film critic Roger Ebert praised it as "the greatest Hollywood musical ever made," and this event offers audiences a fresh opportunity to rediscover its magic. Lyric’s presentation provides a rare chance to experience this classic in a setting that enhances its cinematic brilliance.
Nicholas Buc, a renowned composer and conductor, makes debut at Lyric for A Symphonic Night at the Movies: Singin’ in the Rain, and returns to the city in June 2025 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, leading Field of Dreams in Concert. Known for conducting world premieres of iconic film scores like Star Wars: The Last Jedi and The Lion King (2019), Buc is celebrated for his mastery in synchronizing live orchestral performances with films. His global career spans major performances across the US, Australia, and Asia, making him a standout in the field of live movie concerts.
Total running time for this film event is 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission. Tickets start at just $29. For tickets and more information, call 312.827.5600 or visit lyricopera.org/singinintherain.
PGM PRODUCTIONS, INC
140 RIVERSIDE BLVD. #1220
NEW YORK, NY 10069
A SYMPHONIC NIGHT AT THE MOVIES
“Singin’ in the Rain”
Film Credits
CAST
Gene Kelly Don Lockwood
Donald O’Connor Cosmo Brown
Debbie Reynolds Kathy Selden
Jean Hagen Lina Lamont
Millard Mitchell R.F. Simpson
Cyd Charisse Dancer
Douglas Fowley Roscoe Dexter
Rita Moreno Zelda Zanders
STORY AND SCREENPLAY BY
Adolph Green
Betty Comden
SONGS
Lyrics by Arthur Freed
Music by Nacio Herb Brown
MUSICAL NUMBERS STAGED AND DIRECTED BY
Gene Kelly
Stanley Donen
PRODUCED BY
Arthur Freed
DIRECTED BY
Gene Kelly
Stanley Donen
Film Courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.
Production Credits
Producer: John Goberman
Live orchestra adaptation: Patrick Russ
Technical Supervisor: Pat McGillen
Music Preparation: Larry Spivack
Original orchestrations reconstructed by: John Wilson, Paul Campbell and Andrew Cottee
The producer wishes to acknowledge the contributions and extraordinary support of John Waxman (Themes & Variations).
A Symphonic Night at the Movies is a production of PGM Productions, Inc. (New York) and appears by arrangement with IMG Artists.
Lyric’s 2024/25 Season is sponsored by Erika Gross in loving memory of Dietrich Gross; Julie & Roger Baskes; and Invesco QQQ.
Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Official Airline, American Airlines, and acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.
About Lyric
Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to redefining what it means to experience great opera. The company is driven to deliver consistently excellent artistry through innovative, relevant, celebratory programming that engages and energizes new and traditional audiences.
Under the leadership of Lyric's Interim General Director Elizabeth Hurley, Lyric's Executive Leadership Team, and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric is dedicated to reflecting, and drawing strength from, the diversity of Chicago. Lyric offers, through innovation, collaboration, and evolving learning opportunities, ever-more exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking audience and community experiences. We also stand committed to training the artists of the future, through The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center; and to becoming increasingly diverse across our audiences, staff, programming, and artists — magnifying the welcoming pull of our art form, our company, and our city.
Through the timeless power of voice, the splendor of a great orchestra and chorus, theater, dance, design, and truly magnificent stagecraft, Lyric is devoted to immersing audiences in worlds both familiar and unexpected, creating shared experiences that resonate long after the curtain comes down.
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For more information on Lyric's upcoming 2024/25 Season, visit lyricopera.org/newseason.