Iconic Role Comes to Life on Broadway

Harvey Weinstein introduces his second Broadway play and shows us Derek Hough stepping into the shoes of Gene Kelly.

The producer made his first entrance to the Broadway world with solid show Finding Neverland, which has made $47.5 million in the box office. Last fall he had announced the production of his next play, a Broadway adaptation of 1952 hit musical Singin’ in the Rain. Of course upon announcing that many wondered who would be playing the titular role of Don Lockwood made famous by the iconic Gene Kelly. Finally the producer confirmed that Dancing with the Stars favorite Derek Hough is tackling on the main character of the play. The dancer had unintentionally auditioned for the role when he performed the musical’s title song at the producer’s New York Spring Spectacular last year.

Hough has some previous Broadway experience, when he guest appeared in Burn the Floor in 2010, and has played the lead of the musical stage version of London West End’s Footloose. The multifaceted artist is also a six-time winner on Dancing with the Stars, and has won two Emmys for his choreography. Upon his confirmation of the role he performed two of the songs from the musical at Weinstein’s pre-Oscar dinner to cement his chops and potential for the role.

The Broadway adaptation actually premiered first in Paris at the Théâtre du Châtelet, but had a completely different cast. The production with Hough will be premiered in New York and the representatives have stated that the Broadway cast will be a combination of new and existing members from the Paris staging. Robert Carsen, choreographed by Stephen Mear, will direct the Broadway play. With Anthony Powell designing the costumes, and partnering with Châtelet, Weinsten hopes to “do justice to one of America’s greatest films.” Bringing together a successful team perhaps Weinstein’s second venture for Broadway will exceed his first, and bring Hough newfound success in the theater world.

The play is set to hit the stage January of 2017 and the rest of the cast has yet to be announced.