A beloved Broadway classic is returning to Austin this summer with a creative twist that proves you don’t need real rain to make stage magic.
On We Are Austin, Sierra Waggoner spoke with Damon Brown, director of Singin’ in the Rain, and Martin Barbosa from Austin Water about how Zilker Theatre Productions and Austin Water have partnered to celebrate live theater while encouraging water conservation across Central Texas.
On We Are Austin, Sierra Waggoner spoke with Damon Brown, director of Singin’ in the Rain, and Martin Barbosa from Austin Water about how Zilker Theatre Productions and Austin Water have partnered to celebrate live theater while encouraging water conservation across Central Texas.
Audiences can expect all the music, dancing, humor, and charm that have made Singin’ in the Rain a timeless favorite. Brown said the production is all about creating an unforgettable community experience.
“Conserving water isn’t about stop using water, it’s about using it more wisely.”
“It is so special on the hillside when you can get 60, 70, 80,000 of your friends and neighbors together for a big creative party. That’s what’s exciting about doing a show on the hillside itself.”
Although the musical is famous for its iconic rain scenes, this year’s production showcases theatrical creativity instead of using large amounts of water. Brown explained that the partnership with Austin Water inspired the team to think outside the box.
Although the musical is famous for its iconic rain scenes, this year’s production showcases theatrical creativity instead of using large amounts of water. Brown explained that the partnership with Austin Water inspired the team to think outside the box.
“With Austin Water and the magic of theater, we found a way to create kind of a magical rainstorm on stage through the power of performance and lights and special effects that really helps highlight the conservation of water.”
For Austin Water, the partnership offered the perfect opportunity to pair entertainment with an important community message.
Barbosa said audiences can enjoy an incredible performance while also leaving with practical ways to conserve water at home.
“Conserving water isn’t about stop using water, it’s about using it more wisely.”
Even after Central Texas received recent rainfall, Barbosa emphasized that water conservation remains just as important.
“Mother Nature is already doing the watering for us. Now is a great time to start being more mindful… turn off those irrigation sprinklers, get those tuned up if needed, and start looking at other ways to conserve water.”
He also encouraged homeowners to think ahead before the next stretch of hot, dry weather arrives.
“Right now our Highland Lakes are about 91% full, which is great, but we’ve got to start being more mindful because when this rain does stop and we enter hotter, drier weeks ahead, evaporation starts hitting.”
Austin Water also offers a variety of rebate programs and resources to help residents make water-efficient upgrades, including information on native landscaping and water-wise gardening through its Green Garden guides.
Best of all, Brown reminded viewers that enjoying this year’s production couldn’t be easier.
“The performance is absolutely free to the public, so show up… be part of an amazing creative experience with some wonderful artists and have some real community conversations.”
To learn more about water conservation tips and available rebate programs, visit Austin Water online .
To learn more about water conservation tips and available rebate programs, visit Austin Water online .
For more information about Singin’ in the Rain and this summer’s performances, visit Zilker Theatre Productions online.
For more information about Singin’ in the Rain and this summer’s performances, visit Zilker Theatre Productions online.