SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Singin' in the Rain Senior - Brisbane Arts Theatre

Singin' in the Rain Senior (Ages 55+)

Presented by Brisbane Arts Theatre

Directed by Adelle O’Connell and Kathy Kunde

Musical Direction by Laraine Griffiths

Choreography by Marisa Bucolo

Photography by Kris Anderson - Images by Anderson

"If we bring a little joy into your humdrum lives, it makes us feel as though our hard work ain't been in vain for nothin'" - Lina Lamont

I can't remember the first time I watched Singin’ in the Rain. But, I do remember the warm fuzzy feeling it gave me. It was part of the soundtrack of my childhood, first loved by my mum and then, inevitably, by me. The songs, the laughs, the old Hollywood magic, and all that tap-dancing talent made it one of those rare musicals that seems to have happiness baked right in. Now, Brisbane Arts Theatre brings that golden-age show to South Bank this July with Singin’ in the Rain Senior, an adapted version of the beloved musical performed by a cast aged 55 and over!

Set during Hollywood’s bumpy transition from silent films to talkies, the story follows screen star Don Lockwood, his longtime buddy Cosmo Brown, aspiring performer Kathy Selden, and the famously shrill Lina Lamont. It is a musical about an industry finding its voice, adapting to change, and performers stepping into something new. In this Senior adaptation, that theme of reinvention takes on new meaning. It also offers a joyful counterpart to the Junior and Teen editions so often seen on Brisbane stages, reminding audiences that the thrill of performance does not belong to one age group.

Ahead of their season, we spoke with co-director Kathy Kunde about the Senior adaptation, the joy of working with this cast, and the value of creating opportunities for older performers on Brisbane stages.

Samantha: I have seen my fair share of Junior and Teen editions of musicals around Brisbane. But, a Senior edition is something my readers and I are far less aware of. Given that there are only a handful of Senior musicals currently available for licensing, what made Singin’ in the Rain Senior feel like the right choice for Brisbane Arts Theatre, especially as a company with such a long history of its own?

Kathy: Finding out Brisbane Arts Theatre was doing a Senior adaptation of Singin’ in the Rain was very exciting. When I first discussed the directing opportunity with the President of Brisbane Arts Theatre, Paje Battilana, she noted that they wanted to put something in the season that their older members could become involved in and enjoy.

I suppose I have been very lucky over the last number of years, being involved with MATES Theatre Genesis in Birkdale. As part of the season program, they always put on a senior production in the month of October to celebrate Seniors Month. I have worked with many and varied seniors over this time who bring a huge amount of experience with them, including having an opportunity to write scripts to perform on stage, and for many of the actors involved, being able to fulfil a dream of “treading the boards” that, in their busy lives, they may not have had time to do. A number of these seniors are also involved with U3A, University of the Third Age, which also puts productions on during the year.

Samantha: To be involved, performers must be aged 55 and over. What has been special about working with a cast who bring such rich life experience into the rehearsal room? What do you think this version offers the performers and audiences that a traditional community theatre season may not?

Kathy: The Brisbane Arts Theatre Singin’ in the Rain Senior adaptation has brought in people who have never done theatre before. They may have danced or sung in their lives, but not experienced performing live on stage. We had a wonderful group who auditioned for us, with some even auditioning while travelling overseas. As I keep on telling anyone who will listen, they are all much fitter than I am!

Over the last couple of months of rehearsals, I have been continually impressed with every single person and what they are bringing with them. Everyone is so kind to each other, always on time (or actually there before rehearsals start), checking in with someone who may have missed a rehearsal, and downloading apps so we can all communicate together. It has been wonderful. I should also note that the oldest member involved with the production is not actually on stage. This is our beloved Una, who is helping with set design and set/prop construction. She is 91 years young!

Samantha: The show sits in that golden Hollywood world of charm, comedy, romance, and spectacle. What directorial approach have you taken for the performance style and world of the musical?

Kathy: Sitting down with members of the cast and talking about characterisation has been a joy. They bring in their own experiences, and reflecting on the time that this musical is based in, around the silent movie era, has certainly provided a lot of conversation. The result is a production that does not simply recreate the familiar characters, but allows the cast to find their own way into them.

Both Laraine (MD) and Marisa (Choreo) have ensured that the cast are able to work with the music and the dancing so that the show brings a wonderful energy. Helping Adelle direct this musical has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience. I know that the audience will enjoy the show and the experiences that the cast bring to the stage.

If Singin’ in the Rain Senior proves anything, it is that there is no expiry date on performance. Some cast members are dusting off skills they have carried for years, while others are bravely stepping into live theatre for the first time. For audiences, the appeal is twofold: the cherished sparkle of Singin’ in the Rain, seen through performers whose own experiences infuse the story with something beautifully unique. It's your chance to enjoy a classic musical while cheering on a production that gives the spotlight to performers who are often overlooked.

And if that does not convince you, tickets are only $25 for concessions and $35 for adults, which is about the cost of one dinner delivered to your couch, except this is worth leaving the house for. Plus, my mum is playing Lina Lamont, so I am proudly biased and obnoxiously telling everyone within earshot to get a ticket.

Singin’ in the Rain Senior will be presented by Brisbane Arts Theatre from 2–11 July 2026 at TAFE Queensland South Bank Auditorium. For tickets and more information, visit the Brisbane Arts Theatre website.