Prepare to soak it up at the Civic

People in the front three rows will certainly get splashed a little, but shouldn't be completely soaked. Photo / Hagen Hopkins

Front-row fans at classic musical can expect to be immersed in the experience.

A raincoat isn't what you'd normally wear to a theatre show - but if you've got front row tickets at the Civic tonight, get set for the wet.

That's because the first few rows of the theatre have been designated the "splash-down zone" to ensure the touring production Singin' in the Rain faithfully recreates the rain-drenched razzle-dazzle of the timeless musical comedy.

"People in the front three rows will certainly get splashed a little, but not completely soaked," company manager Johann Kupferburger said with a laugh.

While waterproof ponchos will be provided to audience members who might get doused, all of the cast will finish the show sodden.

Grant Almirall, playing the charming Don Lockwood, gets just as saturated as Gene Kelly did when the tap-dancing star made Hollywood history performing his love-struck routine back in 1952.

Bringing the beloved character back to life was a "huge responsibility" for the South African actor, Mr Kupferburger said, but so was getting the water-works right.

Of course, the Civic itself won't be having to take out an insurance claim for water damage, because a giant plastic membrane put in place by the company effectively turns the stage into a swimming pool without any impact on the theatre.

The special effects include rain that sprays down from above and a further 4000 litres which floods up from cracks below, all of it draining back into a large reservoir.

And just to ensure the water stays clean both times it's used during the show a treatment plant filters it to prevent bacteria developing.

Mr Kupferburger said the musical had already proven a hit with show-goers at Wellington's St James Theatre - particularly those in the splash seats.

"By the end of the show, they really feel part of it."

The production, which opened last night, runs in Auckland at the Civic until Sunday May 24.