The Rainmaker 1954

Opened: October 28, 1954

The Rainmaker - 1954 - Broadway History , Info & More

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Musical Theatre Melodies Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Schmidt and Jones Musical 110 IN THE SHADE
by Blair Ingenthron - Oct 22, 2023


The next Musical Theatre Melodies broadcast, hosted by Rob Morrison on 96.5 FM on Tuesday, October 24 will mark the 60th anniversary of the Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones musical 110 in the Shade. Get all the details here!

Review: THE RAINMAKER at Laguna Playhouse
by Amanda Callas - Sep 29, 2023


Run, don’t walk, to the Laguna Playhouse’s production of the classic 1954 hit play The Rainmaker. I absolutely love this show. It's impossible to leave the theater after watching The Rainmaker without feeling lifted up by its transcendent joy and restorative optimism. 

Review: THE RAINMAKER at 1st Stage
by Peter Rouleau - Nov 23, 2022


American literature has a soft spot for con artists, those ruffians who, lacking the skills or inclination to earn an honest living, prosper by using sheer charm and creativity to tell other people what they most want to hear. These rapscallions, despite living by lying, often find themselves in a position to help other characters discover certain truths about themselves. 1st Stage's production of N. Edward Nash's 1954 play The Rainmaker is an enjoyable and entertaining visit with one such miscreant.

Cast Announced For THE RAINMAKER at Peninsula Players Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jun 3, 2022


Peninsula Players Theatre, America's oldest professional resident summer theater and Door County's theatrical icon, is thrilled to announce the cast and creative team for “The Rainmaker” by N. Richard Nash. A road trip Nash took through the American west and a real-life rainmaker inspired him to write the story. 

BWW Review: THE RAINMAKER at Hale Centre Theatre
by Timothy Shawver - Apr 16, 2021


The impact on American theatre of N. Richard Nash's THE RAINMAKER, a mid-century, self-described Romantic Comedy, is primarily found in its formidable presence (exceeded only by OUR TOWN) in any and all monologue and scene-study books. The leads, 'Lizzie' and 'Starbuck', are ever present at auditions, duo-acting tournaments, and Intro to Acting courses in high schools and colleges coast-to-coast. Despite it's not uncommon presence in local theatre, I'd never seen the full play before attending Hale Centre Theatre's current production. The play is culturally dated most certainly but made enjoyable by some strong performances and deft staging by director Tim Dietlein.

Playwright's Daughter And Others Praise East Lynne Theater Company's THE RAINMAKER
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 2, 2019


On August 1, N. Richard Nash's daughter, Amanda, who lives in Massachusetts, came to see East Lynne Theater Company's 'The Rainmaker' and brought four cousins, including Lois, the daughter of Nash's sister Mae, who was the inspiration for 'Lizzie' in this comedy-drama. They all loved the play, which again received a standing ovation. Amanda thanked director Gayle Stahlhuth for 'bringing this family back to life' in such 'a wonderful production.' She grew up with this play and the profits from it paid for her college education.

Photo Flash: The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Presents THE RAINMAKER
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 2, 2019


The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey continues its 57th season, entitled Incredible Journeys, with N. Richard Nash's The Rainmaker. Directed by Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte, this compelling story of love and hope has captivated audiences since it hit the stage in 1954. Patrons can purchase tickets at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre Box Office located at 36 Madison Avenue in Madison, by calling the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or by going online at www.ShakespeareNJ.org. Performances begin on July 31.

The Shakespeare Theatre Of New Jersey Presents THE RAINMAKER By N. Richard Nash
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 22, 2019


The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) continues its 57th season, entitled Incredible Journeys, with N. Richard Nash's The Rainmaker. Directed by Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte, this compelling story of love and hope has captivated audiences since it hit the stage in 1954. Patrons can purchase tickets at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre Box Office located at 36 Madison Avenue in Madison, by calling the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or by going online at www.ShakespeareNJ.org. Performances begin on July 31.

East Lynne Theater Company Presents THE RAINMAKER
by Stephi Wild - Jul 9, 2019


'I tried to tell a simple story about droughts that happen to people, and about faith,' wrote N. Richard Nash (1913-2000) in regards to his own profoundly beautiful play, 'The Rainmaker.'

Photo Flash: First Look at 42nd Street Moon's 110 IN THE SHADE
by Stephi Wild - Apr 27, 2019


San Francisco's 42nd Street Moon (Daren A.C. Carollo and Daniel Thomas, Co-Executive Directors) has announced the full cast and creative team for Moon's next production, the 8-Time Tony Award-nominated musical 110 IN THE SHADE. Based N. Richard Nash's acclaimed 1954 play THE RAINMAKER (the basis for the 1956 film starring Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn), 110 IN THE SHADE features music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones (THE FANTASTICKS), and a book by Nash adapted from his own play. 42nd Street Moon's production of 110 IN THE SHADE runs from April 24 - May 12, 2019 and will perform at San Francisco's Gateway Theatre (215 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111). The press opening will take place on Saturday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m. Tickets range from $30 - $75 and can be purchased through the Box Office at (415) 255-8207 or online at www.42ndstmoon.org.

VIDEO: First Look at 42nd Street Moon's 110 IN THE SHADE
by Stephi Wild - Apr 27, 2019


San Francisco's 42nd Street Moon (Daren A.C. Carollo and Daniel Thomas, Co-Executive Directors) has announced the full cast and creative team for Moon's next production, the 8-Time Tony Award-nominated musical 110 IN THE SHADE. Based N. Richard Nash's acclaimed 1954 play THE RAINMAKER (the basis for the 1956 film starring Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn), 110 IN THE SHADE features music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones (THE FANTASTICKS), and a book by Nash adapted from his own play. 42nd Street Moon's production of 110 IN THE SHADE runs from April 24 - May 12, 2019 and will perform at San Francisco's Gateway Theatre (215 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111). The press opening will take place on Saturday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m. Tickets range from $30 - $75 and can be purchased through the Box Office at (415) 255-8207 or online at www.42ndstmoon.org.

Cast Announced For 42nd Street Moon's 110 IN THE SHADE
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 15, 2019


San Francisco's 42nd Street Moon (Daren A.C. Carollo and Daniel Thomas, Co-Executive Directors) has announced the full cast and creative team for Moon's next production, the 8-Time Tony Award-nominated musical 110 IN THE SHADE. Based N. Richard Nash's acclaimed 1954 play THE RAINMAKER (the basis for the 1956 film starring Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn),110 IN THE SHADE features music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones (THE FANTASTICKS), and a book by Nash adapted from his own play.

THE RAINMAKER Returns In A New Production From Blackfriars And The Storm Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 28, 2018


Blackfriars Repertory Theatre celebrates their 20th anniversary with a new production of N. Richard Nash's The Rainmaker, co-producing with The Storm Theatre Company, opening April 27, 2018 in the Black Box Theater at The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture.

Photo Flash: THE RAINMAKER Comes to Gloucester Stage
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 17, 2017


Set in a time of a paralyzing drought in Depression-era America, The Rainmaker tells the story of a pivotal hot summer day in the life of spinsterish Lizzie Curry, whose father and two brothers are worried as much about her marriage prospects as they are about their dying cattle. Enter Starbuck, the consummate con man, who promises to solve all their problems, for a fee. The Rainmaker is a captivating classic, guaranteed to break your heart and then fill it with hope.

Photo Flash: THE RAINMAKER, An American Classic, Opens at Gloucester Stage
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 10, 2017


Gloucester Stage Company continues its 38th season of professional theater on Cape Ann with N. Richard Nash's moving American classic The Rainmaker from July 14 through August 5 at 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. Set in the time of a paralyzing drought in Depression-era America, The Rainmaker tells the story of a pivotal hot summer day in the life of spinsterish Lizzie Curry, whose father and two brothers are worried as much about her marriage prospects as they are about their dying cattle. Enter Starbuck, the consummate con man, who promises to solve all their problems, for a fee. Directed by Gloucester Stage Artistic Director Robert Walsh, The Rainmaker cast features Brian Homer as Starbuck; Jessica Bates as Lizzie Curry; David DeBeck as H.C. Curry, the patriarch of the Curry family; Joe Short and Sean McCoy as the Curry brothers; Dave Rich as File and longtime Gordon College Professor of Theater Arts Norm Jones as Sheriff Thomas. N. Richard Nash's most celebrated play, The Rainmaker, appeared in all three mediums; on Broadway in 1954, as a motion picture starring Katharine Hepburn in 1956, and as a television production in 1982. A musical version of The Rainmaker, entitled 110 Degrees in the Shade, debuted on Broadway in 1963.

All Star Productions Continue 2017 Season with Rare Revival of 110 IN THE SHADE
by BWW News Desk - Feb 13, 2017


All Star Productions has just announced they will stage a rare London revival of the 1963 musical 110 IN THE SHADE.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 5/9/16- 110 IN THE SHADE
by Nicole Rosky - May 9, 2016


Today in 2007, the first Broadway revival of 110 in the Shade opened at Studio 54, where it ran for 94 performances. 110 in the Shade is a musical with a book by N. Richard Nash, lyrics by Tom Jones, and music by Harvey Schmidt. Based on Nash's 1954 play The Rainmaker, it focuses on Lizzie Curry, a spinster living on a ranch in the American southwest, and her relationships with local sheriff File, a cautious divorce who fears being hurt again, and charismatic con man Bill Starbuck, posing as a rainmaker who promises the locals he can bring relief to the drought-stricken area. The revival cast featured Audra McDonald as Lizzi and John Cullum as H.C. Curry.

Kevin Bacon-Led REAR WINDOW Closes Tonight at Hartford Stage; Broadway Next?
by Sally Henry Fuller - Nov 15, 2015


Hartford Stage presents the sold-out world premiere of REAR WINDOW, adapted for the stage by Keith Reddin, and directed by Hartford Stage Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak, closing tonight, November 15. Led by screen star Kevin Bacon, the show opened on October 30.

Kevin Bacon Stars in REAR WINDOW, Opening Tonight at Hartford Stage
by BWW News Desk - Oct 30, 2015


Hartford Stage presents the sold-out world premiere of REAR WINDOW, adapted for the stage by Keith Reddin, and directed by Hartford Stage Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak, opening tonight, October 30.

Kevin Bacon Stars in REAR WINDOW, Beginning Tonight at Hartford Stage
by BWW News Desk - Oct 23, 2015


Hartford Stage presents the sold-out world premiere of REAR WINDOW, adapted for the stage by Keith Reddin, and directed by Hartford Stage Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak, from tonight, October 23, through November 15. Openign night is October 30.

Melinda Page Hamilton, John Bedford Lloyd & More Join Kevin Bacon in Hartford Stage's REAR WINDOW
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 25, 2015


Hartford Stage announced today the cast and creative team for the sold-out world premiere of Rear Window, adapted for the stage by Keith Reddin, and directed by Hartford Stage Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak, from October 22- November 15.

Jessica Hershberg, William Parry and Cooper Grodin Star in Palm Beach Dramaworks' 110 IN THE SHADE, Beginning Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Aug 14, 2015


110 in the Shade, a richly evocative and touching musical about desperation, desire, and hope, opens at Palm Beach Dramaworks tonight, August 14 (8pm) and heats up the Don & Ann Brown Theatre through August 23.

Jessica Hershberg, William Parry and Cooper Grodin to Star in Palm Beach Dramaworks' 110 IN THE SHADE This August
by BWW News Desk - Jul 24, 2015


110 in the Shade, a richly evocative and touching musical about desperation, desire, and hope, opens at Palm Beach Dramaworks on Friday, August 14 (8pm) and heats up the Don & Ann Brown Theatre through August 23. The show, with music by Harvey Schmidt, lyrics by Tom Jones, and a book by N. Richard Nash based on his play The Rainmaker, will be presented in concert, with direction by Clive Cholerton, choreography by Michelle Petrucci, and musical direction by Howard Breitbart.

WaterTower Theatre's 2015-2016 Main Stage Season to Feature 'GUVNORS,' 'MULLINGAR' & More
by Tyler Peterson - May 26, 2015


Terry Martin, WaterTower Theatre Producing Artistic Director, today announced details of the Company's 2015-2016 Main Stage season. Some highlights of the season include one World Premiere Musical and four Regional Premieres. WaterTower Theatre is expanding its regular Main Stage subscription series from five to six shows next season.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 5/9/15- 110 IN THE SHADE
by Nicole Rosky - May 9, 2015


Today in 2007, the first Broadway revival of 110 in the Shade opened at Studio 54, where it ran for 94 performances. 110 in the Shade is a musical with a book by N. Richard Nash, lyrics by Tom Jones, and music by Harvey Schmidt. Based on Nash's 1954 play The Rainmaker, it focuses on Lizzie Curry, a spinster living on a ranch in the American southwest, and her relationships with local sheriff File, a cautious divorce who fears being hurt again, and charismatic con man Bill Starbuck, posing as a rainmaker who promises the locals he can bring relief to the drought-stricken area. The revival cast featured Audra McDonald as Lizzi and John Cullum as H.C. Curry.

The Rainmaker FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of The Rainmaker have there been?
The Rainmaker has had 3 productions including Broadway which opened in 1954, Broadway which opened in 1999 and Broadway which opened in 1999.

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