Zilker Theatre Productions opens 67th annual 'Singin' in the Rain' at Hillside Theater

July 13, 2026

Audience members spread blankets and set up beach chairs on the dewy hillside as the community gathered for opening night of Singin' in the Rain, the annual summer musical presented by Zilker Theatre Productions. A storm earlier in the evening delayed the start, and light rain helped set the evening's atmosphere.

Zilker Theatre Productions staged the 67th installment of its free-to-attend Hillside Theater series on Friday, presenting the classic musical at the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater. The nonprofit's production runs roughly two and a half hours with an intermission, and performances continue Thursday through Sunday at 8:15 p.m. until August 15.

The story follows Don Lockwood, played this season by Ryan Rhue, a once-silent movie star confronting the arrival of talking pictures. Sarah Reynolds portrays Lina Lamont; Reynolds completed a nursing degree at the University of Texas in 2014 and performs in the show alongside the rest of the cast.

Reynolds described the production as carrying themes of hope and heart, and said she hopes audiences leave inspired to keep creating even when circumstances are difficult. Costume designer Desiree Humphries, who also works at the University of Texas, said she hopes the outdoor theater brings people together away from screens and encourages connection among neighbors.

The Hillside production incorporates short films into its staging, and Reynolds noted she enjoyed acting in those mini-films and taking part in a deliberately over-the-top early talking picture segment. An audience member attending opening night, Ciara Evans, said the show offers dancing, singing and acting, and she appreciated the chance to gather with others on a summer evening.

Zilker Theatre Productions' website states the Hillside musical draws more than 65,000 people each season, underscoring the event's role as a major free cultural offering in Austin. The run continues through mid-August with evening performances on multiple nights each week.