The main event: Dust off your wellies and mackintosh, grab a brolly and head for Wan Chai. No, we're not suggesting a kinky adult show, rather an evening of good, wholesome entertainment. Stage extravaganza Singin' In The Rain opened this week, with a song and dance list bound to convert even the most hardened disparager of the Broadway musical. Closely based on the ever-popular 1952 film of the same name, this Australian production makes use of 5,000 litres of water and, as the adverts proudly announces, 65 wigs. Who could ask for anything more? Until Oct 27. Lyric Theatre, Academy for Performing Arts, Wan Chai. Evening shows Tue-Sun, 7.45pm, $350-$695, matinees at weekends, 2.30pm, $295-$595. Info:
www.singinintherain.com.hk
After the show: More 1950s than 1920s, but casual all-American dishes abound at Al's Diner in Lan Kwai Fong. The burgers ($85-$160) are bigger than Gene Kelly's buns and, unlike the aforementioned, come with options such as blue cheese or avocado, coleslaw and fries. If you can make yourself heard above the DJ who spins from 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, try torturing your fellow patrons with a version of 'Good morning, good morning, it's great to stay up late' as you sip innocently on a glass of milk. Slightly more daring are Al's shakes ($49), which take saccharine to new levels (the 'white and black' shake is a thick vanilla treat with chocolate syrup). And if you can't stomach another ounce of schmaltz, it's time to hit the vodka jellies ($44 a pop). 39 D'Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong. Tel: 2521 8714
If you're hooked: If you're looking for a role model with street cred, even Sammy Davis Jnr could tap dance. You might also recall those rugged Tap Dogs attracted audiences of whooping women. The Herman Lam Dance Studio in Central has a 10-lesson, tap-dancing course running on Thursday nights from 8-8.50pm ($1,000), plus try-it-for-size, one-off classes for $150 (tel: 2320 3605;
www.hlamdance.com).
Budding Billy Elliots can also learn to 'riffle', 'chug' and 'flap' at the International Dance Academy in Central, which runs classes on Saturdays, 2-3pm ($480 for four sessions). Instructors suggest you wear loose clothing and prepare to 'get sweaty' (tel: 3113 4212;
www.intdance.com). And by the way, give our regards to Broadway.
For a chance to win one of five pairs of tickets to the show visit totallyhk.scmp.com by 9am Monday
