An American in Paris is a masterpiece that seamlessly and effortlessly blends music, dance, and story together in a tribute to the 1951 classic film of the same name. Over the course of three hours, you are transported to Paris at the end of World War II where dancers and sets fly around as if the laws of gravity don’t exist. The production originally opened in December 2014 at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. It moved to Broadway in the spring of 2015.
An American in Paris follows the story of optimistic American artist Jerry Mulligan, whose life is changed when he meets Lise, a young Parisian shop girl and a ballerina. While Jerry attempts to win Lise’s love, it becomes apparent that Jerry’s friends, Adam Hochberg, a Jewish-American composer, and Henri Baurel, a Parisian aristocrat, are also trying to win Lise’s heart.
Leanne Cope (Lise Dassin) and Robert Fairchild (Jerry Mulligan) in the final ballet.
Christopher Wheeldon has created one of the most ballet centric musicals ever on Broadway. In his Broadway director-choreographer debut, Mr. Wheeldon has joined the ranks of other prestigious director-choreographers such as Jerome Robbins and Bob Fosse. His choreography is front and center through the entire show, especially in the development of the romance between Jerry Mulligan and Lise Dassin. Each time that these two characters meet and grow closer to each other, their dance becomes more and more intricate and intimate, eventually culminating in their final pas de deux during the 14-minute ballet at the end of the show. This pas de deux is graceful, poised, technically flawless, and is a style of dance that is so rarely seen on Broadway. Mr. Wheeldon’s choreography is heavily focused on ballet, but there are jazzier moments that are much closer to the Broadway style, even containing nods to other movies starring Gene Kelly (such as Singin’ in the Rain). These moments bring a fresh and youthful aspect to the extremely joyful moments of the show, such as “I’ve Got Beginner’s Luck”.
In his Broadway debut, Robert Fairchild, a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, plays ex-soldier and hopeful painter Jerry Mulligan. In addition to his precise technique, Mr. Fairchild also brings the charm and the sensuality of Gene Kelly into his portrayal of Jerry, which proves that he is more than capable of following in Gene Kelly’s footsteps. Also making her Broadway debut is Leanne Cope as the aspiring ballerina and shop girl Lise Dassin. Ms. Cope, a dancer with London’s Royal Ballet, brings a delightful sweetness and delicacy to the show. Mr. Fairchild and Ms. Cope have proved themselves as true triple threats. These two outstanding performers are trained ballet dancers by profession but they also sing and act as well as any of the seasoned Broadway performers in this production.
Lise and Jerry on the bank of the Seine.
The sets and costumes designed by Bob Crowley add another elegant layer to the production. From the banks of the Seine to the Galaries Lafayette, it is clear that Mr. Crowley is able to bring the chic, romantic atmosphere of the City of Lights to life with ease. The set for the final ballet is unlike any other in the show. It is bright and colorful with a Picasso-like style. It fit perfectly with the music and the choreography. The lights by Natasha Katz and the projections by 59 Productions helped Mr. Crowley’s set to bring Paris to life. The costumes stick to a muted color palette with shape-fitting silhouettes of the post-war European style. Mr. Crowley won a Tony Award for his set design, shared with 59 Productions, and was nominated for costume design and Ms. Katz also won a Tony Award for her lighting design.
The music of George and Ira Gershwin drives the show. An American in Paris contains a range of famous tunes by the Gershwin brothers, from the titular ballet composition to classics such as “’S Wonderful” to rare gems such as “The Man I Love”. All of these songs are incorporated into the story effortlessly with the arrangements made by the outstanding Rob Fisher.
The cast of An American in Paris.
Book writer Craig Lucas has taken the plot line from the movie significantly altered it. He has changed the number of Lise’s suitors from two to three, adding in Adam Hochberg (played by the witty Brandon Uranowitz), the Jewish-American composer and narrator, thus complicating the love story even more. Mr. Lucas has introduced into the story Madame Baurel (played by Veanne Cox), Henri’s mother. Mme. Baurel is uptight and maintains a secretive air about her, especially when Lise’s past is brought up. Mr. Lucas has taken the material from the movie and deepened it into a story that serves as an engine for the show.
An American in Paris is a captivating musical that transports you to another era. It unites dance with some of the greatest music and lyrics ever written. You will find yourself with your own fidgety feet by the end and the feeling like you need to dance.