Review: AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Exudes Rhythm and Sparkle at the Pantages

An American in Paris A New Musical/book by Craig Lucas/music and lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin/inspired by the Motion Picture/directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon/Pantages Theatre/through April 9

Parisian charm is precious, incomparable. Even though the action of An American in Paris takes place in 1945 after World War II had taken its toll, it is still lively, colorful and full of breathtaking romantic excitement. Fans of the 1951 film with Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron will not be disappointed because the choreography of the live musical by director Christopher Wheeldon is magnetic as are the leading players Garen Scribner as Jerry Mulligan and Sara Esty as Lise Dassin, both ballet dancers. If you love great dancing, that is reason enough to see An American in Paris currently at the Hollywood Pantages through April 9.

Add to that, of course, the brilliant tunes of George and Ira Gershwin like the upbeat, happy "I Got Rhythm" or the wistful "The Man I Love". Talk about covering the spectrum of emotions! These composers, like Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, knew a thing or two about writing a popular song. They were pure genius. Other familiar songs such as "I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise", "But Not For Me", "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and 'SWonderful" are present as well as less familiar ones like "Fidgety Feet". It's an uplifting score that never lets down.

As to Craig Lucas' book, there are a few love stories in An American in Paris. Mulligan falls for Lise, but she has committed to Henri Baurel (Nick Spangler) whose family, as part of the Resistance, have saved her from the Nazis. She is not in love with Henri, but feels obligated to hiM. Adam Hochberg (Etai Benson), a pianist and composer, is also infatuated with Lise, but too shy to make it known. Mulligan, Hochberg and Henri form an alliance of artists and as buddies keep Henri's secret. He works for his parents (Gayton Scott and Don Noble), wealthy industrialists who support the arts, never realizing that their son sings and dances in a cabaret act and dreams of taking it to the US. Milo Davenport (Emily Ferranti) is a rich American philanthropist who wants to help Jerry sell his sketches and in the meantime falls in love with him. He,with his eyes on Lise, only temporarily gives in to Milo, to help his career. But, alas, money cannot buy love. Love is given, as Milo herself learns, so the real love story of the piece becomes Jerry and Lise with Henri forming the only other side of that triangle. As in most musicals, yes, there is a happy ending, but there is a bigger picture here. This canvas leaves you with a far greater appreciation of art for art's sake, and for the renaissance in 1945 of the former City of Light.

Under Christopher Wheeldon's sublime guidance as director and choreographer, the cast do truly miraculous work in recreating a story that has its real life force within the dance and in the sketches of the surrounding Parisain locales. Scribner and Esty were alternates on Broadway for Jerry and Lise, so both know the roles inside out and are skilled at executing spectacular ballet moves as part of all of their choreographed dances together and with the rest of the ensemble. Gifted artistes! Benson has a rather quiet role as the composer but he does serve as narrator for the show, while Spangler as Henri has a much showier role and makes the most of it. Ferranti makes Milo Davenport savy and likable, but allows us to sense Milo's ulterior motives seething beneath the surface. Gayton Scott as Henri's mother has great comedic flair and uses it expertly to get quite a few delicious laughs. The entire ensemble are glorious to watch throughout.

Bob Crowley's set and costume design are consistently vibrant, and 59 Productions are responsible for the wonderful projections of Mulligan's sketches. Kudos as well to splendiferous music director David Andrews Rogers, conducting the terrific live orchestra.

Treat yourself to An American in Paris! It's entertainment on a high scale. Its music, choreography and visual splendor will entrance you.

www.hollywoodpantages.com

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