Eiffel in love.
A quarter of the way through its second act, "An American in Paris" transforms from a golden-age dancebox musical into full-out modern musical theatre. The quintet of lovers at the heart of its story weave their raw, overlapping passions through three songs written by George and Ira Gershwin. And they do it all while barely moving. It's a welcome moment of stillness in an otherwise kinetic show.
BroadwayWorld presents a comprehensive weekly roundup of regional stories around our Broadway World, which include videos, editor spotlights, regional reviews and more. This week, we feature A CHORUS LINE, BEAUTIFUL, and More!
Many people may have heard of the famous movie, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, from 1951. It starred Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron. The music was written by the famous brothers, George and Ira Gershwin. Fast forward to 2014 when it was reimagined (book by Craig Lucas), including additional songs and removal of other songs, and opened in Paris. In 2015, it opened on Broadway. As it saw great success in both Paris and Broadway, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS took to the road and is currently touring around North America with its most recent stop in San Antonio, Texas. Seeing the show was both captivating and entrancing as the cast pulled off a flawless performance from start to finish.
In recent years, Broadway musicals have come from seemingly every kind of source material, from books to movies to comics. Sometimes, the results are extraordinary and exceptional, while other times, they are just ordinary. Or, in some cases, like An American in Paris, it turn out to be a less-than-ordinary show that fails on many levels.
An American in Paris is a gorgeous fusion of dance and classic musical theatre that is based on the 1951 film of the same name. Originally starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, the film won 6 Academy Awards and introduced Gershwin staples such as "I Got Rhythm" and "'S Wonderful." The Broadway version debuted in 2015 and won 4 Tony Awards, including Best Choreography and Best Scenic Design.
What a trail of stardust the whole musical leaves! There are the sets and lighting which dazzle in their nimble evocation of the wonders of Paris, with a side-step into a fantasy nightclub that seems to be Radio City Music Hall, complete with spangled leggy chorines and dudes in top hats and tails. There is the dancing of the athletic McGee Maddox and the graceful Allison Walsh. (How many performers out there can claim true balletic chops, skill at acting and singing - and the aforementioned hotness?) And the word 'dazzling' seems to have been coined for Gershwin's music, generously ladled over the entire enterprise, and beautifully performed.
This must be one of the prettiest shows for the stage. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, currently being presented at Mirvish, will have you shaking your head in wonder at Bob Crowley's imaginative set design and Christopher Wheeldon's breathtaking direction and choreography. The musical, inspired by the Academy Award-winning motion picture with Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, features the sublime music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin. Although the performances are tremendously uneven, the musical is a feast for the eyes that is an unmissable theatrical attraction in Toronto.
The current touring production of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is an absolutely resplendent musical from start to finish. Heavy on the dance and with stunning sets, this show is a feast for the senses that will have your toes tapping and fill your heart with joy.
In most of the national tour musicals that have passed through the Ohio Theatre, dance often seems to be a submissive stepchild to storyline and song. However, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS: A NEW MUSICAL, a reimagining of the music of George and Ira Gershwin, finds the perfect marriage between music and movement.
BroadwayWorld presents a comprehensive weekly roundup of regional stories around our Broadway World, which include videos, editor spotlights, regional reviews and more. This week, we feature HUNCHBACK, HAMILTON, FRANKENSTEIN, and More!
Another S'Wonderful night at the Saenger! From the stunning backdrops to the French accents, you may find yourself believing that you're in Paris by the end of the night. 'An American in Paris' is a fantastic review of dance set to the incredible score by George and Ira Gershwin.
BroadwayWorld presents a comprehensive weekly roundup of regional stories around our Broadway World, which include videos, editor spotlights, regional reviews and more. This week, we feature The Phantom of the Opera, A Christmas Carol, The Lorax, and More!
Washington is awash in holiday parties this month; however you'd be remiss to skip the celebration of life, dance, art, and Gershwin that is the swanky touring production of An American in Paris.
An American in Paris, the most awarded new musical of 2015 and winner of four Tony Awards, is currently playing until December 10th at the Detroit Opera House. It is a stunning show filled with some of the most exquisite dance numbers in recent history, catchy songs, and a beautiful story to go along with it.
Gershwin talent is inimitable; in 1932, Of Thee I Sing was the first musical to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. George wrote the orchestral piece, An American in Paris, in 1928, inspired by the time he spent in Paris. In 1951, MGM released the musical film An American in Paris. It won Best Picture Oscar. Directed by Vincente Minnelli (Judy Garland's husband), the film featured many tunes of Gershwin, and concluded with an extensive, elaborate dance sequence built around the An American in Paris symphonic poem. The 2015 stage musical, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS won four Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, a Drama League Award, two Theatre World Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, three Fred and Adele Astaire Awards.
David Mirvish and Aubrey Dan present AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, the most awarded new musical of 2015 and winner of four Tony Awards. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS will play Toronto's Princess of Wales Theatre, for a 5-week engagement March 27 - April 29, 2018.
The Christmas season is in full show tune swing now that the 19th volume of the popular Broadway's Carols for a Cure album has arrived. The cast of Anastasia joined their Broadway colleagues in taking part, check out the photos!
