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Why see An American in Paris?

'S Wonderful

The buoyant An American in Paris is rightly regarded as a high point for the Hollywood musical, but the reputation of this latest stage adaptation might soon surpass it! Winning four Tony Awards during its Broadway run, Christopher Wheeldon's reimagining of the Gershwin musical re-purposes the story for a modern audience, retaining its delicate romantic air while grounding the tale in a more realistic post-war landscape.

Following the fortunes of expat Jerry Mulligan as he tries to make it in Paris, this iconic show contains some of Gershwin's best known numbers, including 'S Wonderful', 'I Got Rhythm' and 'They Can't Take That Away from Me'. It all builds to the climatic title number, a fourteen minute long ballet piece which stands as one of the composer's most impressive feats.

A (Brief) History

The original movie An American in Paris opened in 1951, directed by Vincenti Minnelli (Liza's dad). Earning six Academy Awards, the film marked Gene Kelly's ascension to the top of the Hollywood table, with Singin' in the Rain following a year later. This latest Broadway production premiered, fittingly enough, at Paris' Theatre du Chalet in 2014, before transferring over the Atlantic. It was met with glowing notices by New York critics, who praised its lavish stage design and elegantly conceived ballet sequences.

What is An American in Paris About?

After witnessing the horrors of World War II, American veteran Jerry Mulligan decides a fresh start is in order and moves to Paris. Inspired by the creativity and romance which fills his new hometown's boulevards, Mulligan sets his heart on becoming a painter. Once he gains a wealthy sponsor for a solo exhibition, his career seems to be on the rise, and coupled with the fact he has just met a beautiful girl by the name of Lise, his life can't seem to get any better.

Yet Lise seems unwilling to wholeheartedly return his affection, and when the reason for her reticence is revealed, it threatens to cast a cloud over Jerry's previously joyous existence in the city of love.

Key Information

Audience

Suitable for all the family

Run Time

TBA

Dates

Finished Mar 18, 2018

Cast


McGee Maddox as Jerry Mulligan 
Allison Walsh as Lise Dassin 
Matthew Scott as Adam Hochberg 
Kirsten Scott as Milo Davenport 
Teri Hansen as Madame Baurel 
Ben Michael as Henri Baurel 
Deanna Doyle as Lise Alternate 
Kyle Robinson as Jerry Alternate 

Creative

Directed and Choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon
Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Book by Craig Lucas
Set and Costume design by Bob Crowley
Lighting Design by Natasha Katz
Sound design by Jon Weston

Awards

2015 TONY AWARD WINS

Best Choreography (Christopher Wheeldon)
Best Orchestrations
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Best Lighting Design of a Musical

2015 TONY AWARD NOMINATIONS

Best Musical
Best Book of a Musical
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Robert Fairchild)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Leanne Cope)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Brandon Uranowitz)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Max von Essen)
Best Direction of a Musical (Christopher Wheeldon)
Best Choreography (Christopher Wheeldon)
Best Orchestrations
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Best Costume Design of a Musical
Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Reviews

Customer reviews

19 reviews, average rating: (4.1 Stars)

Claudette Moniz

An American in Paris

One of the best shows I have seen recently at PPAC. The dancing is unbelievable. Don't know how they do two of these shows in one day on the weekend. It has to be exhausting. The singing was also very enjoyable and the scenery was beautiful. Fabulous cast, great job. Totally recommend this show. ... Read more

Cheryl MOHER

Best thing I’ve seen at Phoenix theater

I saw the matinee this afternoon and was transfixed by every performance and the talent and versatility of all the actors/dancers in the play. The two leads were incredible, as were the actors that played Milo and Henri. Every supporting part was so professional and enjoyable I couldn’t believe the quality of the work. I came home and watched the 1951 movie with Gene Kelly. I don’t know who wrote this new adaptation… Whether it followed more closely the play that was done in London… But I liked the story I saw today better than the 1951 movie. Go and see this before it leaves town… And then say it again ... Read more

Marian letellier

American in Paris

The production was really amazing. I don’t know how this company managed this production in that setting. It was accomplished and beautifully. ... Read more

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