An American in Paris
Based on the MGM movie musical of the same name, An American Paris is "the romantic story of a young American soldier, a beautiful French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war." Heavily featuring dance, the musical employs the music of George and Ira Gershwin.
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Stage Production Notes
In 1928, George Gershwin composed an orchestral work inspired by the sights and sounds of Paris, entitled An American in Paris. The “tone poem” premiered at Carnegie Hall on December 13, 1928 with the New York Philharmonic, under the baton of Walter Damrosch.
MGM producer Arthur Freed attended a concert of An American in Paris, and sought to create a musical based on the piece. The movie musical, directed by Vincente Minelli and choreographed by Gene Kelly, premiered in 1951.
Starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, An American in Paris was nominated for 8 Oscars, winning 6, including Best Picture, Best Writing, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Music.
According to The Hollywood Reporter’s Suzy Evans, the Gershwins’ estate sought to create a stage musical based on the movie. Director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, along with book writer Craig Lucas, re-infused the story with some of the harsh realities of life in Paris after World War II, and fleshed out the score by utilizing music from the Gershwin’s extensive song catalogue.
The stage production of An American in Paris first opened at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on November 22, 2014 (the Théâtre du Châtelet's elaborate production of Sunday in the Park with George was filmed live and aired on Mezzo TV in Europe). An American in Paris received rave reviews before closing on January 4, 2015.
The production transferred to Broadway, where it opened at the Palace Theatre on April 12, 2015. The production featured New York City Ballet principle Robert Fairchild, and Royal Ballet First Artist Leanne Cope.
The Broadway production received rave reviews, with critics lavishing praise on the stunning choreography, illuminating sets, and terrific performances by the entire cast.
An American in Paris was nominated for, and won, a slew of awards. It won the Tony Awards for Best Choreography (Christopher Wheeldon), Best Orchestrations (Christopher Austin), Best Set Design (Bob Crowley), and Best Lighting Design (Natasha Katz).
The Broadway production of An American in Paris closed on October 9, 2016, after 623 performances.
Shortly after closing on Broadway, An American in Paris embarked on a national tour. The touring production continues to perform around the United States.
An American in Paris transferred to London, opening at the Dominion Theatre on March 4, 2017. Original Broadway stars Robert Fairchild and Leslie Cope returned to their respective roles of Jerry and Lise.
Like its Broadway counterpart, the London production received rave reviews. The show was heralded as a “tour de force,” with critics once again praising its sumptuous sets, gorgeous choreography, and outstanding performances. Mark Shenton, writing for The Stage described the production as “sheer musical theatre magic,” and more than one critic summarized, “who could ask anything more?”
Initially scheduled to close on September 30, 2017, the popular musical extended its run before closing on January 6, 2018.
In 1928, George Gershwin composed an orchestral work inspired by the sights and sounds of Paris, entitled An American in Paris. The “tone poem” premiered at Carnegie Hall on December 13, 1928 with the New York Philharmonic, under the baton of Walter Damrosch.
MGM producer Arthur Freed attended a concert of An American in Paris, and sought to create a musical based on the piece. The movie musical, directed by Vincente Minelli and choreographed by Gene Kelly, premiered in 1951.
Starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, An American in Paris was nominated for 8 Oscars, winning 6, including Best Picture, Best Writing, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Music.
According to The Hollywood Reporter’s Suzy Evans, the Gershwins’ estate sought to create a stage musical based on the movie. Director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, along with book writer Craig Lucas, re-infused the story with some of the harsh realities of life in Paris after World War II, and fleshed out the score by utilizing music from the Gershwin’s extensive song catalogue.
The stage production of An American in Paris first opened at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on November 22, 2014 (the Théâtre du Châtelet's elaborate production of Sunday in the Park with George was filmed live and aired on Mezzo TV in Europe). An American in Paris received rave reviews before closing on January 4, 2015.
The production transferred to Broadway, where it opened at the Palace Theatre on April 12, 2015. The production featured New York City Ballet principle Robert Fairchild, and Royal Ballet First Artist Leanne Cope.
The Broadway production received rave reviews, with critics lavishing praise on the stunning choreography, illuminating sets, and terrific performances by the entire cast.
An American in Paris was nominated for, and won, a slew of awards. It won the Tony Awards for Best Choreography (Christopher Wheeldon), Best Orchestrations (Christopher Austin), Best Set Design (Bob Crowley), and Best Lighting Design (Natasha Katz).
The Broadway production of An American in Paris closed on October 9, 2016, after 623 performances.
Shortly after closing on Broadway, An American in Paris embarked on a national tour. The touring production continues to perform around the United States.
An American in Paris transferred to London, opening at the Dominion Theatre on March 4, 2017. Original Broadway stars Robert Fairchild and Leslie Cope returned to their respective roles of Jerry and Lise.
Like its Broadway counterpart, the London production received rave reviews. The show was heralded as a “tour de force,” with critics once again praising its sumptuous sets, gorgeous choreography, and outstanding performances. Mark Shenton, writing for The Stage described the production as “sheer musical theatre magic,” and more than one critic summarized, “who could ask anything more?”
Initially scheduled to close on September 30, 2017, the popular musical extended its run before closing on January 6, 2018.
Filmed Production Notes
On December 16, 2015, the Broadway production of An American in Paris became the first Broadway show to livestream on Facebook Live. During intermission of the Wednesday matinee, leading lady Leanne Cope answered questions, introduced cast and crew, and gave viewers a brief look behind the curtain. According to Playbill, the livestream was watched by over 540,000 viewers.
On September 26, 2017 it was announced that the London production of An American In Paris had been filmed for cinema release.
In an unusual move for a filmed live musical, An American in Paris has a dedicated website for the cinema release. The site features a preview, an interactive map for finding cinema locations, and a web form to request screenings in your local area.
The West End production of An American in Paris was available to view in cinemas in the UK, Europe, and Australia on May 16, 2018, on select dates in June and July 2018.
An American in Paris was screened in US cinemas on September 20 and 23, 2018. A few days later it was released on BroadwayHD, and in November 2018 on American television via PBS.
On July 20, 2021, the musical was released on Blu-Ray and DVD.
An American in Paris is currently available to view on AppleTV, Broadway on Demand, and on DVD or Blu-Ray.
On December 16, 2015, the Broadway production of An American in Paris became the first Broadway show to livestream on Facebook Live. During intermission of the Wednesday matinee, leading lady Leanne Cope answered questions, introduced cast and crew, and gave viewers a brief look behind the curtain. According to Playbill, the livestream was watched by over 540,000 viewers.
On September 26, 2017 it was announced that the London production of An American In Paris had been filmed for cinema release.
In an unusual move for a filmed live musical, An American in Paris has a dedicated website for the cinema release. The site features a preview, an interactive map for finding cinema locations, and a web form to request screenings in your local area.
The West End production of An American in Paris was available to view in cinemas in the UK, Europe, and Australia on May 16, 2018, on select dates in June and July 2018.
An American in Paris was screened in US cinemas on September 20 and 23, 2018. A few days later it was released on BroadwayHD, and in November 2018 on American television via PBS.
On July 20, 2021, the musical was released on Blu-Ray and DVD.
An American in Paris is currently available to view on AppleTV, Broadway on Demand, and on DVD or Blu-Ray.
An American in Paris PRODUCTION CREDITS
Theatre: Dominion Theatre, London
Producer: Trafalgar Releasing, Stuart Oken, Van Kaplan, Roy Furman, Michael McCabe and Joshua Andrews by special arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical, the Pittsburgh CLO, and Théâtre du Châtelet.
Book: Craig Lucas
Music and Lyrics: George Gerswhin, Ira Gerswhin
Director and Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon
Musical Director: Steve Ridley
Music Adaptions/Arrangements/Supervision: Bob Fisher
Orchestrations: Christopher Austin and Bill Elliott
Dance arrangements: Sam Davis
Scenic and Costume Design: Bob Crowley
Lighting Design: Natasha Katz
Sound Design: Jon Weston
Cast:
Robert Fairchild (Jerry Mulligan), Leanne Cope (Lise Dassin), Haydn Oakley (Henri Baurel), Zoë Rainey (Milo Davenport), David Seadon-Young (Adam Hochberg), Julie Legrand (Madame Baurel)
Ensemble: Julian Forsyth, Ashley Andrews, Sophie Apollonia, Zoe Arshamian, Sarah Bakker, James Barton, Alicia Beck, Chrissy Brooke, James Butcher, Jonathan Caguioa, Jennifer Davison, Katie Deacon, Rebecca Fennelly, Sebastian Goffin, Alyn Hawke, Nicky Henshall, Genevieve Heron, Amy Hollins, Frankie Jenna, Justin-Lee Jones, Robin Kent, Kristen McGarrity, Julia J. Nagle, Daniela Norman, Pippa Raine, Aaron Smyth, Todd Talbot, Max Westwell, Jack Wilcox, Carrie Willis, Stuart Winter, Liam Wrate
Theatre: Dominion Theatre, London
Producer: Trafalgar Releasing, Stuart Oken, Van Kaplan, Roy Furman, Michael McCabe and Joshua Andrews by special arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical, the Pittsburgh CLO, and Théâtre du Châtelet.
Book: Craig Lucas
Music and Lyrics: George Gerswhin, Ira Gerswhin
Director and Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon
Musical Director: Steve Ridley
Music Adaptions/Arrangements/Supervision: Bob Fisher
Orchestrations: Christopher Austin and Bill Elliott
Dance arrangements: Sam Davis
Scenic and Costume Design: Bob Crowley
Lighting Design: Natasha Katz
Sound Design: Jon Weston
Cast:
Robert Fairchild (Jerry Mulligan), Leanne Cope (Lise Dassin), Haydn Oakley (Henri Baurel), Zoë Rainey (Milo Davenport), David Seadon-Young (Adam Hochberg), Julie Legrand (Madame Baurel)
Ensemble: Julian Forsyth, Ashley Andrews, Sophie Apollonia, Zoe Arshamian, Sarah Bakker, James Barton, Alicia Beck, Chrissy Brooke, James Butcher, Jonathan Caguioa, Jennifer Davison, Katie Deacon, Rebecca Fennelly, Sebastian Goffin, Alyn Hawke, Nicky Henshall, Genevieve Heron, Amy Hollins, Frankie Jenna, Justin-Lee Jones, Robin Kent, Kristen McGarrity, Julia J. Nagle, Daniela Norman, Pippa Raine, Aaron Smyth, Todd Talbot, Max Westwell, Jack Wilcox, Carrie Willis, Stuart Winter, Liam Wrate
Sources
Articles
Websites
- Zoe Anderson, “An American in Paris, Dominion Theatre, London, review: Leanne Cope as Lise can go from wide-eyed to slinky in one bright glance,” The Independent (March 23, 2017)
- BWW News Desk, “Breaking News: AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Moves Up Final Bow on Broadway,” BroadwayWorld (July 26, 2016)
- BWW News Desk, “AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Finds Its Full Cast for U.S. Tour!” BroadwayWorld (Aug 9, 2016)
- BWW News Desk, “AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Dances Last Weeks in the West End; Coming to Cinemas Soon!” BroadwayWorld (Sept 26, 2017)
- Michael Billington, “An American in Paris five-star review – Minnelli musical becomes theatrical gold,” The Guardian (March 21, 2017)
- Eleanor Bley Griffiths, “An American in Paris review: Musical perfection, who could ask for anything more?” Radio Times (March 22, 2017)
- Dominic Cavendish, “Whisks you off to Oh La La Land - An American in Paris, Dominion Theatre, review” The Telegraph (March 21, 2017)
- Sarah Crompton, “An American in Paris: how Gene Kelly's leap in the dark became a stage sensation,” The Guardian (March 17, 2017)
- Suzy Evans, “An American in Paris': From '50s Technicolor Movie to Modern Stage Musical,” The Hollywood Reporter (March 10, 2015)
- Andrew Gans, “An American in Paris Live Facebook Event Seen by Over Half a Million,” Playbill (Dec 18, 2015)
- Andrew Gans, “London’s An American in Paris Filmed for Cinemas,” Playbill (Sept 26, 2017)
- Jessica Gelt, “'An American in Paris' on Broadway: What did the critics think?” Los Angeles Times (April 13, 2015)
- Charles Isherwood, “Review: ‘An American in Paris,’ a Romance of Song and Step,” New York Times (April 12, 2015)
- Fergus Morgan, “An American in Paris at Dominion Theatre – review round-up,” The Stage (March 23, 2017)
- David Rooney, “'An American in Paris': Theater Review,” The Hollywood Reporter (April 12, 2015)
- Mark Shenton, “An American in Paris review at Dominion Theatre, London – ‘an instant classic’” The Stage (March 21, 2017)
- Marilyn Stasio, “Broadway Review: ‘An American in Paris’” Variety (April 12, 2015)
Websites
- An American in Paris: A New Musical, “North American Tour,” Accessed via: http://www.anamericaninparisbroadway.com/
- An American in Paris: A New Musical, “History,” Accessed via: http://www.anamericaninparisbroadway.com/history/
- Gershwin, “An American in Paris,” Accessed via: http://gershwin.com/publications/an-american-in-paris-concert-work/
- Playbill, “An American in Paris,” Accessed via: http://www.playbill.com/production/an-american-in-paris-palace-theatre-vault-0000014074
- UK Theatre Web, “An American in Paris,” Accessed via: https://www.uktw.co.uk/archive/T01707454672
Written by Luisa Lyons (January, 2018; updated November 2022)