An American in Paris
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Cititour.com Review
Why start by talking about Craig Lucas’s book to the sumptuous new Broadway musical An American in Paris? After all, the show has a glorious George & Ira Gershwin score going for it, not to mention exquisitely conceived and executed ballet numbers from director-choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. It has a terrific cast, notably New York City Ballet dancer Robert Fairchild, who makes an unforgettable Broadway debut in the role made famous by Gene Kelly in the 1951 film. But it’s the characters and their stories that elevate this show beyond mere musical extravaganza.
Lucas reworks them from Alan Jay Lerner’s screenplay, not so much updating for contemporary audiences as enriching them. The post-World War II Paris in which former GI Jerry Mulligan (Fairchild) takes up residence to become an artist is still trying to shake off the horrors of the recent past. Another American, budding composer Adam Hochberg (Brandon Uranowitz), has a limp to remember his war service by. By contrast their wealthy French pal Henri Baurel (Max von Essen) has (or at least seems to have) a charmed existence, and plans to head to America to pursue a singing career.
All three are besotted with the beautiful, girlish Lise, played with poise and grace by Leanne Cope who, like Wheeldon, is a Brit associated with the Royal Ballet. In the film, Lise is presented as the dainty ideal of womanhood, in contrast to wealthy American Milo, who comes off as shrewish in her forceful pursuit of Jerry. But Lucas and Wheeldon show greater compassion for her (here played by Jill Paice) and all their characters, presenting a story that’s moving because it’s as much about loss and heartbreak as it is about the joy of finding love.
It’s a simple boy-meets-girl vehicle. Jerry falls in love with Lise, an aspiring ballerina, at first sight. She has feelings for him, but is expected by both Henri and his mother (Veanne Cox) to marry the Frenchman. The story unfolds with great finesse whether it’s being told through dance sequences like the spectacular “An American Paris” ballet or splashy song-and-dance numbers such as “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise,” which transforms a nervous Henri, performing in a small nightclub, into a debonair star. Other Gershwin classics — “I Got Rhythm,” “’S Wonderful” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” — are exuberant celebrations of life and love.
The show looks as good as it sounds. Set and costume designer Bob Crowley captures the romance and dark allure of the city. And at a time when casts of many Broadway musicals don’t exceed 20 performers, An American in Paris looks robust with 25.
As Broadway becomes increasingly star-driven, it’s a pleasure to see newcomers and non-big-name talents shine. Von Essen and Paice, in particular, finally have roles that allow them to show the full range of their talents. And Fairchild, who has the acting, singing and dancing prowess of Kelly, should be a contender for the best actor Tony.
Throughout, the creators show they understand why people go to musicals (and judging by some of the shows that come to Broadway, it’s not always obvious) — to be moved and dazzled with equal force. An American in Paris is as smart and spirited as it is spectacular.
By Diane Snyder
Visit the Site
http://www.anamericaninparisbroadway.com
Cast
Robert Fairchild, Leanne Cope, Veanne Cox, Jill Paice, Brandon Uranowitz, Max von Essen
Open/Close Dates
Opening 4/12/2015
Closing 10/9/2016
Preview Open/ Preview Close Dates
Preview Opening 3/13/2015
Closing Open-ended
Box Office
212-239-6200
Theatre Info
Palace Theatre
1564 Broadway (at 47th Street)
New York, NY 10036
Map
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