An American In Paris

An American in Paris Touring Company. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Toronto musical lovers will want to rush to catch this outstanding Broadway production of An American In Paris, on stage now for a limited run at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Winner of four Tony Awards, the show boasts choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, who also directs, and music and lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin. While the story is inspired by the classic film, the stage version takes brilliant artistic license, developing the plot and characters in a most entertaining fashion.

Set in Paris just after World War II, the musical follows Jerry Mulligan (McGee Maddox), an American soldier who stays in the city to pursue his art and falls in love with a mysterious French ballerina, Lise Dassin (Allison Walsh). Little does Jerry know, he is not the only one who is in love with her. Adam Hochberg (Matthew Scott), a burgeoning composer and Jerry's friend, is also smitten. And while Lise begins to fall for Jerry, she is obliged to marry Henri Baurel (Ben Michael), a wannabe nightclub performer from a prominent Parisian family. All of the characters' lives become intertwined when Milo Davenport (Kirsten Scott), a wealthy donor, develops an interest in each of their talents, bringing them togther to stage a modern ballet. Of course, in this scenario, secrets come to light, relationships are threatened, but love ultimately wins the day.

An American in Paris is serious, light-hearted and soulful all at once. Wheeldon's production sets the tone from the very beginning with a wordless opening sequence to Gershwin's "Concerto in F," in which dance is front and centre. This scene introduces the characters through movement and tells the story of Paris recovering after the war. The remainder of the show follows suit with choreography playing a key role in the storytelling. Dance styles include ballet, tap, jazz and old-fashioned Broadway. Partnered with Gershwin's romantic score, this makes for an unforgettable theatre experience. Stand-out numbers include, "I Got Rhythm," "The Man I Love," "'S Wonderful," "They Can't Take That Away From Me," and finally, the ballet-within-the-musical "An American in Paris." The pas de deux performed by Maddox and Walsh in this scene is simply breathtaking. 

Featuring vibrant sets and costumes by Bob Crowley and gorgeous projections throughout, this must-see musical flows and blossoms like a beautiful painting come to life. Don't miss the chance to see this touring work of art before it goes. 

An American In Paris runs until April 29, 2018 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Visit mirvish.com for more information and to buy tickets. 

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