An American in Paris debuts on Broadway

The stage adaptation of the play ‘An American in Paris’ opened at the Palace Theatre on Sunday this week.

The World War II inspired play is directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon a well-known ballet personality. The production and its dance are simply gorgeous to be described in a word and give tribute to the 1951 movie of the same name. 

‘An American in Paris’ is a classical American adaptation which collaborates a beautiful joining of music and romance in a monumental historical setting. The traditional musical has been a part of the Broadway since its inception.

The play ‘An American in Paris’ was based on the book of the same name by the playwright Craig Lucas. The two main leads Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope are professional ballet dancers they can sing and deliver dialogues extraordinarily and unexpectedly well. 

Bob Crowley the designer was responsible for the set and costumes designs and his work can be seen shining on the stage full of elegance and sophistication. Paris is one of the most poetic cities in the world and the musical has proven to be as much a feast to the eyes as the ears. 

The story of the play takes place just after the Nazis occupation of Paris has been upended and perfectly sums up the feeling of a shadow looming over the streets in the opening scenes. The main character Jerry Mulligan an ex-G.I. is a witness to the reawakening spirit of the city of Paris as an aspiring painter.

The story takes a turn when Jerry catches sight of Lise Dassin walking quietly through the streets of Paris. The story then follows Lise and Jerry coming together with feelings of love in a city still reeling from the effects of war.  Both the actors brought their own brand of perfection to the characters in a most dignified way.