Photo by Matthew Murphy
Calling all dance fans! Our #ShowOfTheWeek features perhaps the best dance routines you can currently experience on the Great White Way. And not only that, it's also your last chance to see Tony nominee Robert Fairchild in the lead role of Jerry Mulligan. His last performance is scheduled for 13th March. Yes folks, it's time for a little romance with An American in Paris... "'S Wonderful!", isn't it?!
Packed with more than a handful of timeless George and Ira Gershwin classics and directed and choreographed by talented Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon, the show is a real treat for all those who truly appreciate the art of dance. Sadly this is an element of the Broadway musical which is often overlooked or frequently plays second fiddle to the vocals. With this marvellous ensemble cast of dancers, it is proudly front and centre. Mr Wheeldon rightfully took home the Tony for "Best Choreography" at last year's Tony Awards, and on top of that, the production was able to pick up a further three Tonys for "Best Orchestrations," "Best Scenic Design of a Musical" and "Best Lighting Design of a Musical."
Tony winners Natasha Katz and Bob Crowley (with the help of projections provided by 59 Productions) have done a gorgeous job of creating an onstage effect that resembles a watercolour painting coming to life right before your very eyes. The stylised sets and dreamily romantic lighting suck you into the painting and make you wish you could be one of its depicted lovers.
Based on the 1951 Academy Award-winning film, which starred Gene Kelly, Craig Lucas' book may be considered secondary to the Gershwins' score and Wheeldon's choreography, but there will be at least one character you identify with in the cast. Mine was Tony nominee Max von Essen's heartfelt performance as Henri Baurel. But they all got rhythm, as they say.
With a heavily rumoured West End transfer set for 2017, it looks like this musical's story will continue for quite some time. But do make sure to catch the fabulous Robert Fairchild in his final performances at the Palace Theatre this week. Seeing actors fall in love through the medium of dance was one of the most artistically moving experiences I've had thus far on Broadway and at the end of the day, "They can't take that away from me."
Click here for tickets to An American in Paris, which is currently booking through to 20 November 2016 at Broadway's Palace Theatre.
Photo by Matthew Murphy Robert Fairchild (Jerry Mulligan) & Leanne Cope (Lise Dassin) in An American In Paris More Production PhotosOriginally published on