An American In Paris is based on the 1951 film starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron.
The music and lyrics written by George and Ira Gershwin.
An American In Paris first came to my interest when my friend and I were planning a trip to NYC, as we were only there for a long weekend we wanted to see a Broadway show every night. An American In Paris was on the list of shows to see, but we never got round to seeing it.
Now An American in Paris has arrived in London's West End I couldn't not go to see it so here I am writing a blog about the show.
An American In Paris is a story of finding love, happiness and a new look on life.
The show is set in Paris as it emerges from the shadows of World War 2.
An American veteran and an aspiring painter Jerry Mulligan is still stumbling from the war when he discovers the girl of his dreams Lise Dassin, a young dancer at the ballet. Jerry falls in love with Lise then she quickly vanishes.
They are soon reunited at a ballet rehearsal where Jerry has come to visit his friend, Adam Hochberg the ballet company's composer.
Whilst there Jerry catches the eye of a Milo Davenport, an American heiress.
But to add more confusion there is a love triangle Lise is already engaged to a wealthy businessman called Henri who dreams of being a performer. But does Lise truly love Henri, or is Jerry the American stranger that Lise is meant to love?
I will leave the rest in your imagination.
The show features songs, I've Got Rhythm, Liza, I've got beginners luck, S Wonderful, Shall We Dance, Fidgety Feet, Ill build a stairway to paradise, They cant take that away from me and more.
The West End cast stars Robert Fairchild as Jerry Mulligan, Leanne Cope as Lise Dassin, Haydn Oakley as Henri Baurel, Zoe Rainey as Milo Davenport and David Seadon-Young as Adam Hochberg.
In my opinion there were only two members of the cast the stood out to me and that was Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope.
Leanne Cope portrays Lise Dassin.
Leanne is fantastic in the role. A fantastic ballet dancer. There is a big ballet routine in the show and I was amazed how much energy Leanne had to perform that piece.
Robert Fairchild portrays Jerry Mulligan.
Robert is absolutely fantastically amazing in the role. My eyes were glued to watching Robert throughout the show. What an great singer and dancer. Loved the way Robert played Jerry as a confident and flirtatious kind of guy with a lot of cheekiness to go with it. My favourite songs that Robert sung were 'I've got beginners luck' and 'Liza'.
Both Robert and Leanne danced well together.
I have seen this musical twice and first time I went to see the show I came out the theatre thinking I loved that, was also smiling throughout the show so I just had to see it again. I am looking to go back for a 3rd visit soon.
Currently showing at London's Dominion Theatre on Tottenham Court Road. If you are in London then An American in Paris is a definite must see.
