About the work
An American in Paris is a musical with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin, based on the 1951 MGM film of the same name and Gershwin's symphonic tone poem; the book is by Craig Lucas. Following its 2014 Paris premiere, the Broadway premiere came in 2015 in the dance-driven direction and choreography of Christopher Wheeldon. Elegant and ballet-like, the show combines Gershwin's timeless songs with great movement artistry.
Plot
Paris shortly after the Second World War: the American ex-soldier and amateur painter Jerry Mulligan decides to stay in the city and falls in love at first sight with the young French dancer Lise. What he does not know: his friend, the composer Adam, and the wealthy singer Henri also desire the same woman, who is moreover bound to Henri and carries a secret from the years of occupation. As the city awakens from the rubble to new life, the four struggle over love, art and a fresh start – until Lise must choose between gratitude, duty and true affection.
Cultural significance
An American in Paris translated the film tradition of the MGM musical into a stage work in which dance carries the story – a triumph for the choreographer and director Christopher Wheeldon, who won a Tony Award for it. Gershwin classics such as "I Got Rhythm", "'S Wonderful" and "But Not for Me" combine with extended ballet sequences in the spirit of the film's famous closing sequence. The show is regarded as a homage to the elegance of the classic Hollywood musical and to the beauty of dance.