Châtelet Theatre presents for the first time ever the musical An American in Paris, from the film by Vincente Minnelli, made in 1951. The show is in English, but no concern for those who do not speak perfectly the language of Shakespeare: the lyrics of the music hall are subtitled each side of the stage. And love, discussed in this representation, is felt beyond words.
The story is set in Paris in the post Second World War. The Seine, the Haussmann-style buildings, small bars with their wood countertops are all moving scenery parading at the mercy of song and dance numbers.
Jerry Mulligan, a young soldier of the US military who dreams of becoming a painter, to leave Paris to find the United States. But he crosses paths with Lise Dassin, a mysterious young woman he will draw on his knowledge to the streets of Paris without coming to know who she is.
The young man decides to stay in Paris .dropoff window He met in a boozer Adam Hochberg, a Jewish American composer wounded in the leg during the war, and Henry, a rich heir whose family made a fortune in the industry but who dreams of music hall more that trade.
The three new friends fall every three love with the beautiful dancer Lise Dassin, saleswoman at Galeries Lafayette but just landed the lead role in the Ballet du Chatelet.
In the first part of the show, everyone believes to be the only beloved Lise, causing occasionally comical scenes where declarations of love of three men meet without knowing it.
Lise hesitate love between these personalities so different. Meanwhile, Jerry, more in love than ever Lise, has nevertheless been in a relationship with Milo Davenport, an American heiress who is to present his paintings to Parisian high society. But “things do not buy” finally said Jerry Milo, who hoped that his recognition will turn into love. Jerry is trying by all means to get Lise a love confession.
Lisa and Jerry are beautifully played by Leanne Cope, trained at the Royal Ballet School in London and Robert Fairchild, a member of New York City Ballet. Their energy on stage carries everything, even the weightlessness of their bodies, whose movements are answered with infinite precision. The group choreographies located in settings so Moulin Rouge or painting reminiscent of the paintings of Piet Mondrian are also perfectly orchestrated by the director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon.
The show “is not a replica of the movie “ says Christopher Wheeldon . “We kept most of the songs from the movie and rights holders of Gershwin also gave us access to the complete catalog. We have selected some songs are little known but which corresponded perfectly to the story, as well as instrumental versions whose Concerto in F and Second Rhapsody “.
The shows hosted at the Châtelet theater often play a short time and An American in Paris is no exception: the performances, which have Commencement Dec. 13 stop on 4 January.
“An American in Paris”
Chatelet Theatre
2 rue Edouard Colonne, 75001 Paris
From December 13 to January 4.
Below the images of the first at the Châtelet Theatre
An American in Paris – First preview by theatreduchatelet
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