an american in paris

what's a thursday night without a broadway show?

after a busy winter-spring season of shows, "an american in paris" may have topped them all. the choreography, the music, the set design, the costumes, and the gorgeous palace theatre!

based on the compositions of george gershwin in 1928, "an american in paris" was adapted into a film in the 1950s starring gene kelly, which won six oscars in 1951. on broadway, internationally reknowned choreographer christopher wheeldon, 42, who started his career at the royal ballet school, orchestrated a magnificent 3-hour performance with evoked feelings of curiosity, romanticism, empathy, sensuality, and awe, as we followed the lives of americans living in paris through and immediately after world war ii to the trumpets and trombones of george gershwin's snazzy melodies.

robert fairchild and leanne cope played the roles of the two main characters, jerry and lise, and were both making their broadway debuts. an unbelievable debut it was! there was acting, singing, and incredible dancing. the sets were fairly simply constructed, usually a reconfiguration of scenes on wheels and creative lighting, but never failed to illuminate the city of lights. we were brought to the seine, the eiffel, the grand boulevards, and the cafes. and i could watch leanne cope dance forever ...

i was completely mesmerized by the music, the dance, the voice, the costumes, and the sets. the reviews i read were validated and i hope to find another opportunity to revisit this show once more, perhaps with my mom and sister.

and for a little taste of gershwin ~~~ here is an excerpt of the 1951 gene kelly performance of an american in paris. it makes me want to be held and dance!