An American in Paris on Broadway MORE than exceeded everything I could have imagined!
What a delightful evening!
For me, it was an evening to celebrate my daughter's 9th birthday and I don't think I could have picked a better show with which to do so!!
It all started with an email from Audience Rewards, the Broadway Loyalty program that allows the accrual of points for every show for which tickets are purchased.
I had earned enough points to select two free play tickets! With three shows from which to choose, one of these happened to be An American in Paris.
As I contemplated the trio of options before me - two of which were mature subject matters - it dawned on me that An American in Paris would be a good choice for a Broadway Night out with my daughter Kelsey, whose birthday was upcoming.
I'll be honest, this show was not on the top of list of "must see" Broadway. But, presented with the opportunity to garner two free tickets, it moved up the ranks quickly.
What a delightful evening!
For me, it was an evening to celebrate my daughter's 9th birthday and I don't think I could have picked a better show with which to do so!!
It all started with an email from Audience Rewards, the Broadway Loyalty program that allows the accrual of points for every show for which tickets are purchased.
I had earned enough points to select two free play tickets! With three shows from which to choose, one of these happened to be An American in Paris.
As I contemplated the trio of options before me - two of which were mature subject matters - it dawned on me that An American in Paris would be a good choice for a Broadway Night out with my daughter Kelsey, whose birthday was upcoming.
I'll be honest, this show was not on the top of list of "must see" Broadway. But, presented with the opportunity to garner two free tickets, it moved up the ranks quickly.
And in a word, what did I think of this show? Unfortunately, I need more than one word: S'wonderful! S'marvelous! and downright CAPTIVATING!
The performances were absolutely spectacular!! The dancing was so amazing - it was as if the performers were floating on the stage - no wonder, Christopher Wheeldon won a Tony Award for Best Choreography!.
Of course, when you start with a score by Ira and George Gershwin, you are already well poised for a great evening.
The magic of this production was largely a result of the exquisite dancing and staging that could only be described as enchanting.
Gentle and flowing romantically through the air, as if in slow motion, Christopher Wheeldon's choreography and ballet background could not have been applied more beautifully to the live stage production of this classic 1951 film.
Of course, when you start with a score by Ira and George Gershwin, you are already well poised for a great evening.
The magic of this production was largely a result of the exquisite dancing and staging that could only be described as enchanting.
Gentle and flowing romantically through the air, as if in slow motion, Christopher Wheeldon's choreography and ballet background could not have been applied more beautifully to the live stage production of this classic 1951 film.
Watching the leads, Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope glide effortlessly across the stage, it was clear that both performers were professional ballet dancers. Combined with Mr. Wheeldon's choreography, it was dazzling to behold.
An impeccable and polished cast made An American in Paris a truly mesmerizing evening for both me and my nine year old!
An impeccable and polished cast made An American in Paris a truly mesmerizing evening for both me and my nine year old!
As if the dancing wasn't enough, the lighting and special affects implemented on stage were so creative that I felt the sensation of literally being inside a movie. The use of animation was clever and innovative, as were the simple, yet effective sets.
The costumes, with their elegant flair captured both the sophistication of the city within which this play is set, with both muted and vibrant hues, while simultaneously exhibiting the style of the post World War II era. Bob Crowley's work shines as bright as the Eiffel Tower itself for his amazing design of both the sets and costumes.
The story, the same as its 1951 film counterpart, features Jerry Mulligan (Robert Fairchild), an American ex-GI who stays in post-war Paris to become a painter. He falls for the lovely and somewhat mysterious Lise Bouvier (Leanne Cope).
Although he is smitten with Ms. Bouvier, his paintings come to the attention of Milo Roberts, a rich American heiress, who is hoping for a love relationship. And so the story goes with its ups and downs and reveals along the way. Ever romantic, with witty dialog and wonderful chemistry between the cast members.
Now, as far as children go, I will say that because of the era within which An American in Paris is set, it required a bit of explanation here and there to my nine year old, who did not understand the post-war and post-Nazi occupation of Paris, to which there were numerous references.
But, the music, dancing and charming performances drew her right into the story, to which she proudly predicted the ending half-way through!
The location of our seats, also helped make this a marvelous experience. I had requested Orchestra seats when placing my ticket order, and the seats we wound up with were incredible.
Located right of center in the first two seats off the aisle in Row N, these seats were positioned in a small "box" area within the Palace Theatre that was slightly elevated.
With no obstructions to our view, it was perfect for my birthday girl and there was no need for a booster seat!!
Just a beautifully done production, all around! A definite Broadway Must-See!
-Elisa
The costumes, with their elegant flair captured both the sophistication of the city within which this play is set, with both muted and vibrant hues, while simultaneously exhibiting the style of the post World War II era. Bob Crowley's work shines as bright as the Eiffel Tower itself for his amazing design of both the sets and costumes.
The story, the same as its 1951 film counterpart, features Jerry Mulligan (Robert Fairchild), an American ex-GI who stays in post-war Paris to become a painter. He falls for the lovely and somewhat mysterious Lise Bouvier (Leanne Cope).
Although he is smitten with Ms. Bouvier, his paintings come to the attention of Milo Roberts, a rich American heiress, who is hoping for a love relationship. And so the story goes with its ups and downs and reveals along the way. Ever romantic, with witty dialog and wonderful chemistry between the cast members.
Now, as far as children go, I will say that because of the era within which An American in Paris is set, it required a bit of explanation here and there to my nine year old, who did not understand the post-war and post-Nazi occupation of Paris, to which there were numerous references.
But, the music, dancing and charming performances drew her right into the story, to which she proudly predicted the ending half-way through!
The location of our seats, also helped make this a marvelous experience. I had requested Orchestra seats when placing my ticket order, and the seats we wound up with were incredible.
Located right of center in the first two seats off the aisle in Row N, these seats were positioned in a small "box" area within the Palace Theatre that was slightly elevated.
With no obstructions to our view, it was perfect for my birthday girl and there was no need for a booster seat!!
Just a beautifully done production, all around! A definite Broadway Must-See!
-Elisa
For Your Reference
An American in Paris
The Palace Theatre
1564 Broadway
(Broadway and 47th Street)
New York, NY 10036
An American in Paris
The Palace Theatre
1564 Broadway
(Broadway and 47th Street)
New York, NY 10036
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