Are you ready for a night of magic and romance? Hit Broadway musical An American in Paris has finally landed in Melbourne, after dazzling audiences in Brisbane. This four-time Tony Award-winning musical opened to widespread critical acclaim at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris in 2014, and is now taking Melbourne by storm. See it at the Arts Centre’s State Theatre, from March 18 to April 23.
An American in Paris
This musical is truly a sight to behold, with captivating dance numbers, powerful tunes from the famous Gershwins, beautiful set pieces and a timeless love story. Inspired by the 1951 film of the same name, this musical is a marriage between ballet and Broadway.
For those unfamiliar with the movie, An American in Paris takes place after the Second World War. It’s a timeless tale of an artistic American soldier, who falls in love with a French ballet dancer.
This production is a collaboration between GWB Entertainment and The Australian Ballet, and is the Ballet’s first association with musical theatre. Dance becomes a language of its own on stage, and pushes the narrative into new and thrilling heights.
The lead roles of the French dancer Lise and the American soldier Jerry are in the familiar hands of Leanne Cope and Robbie Fairchild. Both Cope and Fairchild have played the characters before, and bring their masterful moves to the stage with grace and expertise. Cope performed the original show in Paris, and was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance. Fairchild made his Broadway debut with the role in 2015, and was also nominated for a Tony.
When Cope and Fairchild aren’t performing, the roles of Lise and Jerry are played by alternates Cameron Holmes and Dimity Azoury, who are both from The Australian Ballet.
Outside of the two leads, the rest of the cast have their fair share of show-stopping moments. The performance of I’ll Build A Stairway To Paradise by Sam Ward and Jonathan Hickey, for example, was absolutely glamourous.
Other notable songs from George and Ira Gershwin also carry the show through its emotional highs and lows. You’ll be sure to hum songs like I Got Rhythm, ‘S Wonderful and They Can’t Take That Away From Me long after the show is over.
For more information about the enchanting show, click here.