DETROIT — The musical “An American in Paris” debuted at the Detroit Opera House on November 28 and runs through December 10, 2017. This musical is inspired by the Academy Award-winning 1951 film which starred Gene Kelly and featured the music of George and Ira Gershwin.
World War II is over. The Nazis have left the streets. A young American soldier, Jerry Mulligan (McGee Maddox) meets a mysterious French girl, Lise Dassin (Allison Walsh) after he decides to stay in Paris after the war. He becomes a starving artist. Jerry’s buddy, Adam (Matthew Scott) who is a rehearsal pianist, invites Jerry to sketch dancers at a ballet. Lise is one of those dancers.
Milo Davenport (Kirsten Scott) is a rich American woman who persuades Adam to compose a score for a ballet which she wants Lise to star in. She also asks Jerry to design the set. Well Milo lays on the charm and falls in love with Jerry. However, Jerry is more interested in Lise. Jerry convinces Lise to meet him at the park near the water so he can sketch her portrait. She hesitates but then agrees. Jerry eventually falls in love with Lise. He claims that she is his first and only love. However, there is a problem, Lise reveals that she is engaged to Henri (Ben Michael).
In the end, who eventually gets the girl? You will have to see this captivating musical to find that out. I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it for anyone who loves sappy love stories like I do.
There are breathtaking dance routines and state-of-the-art set design, along with classical musical numbers. There are several of Gershwin’s famous tunes such as “The Man I Love” and “Fidgety Feet.” It is directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, a bright light in the ballet world.
The Detroit Opera House is located at 1526 Broadway near Grand Circus Park. Tickets can be purchased from ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-982-2787 or at the Opera House box office.
Overall Rating: A