An American In Paris
Dominion Theatre
21 MARCH - 6 JANUARY 2017
£18 - £122
An American In Paris is a Musical Ballet based on Post-WW2 Paris, adapted from the 1951 Academy Award winning film by Christopher Wheeldon. The storyline runs around three gentlemen who fall for the charms of french dancer Lise. These include her husband-to-be and kind of stepbrother (weird... yes), and two ex American soldiers who are seduced by the freedom of Paris. Both decide to become artists - one choosing a path in music, and the other hoping to become a famous painter.
As is the case with all musicals, the storyline is nothing stellar, however, it is incredibly easy to watch and follow which on the whole makes it a very enjoyable production. The skill of the actors was mainly shown through the dancing - being a ballet, of course, the choreography was set out to be beautiful. However, the ballet here was less classical and seemingly given a modern spin to really help capture and engagae the audience. Annoyingly, we were sat in the front row, therefore missed out on much of the foot action but the overall effect was stunning nonetheless.
I am not usually a Musical Theatre fan per se, as I tend to find a lot of it overbearing and frankly quite cheesy, but this show was great. Yes, it was cheesy, and yes it was very in your face but for some reason this production did this in all the right ways. The costumes were beautiful - dresses which opened as the women span, diamente leotards and headpieces for a traditional cabaret number, tight colourful spandex with abstract shapes for the big dancing ensemble - every piece was original.
The set was also a big plus, although the show saved most of this until the second half. Glamorous and striking, the set changes rapidly in the dance number of the second act, but the scene which stood out most was the backstage set of the ballet show supposedly lead by Lise. The effect on stage felt as if you were genuinely standing backstage - the curtain and audience infront as the performers took a bow and enjoyed post-show bubbly. It was intricate and well thought out; quite like most of the show.
When An American In Paris first premiered it was given five stars by 28 publications. I must say that this really is a proper musical; what you really expect from west end production. Although I am usually averse to musicals, I thoroughly enjoyed this performance for all the right reasons, and for that reason I might have to follow suit.
OVERALL RATING: *****
https://www.anamericaninparisthemusical.co.uk/
