NYTimes.com: A new musical adaptation of “An American in Paris,” the 1951 film where Gene Kelly danced and dazzled to the music of George and Ira Gershwin, will have a world-premiere production in Paris in December 2014, then aim for Broadway in the spring of 2015, the producers announced Thursday.
4 comments:
I find the idea of setting "An American in Paris" in America is not a great idea. The whole point is to have the show set in Paris and that environment is authentic to the show. I don't know how popular this show is going to be when it comes to America. We as Americans like pretty straight forward concepts and entertaining elements when we go to broadway. The show is typically larger than life and also has the appeal for children and younger audiences. I don't think the younger theatre community is going to enjoy this show as much as its competitors due to its older nature. Ballet nothing what it use to be and this show also incorporates a ton of ballet dance numbers that could easily turn off the American audience. I can't wait to see how successful this show is going to be when it comes to America in 2015.
I am very interested in seeing what comes out of this idea. The film is structured very differently than what we consider today as an American musical. This concerns me because this piece should feel like a classic, but I think it will turn out to feel outdated. Another concern is that they will try to incorporate new technology into the production causing it to look too modern. None the less, I think if was done correctly with the right people the production there is a lot of potential for a hit!
This was one of my favorite movies growing up. My parents have told me that when I was little I watched it every single week at least once. I'm a huge fan of all of Gene Kelly's movies and I have always hoped to see one of them performed live. It is beyond me why Singing in the Rain has not yet become an often performed stage musical, but I am excited to see An American in Paris hit the stage. It seems like they are working hard to make it as wonderful as the movie was. Now how long until it comes through Pittsburgh?
My good friend Nathan has been cast in this production and we have recently been discussing this show and the potential of bringing it to Broadway. It has been said that the show WILL move from Paris to NYC, and I would definitely love to see that. I think that this movie is something that will greatly transfer to the stage and that placing it's debut in Paris is going to help make it all the more authentic. I think this show will be stunning because of the nature of the ballet that is being worked in to the production. This is something that we are must less used to on a Broadway stage these days, and although I don't know if it will be something that younger audiences will enjoy, I can guarantee that the older generations will be flocking to Broadway and to Paris to see this! I personally cannot wait to see this show onstage.
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