Through Sun 7/9
Love Gershwin? Great dancing? Charming actors? A mildly complex love story? Then An American in Paris, now at PlayhouseSquare, will start summer out right and leave you happy, possibly humming “’S Wonderful” and “I Got Rhythm” all week long.
Directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, this excellent production features a well-crafted set that differs little from the Tony Award-winning Broadway show I saw in 2015. The State Theatre is large enough to convey stage magic whether one sits up close (as I did this time) or in the high balcony (where I was for the Broadway show).
In contrast to other fairly recent Broadway shows that decorate a serious or satiric narrative with songs (Fun Home, Rent, Book of Mormon), this one is all about the music, all the time. An American in Paris links melodies by George and Ira Gershwin with dance and a light, romantic story (book by Craig Lucas). The result? A fine musical feast. (Although I did overhear at intermission one patron saying she was confused: “I need more words.” So to those unfamiliar with the 1951 film, which inspired the musical, I suggest taking a look at Gina Vernaci’s thoughtful introduction in the program notes.)
Set in Paris in 1945, the story opens with a lyric evocation, told in dance, of gritty Paris life right after the war, a time when poverty and confusion reigned. Next, we move to a bistro where ex-GI Jerry Mulligan (the romantically handsome, fine-voiced McGee Maddox) meets another American who wants to stay in Paris, limping piano player Adam Hochberg (an appealing Etai Benson). Quickly their lives become entwined with those of aspiring dancer Lise Dassin (beautiful lyric ballerina Sara Esty), Henri Baurel (charming Nick Spangler), Henri’s rich parents (protective mother Gayton Scott and understanding father Don Noble), and wealthy socialite Milo Davenport (played with nuance by Emily Ferranti).
Many dance scenes harken back to the days when huge, fancy numbers were the norm for big Broadway shows. The fantasy sequence designed for “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise,” featuring Benson’s Adam, tossing away his character’s limp to dance, and Spangler’s transformed Henri, now a confident professional (with the help of a stage-filling ensemble) just screams “Spectacle!” and it’s delightful.
For that number and the rest, kudos to Bob Crowley (set and costumes), Natasha Katz (lighting), Jon Weston (sound), 59 Productions (for some amazing illusions), and Rob Fisher (musical score adaption and arrangements). Ensemble members, all of whom dance up a storm, include Karolina Blonski, Brittany Bohn, Stephen Brower, Randy Castillo, Jace Coronado, Alexa De Barr, Ashlee Dupré, Leigh-Ann Esty, Erika Hebron, Christopher M. Howard, Weston Krukow, Marina Lazzaretto, Nathalie Marrable, Tom Mattingly, Caitlin Meighan, Gia Mongell, Don Noble, Sayiga Eugene Peabody, Alexandra Pernice, David Prottas, Danielle Santos, Bradley Schlagheck, Lucas Segovia, Ryan Steele, Kyle Vaughn, Laurie Wells, Dana Winkle, Erica Wong and Blake Zelesnikar.
Conducted by David Andrews Rogers, the small orchestra, hidden away in the pit, does justice to this classic collection of vocal and instrumental music by the talented Gershwin brothers.
BOTTOM LINE: Five stars out of five. Broadway at its flashiest, touching best in a frothy mix of Gershwin, dozens of dancing feet, gorgeous voices and classy sets.
The show runs through Sun 7/9. There will be a Mon 7/3 performance but none on Tue 7/4. For tickets call 216-241-6000 or go to playhousesquare.com.
[Written by Laura Kennelly]
Cleveland, OH 44115