If you love Paris like I do, you’ll be delighted to be transported back in time to 1940’s Paris in this reimagined rendition of “An American in Paris” by Musical Theatre West. I took my little ballerina to it’s Parisian-inspired red carpet opening night. This charming musical with the setting in post WWll streets of Paris is a romantic story filled with tap, ballet, and jazz and is appropriate for all ages.
It was a beautiful production with so much emotion expressed through dance movements. We were mesmerized by the graceful dancing and the jazz music and songs were nostalgic and fantastic. We were impressed with the dance choreography and how it was performed perfectly by expert dancers. The dance numbers complimented the acting and music, and was effective in communicating the feelings of the characters well. The duet of tap and ballet was refreshing and fun!
This musical is a story about a young American soldier, Jerry, and a lovely Parisian girl ,Lise, who both face new beginnings in the newly-liberated Paris. Jerry’s life becomes complicated when he realizes he is not her only suitor… what a perfect story to be swept away with on a date night or in my case, a special mother daughter time with my tween.
“An American in Paris” is here from April 14 through April 30, 2023 at Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.musical.org .
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WHAT:
Take a trip to Paris as it comes to life post-World War II with tap, jazz, ballet, and a romance for the ages! Long Beach’s premier musical theater company, Musical Theatre West (MTW), is excited to debut its spring production of An American in Paris this April. The charming musical will have audiences falling in love alongside Lise and Jerry as they learn about each other through their unique languages of dance. A reimagined rendition of the musical, award-winning Director and Choreographer Jeffry Denman is bringing his updated staging of the production to the West Coast for the first time, including a revolving stage. MTW’s production of An American in Paris will run on select dates, April 14 – April 30, 2023 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the California State University, Long Beach campus. Get ready for this uplifting and inspired production and prepare to be swept away for an incredible night out in Paris, right here in Long Beach! To purchase tickets and learn more, please visit musical.org.
DETAILS:
In the aftermath of World War II, the streets of Paris will capture the energy and spirit of post-war France in a once-in-a-lifetime romance drawn to life in Musical Theatre West’s production of An American in Paris. Based on the hit 1951 movie starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, this updated take on the classic musical combines the elegance of the original Broadway musical with the magic of the movies. George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin’s soaring melodies and memorable lyrics leave the audience enchanted by favorites like “‘S Wonderful,” “Shall We Dance?”, and “I Got Rhythm.” Jazz, tap, ballet, and a rotating set will all grace the stage in Director/Choreographer Jeffry Denman’s fresh look at the classic tale, which pays homage to the original film. Lise and Jerry’s story invites the audience to step back in time to see how love conquers all. The emotional dances express the musicality of the story, and combine with the fan-favorite score to enhance the magic. More information, a full line-up of performances, and additional details can be found at https://musical.org/an-american-in-paris-2/
WHEN:
- April 15, Saturday: 8:00 pm
- April 16, Sunday: 1:00 pm
- April 20, Thursday: 7:30 pm
- April 21, Friday: 8:00 pm (ASL Night)
- April 22, Saturday: 2:00 pm / 8:00 pm
- April 23, Sunday: 1:00 pm / 6:00 pm
- April 28, Friday: 8:00 pm
- April 29, Saturday: 2:00 pm / 8:00 pm
- April 30, Sunday: 1:00 pm
WHERE:
- Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach
6200 E Atherton St, Long Beach, CA 90815
TICKETS:
- Tickets are available now and range from $20 – $125. Purchase online or call 562-856-1999
- $15 student rush tickets available at the door 1-hour prior to showtime, with ID
- ASL-interpreted performance will be Friday, April 21
ABOUT MUSICAL THEATRE WEST
The story of Musical Theatre West is the 71-year journey from a group of volunteers performing in a high school auditorium to one of the largest and most respected theatrical production companies in Southern California. Utilizing professional talent, and producing regional and even world premiere musicals while continuing to honor the tradition of classic musical theatre, MTW is the largest arts producer in the Long Beach area. The company continues to receive critical acclaim and national recognition – and many performers who cut their teeth on the MTW stage have gone on to successful careers on Broadway and in television and film. Just as importantly, stage and screen veterans now come to Musical Theatre West to perform, finding it to be one of the friendliest and most fun venues to work in. A key aspect of the company is its dedication to education, and the Education and Outreach Programs of Musical Theatre West bring the joy and magic of musical theater to over 17,000 children each year through special morning performances, traveling shows and school assemblies, and the Summer Youth Conservatory. Musical Theatre West has a mission to enrich the community with Broadway-quality productions, preserve musical theatre as a unique American art form, and expose people of all backgrounds to the excitement of musical theatre. We hope you’ll join us.
An American in Paris
Book by Craig Lucas
Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Originally produced on Broadway by Stuart Oken Van Kaplan Royfurman
Direction and Choreography by Jeffry Denman
Music Direction by David Lamoureux
Special arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical & Pittsburgh CLO and Théâtre du Châtelet
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