An American in Paris (ballet)

An American in Paris is a one-act ballet choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, to the eponymous music by George Gershwin, costumes designed by Holly Hynes, sets designed by Adrianne Lobel and lighting designed by Natasha Katz. The ballet premiered on May 4, 2005 at the New York State Theater. Wheeldon later directed and choreographed the musical adaptation of the An American in Paris film.

An American in Paris
ChoreographerChristopher Wheeldon
MusicGeorge Gershwin
PremiereMay 4, 2005 (2005-05-04)
New York State Theater
Original ballet companyNew York City Ballet
DesignHolly Hynes
Adrianne Lobel
Natasha Katz

Production

Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon was first invited to choreograph the musical version of the film An American in Paris, though the project was abandoned. Wheeldon, who said George Gershwin's orchestral piece of the same name was "a great piece of classical music" in addition to being a film score, decided to make a ballet version instead.[1]

On the choreography, Wheeldon said he wanted to create a more "balleticize" version with his own choreography, as the film's choreography is simple and uninteresting, but the cinematography made the film work on screen. He said he considered to have one of the dancers be off pointe, but went against it as it is a ballet.[1] The set, designed by Adrianne Lobel,[2] was inspired by Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso.[3] Holly Hynes and Natasha Katz were brought in to design costumes and lighting respectively.[4]

An American in Paris premiered on May 4, 2005 at the New York State Theater, the three lead roles were originated by Carla Körbes, Jenifer Ringer and Damian Woetzel, and Andrea Quinn conducted the orchestra. The ballet received mixed reviews.[5] The reviewer for The New York Times wrote that Wheeldon was "clever in capturing idealized Paris street life" though "the dance never quite coheres."[2] Another Times reviewer wrote that the scenes were unmemorable but "well crafted that the overall result is amiable entertainment."[5] Wheeldon later claimed he "never felt entirely happy" with the ballet.[3]

Musical
Further information: An American in Paris (musical)

Wheeldon later went on to direct and choreograph musical adaptation of the An American in Paris film, which was Wheeldon's directorial debut.[3] The musical opened at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris in 2014,[6] Palace Theatre, Broadway in 2015,[7] and Dominion Theatre, West End in 2017.[8] NYCB principal dancer Robert Fairchild and Royal Ballet's Leanne Cope originated the roles Jerry Mulligan and Lise Dassin respectively. Wheeldon was awarded the Tony Award for Best Choreography.[9]

References
  1. "Hey, Gene Kelly, You've Got Competition". The New York Times. May 1, 2015.
  2. Rockwell, John (May 6, 2005). "An Elegant Audience, Certainly, and Five Premieres". The New York Times.
  3. Sulcas, Roslyn (March 5, 2015). "Christopher Wheeldon Directs 'An American in Paris' on Broadway". The New York Times.
  4. "An American in Paris". New York City Ballet.
  5. Anderson, Jack (May 12, 2005). "A Celebration of Romantic and Comedic Joy". The New York Times.
  6. Beardsley, Eleanor (December 25, 2014). "The French Go Crazy For 'An American In Paris'". NPR.
  7. Seibert, Brian (April 17, 2015). "Christopher Wheeldon's 'An American in Paris' Brings Ballet Values to Broadway". The New York Times.
  8. Billington, Michael (March 21, 2017). "An American in Paris five-star review – Minnelli musical becomes theatrical gold". The Guardian.
  9. Mackrell, Judith (June 8, 2015). "Christopher Wheeldon's leap from ballet to Broadway". The Guardian.
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