AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Reviews — Page 4

I have been posting about this show since I first saw it in Paris. I loved it then and love it even more now that it has gone through various preview revisions. When I first posted I was accused and vilified by some as being a shill and that "they" predict a massive failure, a show that the public would have no interest in. Some of the persons who posted on these BBs clearly had no insight, no writing skills, and a major chip on their shoulder. Were they, are they "wannabes", "jaded theater goers", "failed theater people" who the hell knows, but what was and is amazing is that others on theses BBs read them and made decisions based on NOTHING. I said that there were those who posted here that seemed to be more knowledgeable and insightful then others and I was accused of being self involved and the implications were that "only my point of view was valid" What nonsense!  What I am saying is that any cretin can write on the INTERNET and that includes me. Be judicious and open minded when you read things. I would write the names of the offenders but they are so well known here it would be redundant.  Now, here is what I posted about this show and I stand by it and double my feelings now that it has officially opened. 

"I was there. This show is sharp, sophisticated and elegant. The story has been fleshed in comparison to the film. If you are not ready for a grand super romantic evening filled with the greatest dancing since Jerome Robbins hit the stage, then by all means stay away. If on the other hand you want to see and hear a truly grand production aimed at an adult mentality (that does not mean children would not get caught up in the sheer beauty) please, do not pass this one up. The story is much more complex then the film ever was and the relationships far more interesting, but fundamentally this is a show of pure beauty of dance (emphasis ballet) and timeless Gershwin (which includes many purely orchestral and instrumental works that have never been in a Broadway show)."

Clumsy: What makes 'An American in Paris' better than 'On the Town'? Besides Robert Fairchild's looks? "

 Hey, that Tony Yazbeck isn't bad to look at either, you know. 

I just.. I feel like there's really something special and magical involved with American in Paris that you can't really put words to. On the Town is wonderful, tuneful, and elegant, but I just.. there's something about American in Paris that you just have to see it to feel it and be encompassed by it. Does that make any sense? I also wouldn't say either of them is better than the other, because they're both so different and great at what they do, but American in Paris is just.. really special in my eyes. 

Updated On: 4/13/15 at 06:37 PM

Thanks So much for your post, Curious 3. I was there first night of previews and was totally blown away by this breathtakingly brilliant production. I have seen 100's of shows and this is one of the best and most entertaining ever. I was stunned at all the negative and nasty posts advising people to stay away. Who are these people working for? The audience that night was totally capivated. I felt tremendous vindication when the reviews from actual critics praised it from coast to coast. I don't always agree with critics or The Times, Honeymoon In Vegas, anyone?, but it's all true. This is a landmark achievement for real lovers of great theatre and pure entertainment. It can still happen. I can't wait to see it again.

Updated On: 4/13/15 at 08:04 PM

"It reminds me of how the people on these boards were responding to Aladdin while it was in previews last year. On opening night we were all expecting it to get all these mixed reviews from the critics, but as the reviews actually came in, they were much better than expected!"

 The reviews make we want to return to see NYC

^I pity the folks above who were bored by AN AMERICAN IN PARIS heading instead to THE VISIT for a more -- what? slam-bang entertaining time? Yikes, what a mistake that would be...

I loved ON THE TOWN back when we saw it in September, and it rightly deserves all the kudos it's been getting. But even its biggest boosters will concede that it relies a lot on a form of humor that will be a tough sell to contemporary sensibilities. Dancing: A+. Jokes: C-.

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS has no similar burden since so much more of its story is told in pure song and dance. And as I've been contending for several pages now, the physical production at AAIP boasts one of the most ravishing and imaginative designs to be seen on Broadway in several seasons. It's going for musical romance rather than musical comedy. For me that's a big plus too. This is the show I can't wait to go back to.

Bottom line for me: We are incredibly blessed to have two musicals this season that feature the music of two of our greatest American composers--Gershwin and Bernstein--in musicals with wonderful casts and the kind of glorious dancing you seldom see any more.

That's enough for me to be grateful for.

Just saw this :15 spot for An American in Paris.  The art direction and editing are lovely, but I've gotta ask - is the music we hear in this spot akin to what you hear in the theatre?  I know it's just an excerpt, but this sounds like a large symphonic size orchestra playing that gorgeous music.  I'm still looking forward to catching this show the next time I'm in NY, but unless my ears betray me that can't possibly be the 19 piece pit band playing in this spot.  I know, I know most audiences don't care about orchestras.  I get it. But surely with such a recognizable title with a score by perhaps the most beloved and well known American composer, the music is one of the bigger draws - even for casual theatregoers.  This spot gives one such a sense of a lush, grand aural experience. Overpromising?  Is it common for Broadway shows to use such dramatically augmented orchestras in their promotional spots?  I know this isn't an apples to apples comparison, but imagine if the most recent Night Music revival with its teeny 8 piece band used the 'Night Waltz' from the original cast recording in its commercials.  

Updated On: 4/19/15 at 03:16 AM

I saw it tonight and think it's simply one of the most beautiful shows I've ever seen. It's so elegant and just stunning. I can't even begin to recommend it enough.

" 
Bottom line for me: We are incredibly blessed to have two musicals this season that feature the music of two of our greatest American composers--Gershwin and Bernstein--in musicals with wonderful casts and the kind of glorious dancing you seldom see any more.
That's enough for me to be grateful for.
 "

That we are.

Saw it last night and was absolutely enchanted by it. It's such a charming show and a beautiful score, performed expertly by accomplished dancers.

They have a wonderful supporting cast, too - I wish Veanne Cox had been recognized more, I loved her droll-deadpan delivery. Brandon Uranowitz was wonderful (even though I felt I had just seen the same character in "Beautiful"), and Max von Essen is a charming stage presence. The final ballet is a visual feast.