Gigi vs. An American in Paris?

[sctrojan65]

Posted: 3/31/15 at 4:22pm

With only one time slot available on my itinerary, I would like to see one of these shows. Can't see both, unfortunately.
Which show seems to be getting more buzz in previews there in NY?
I've been looking over the boards here and it seems that I see nice comments made about both.
But I've also seen such words as "boring" and "dull," as well, aimed at both of them.
Personally, I like both movies, and I like the music from both.
If anyone has seen both and can give their thoughts as to which stands out more to them that would be great.
For those who've seen one but maybe not the other, any insight as to word on the street about how they compare?
I do tend to like a lot of good choreography, and it seems Paris has more of that. But I could be wrong.
Thanks.

[Bilbo3]

Posted: 3/31/15 at 4:53pm

Have you seen On The Town yet? It's better than both of those put together. But if you have to pick Gigi or AIP, I'd go with American in Paris.

Updated On: 3/31/15 at 04:53 PM

[sctrojan65]

Posted: 3/31/15 at 5:03pm

Thanks, Bilbo! Appreciate the insight.

And I'm actually seeing OTT this Saturday night. Looking forward to it.

[loliveve]

Posted: 3/31/15 at 5:06pm

"An American in Paris" does have beautiful ballet choreography, and I would say that the choreography is stronger in that show than "Gigi."

Personally, "An American in Paris" made me think during and after the show about WWII and its effect on people's lives after the war, while "Gigi" was more lighthearted fun-- especially the song "The Night They Invented Champagne"!

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 3/31/15 at 5:20pm

Yeah, if dance is your thing AiP seems like the easy choice (director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon may not be getting much praise for his directing of book scenes, but for my money he's the greatest current ballet choreographer out there,) and people seem more impressed with Bergasse's choreo for OTT which you're seeing than his work on Gigi (granted, Gigi is less of a dance show than either OTT or AiP.)

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 3/31/15 at 5:23pm

On the Town and Gigi are 2 shows you shouldn't miss.

[sctrojan65]

Posted: 3/31/15 at 6:12pm

Did you see AIP, muscle? If so, curious what your take on that one was.

And thanks, Eric and loli. I do like seeing good choreography, and even though both AIP and OTT might be dated for some, that doesn't really bother me all that much.

The others I have on tap are Finding Neverland, The Visit, On the Twentieth Century and Something Rotten. Fun Home sounds really good though too and I really like Judy Kuhn. Not sure if I might not replace one of these other four with that one. Probably not The Visit though because having seen Chita Rivera in Kiss of the Spider Woman years ago, I really want to see her again.

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 3/31/15 at 6:38pm

I also saw Chita in Kiss (the tour when I was 12,) and would love to see The Visit.

Obviously my choices mean little as I'm not in NYC to see them, but Fun Home has been the one new musical of the past little while that I've been most excited by (from the CD, etc.) Personally I'd see it instead of Neverland or Rotten--but that speaks just as much to my musical theatre tastes as to anything else.

[sctrojan65]

Posted: 3/31/15 at 6:55pm

Definitely, Eric. I'm in L.A. so I'm relying on the insight of others to get some input on some of these shows that have recently opened. It's always hard to judge what others will like though, so offering suggestions can be tough. Thought I'd just throw it out there to see what people think or what they've heard or experienced personally with these shows. Thanks!

[gcontini2]

Posted: 3/31/15 at 11:57pm

Hi sctrojan65 - I saw both Gigi and AiP, more or less back to back (Saturday and tonight), so maybe this will be useful. First, both pleasantly surprised me that they were MUCH better and more beautiful productions than I would have anticipated. Both have outstanding casts, gorgeous costumes, lighting and scenic design. However, I would have to concur with Loliveve that -- while Gigi is a well-done classic (or classic-looking, since it is a new book) old fashioned musical - there is something MORE to AiP that stays with you both during and afterwards (as in the difference between a nice meal and a great meal)...Not only is there a bit more gravity to the setting and an extraordinary dance component, as would be expected, to the story-telling in AiP, but there are a lot of ingenious scenic elements (interesting spinning sets and projections) that bring something novel to the theater experience...As I say, I was happy with both shows, but AiP struck me as being more unique and more can't miss, if you're comparing the two. Hope this helps! ** Let us know which one you decide to see! :)

[Robbie2]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 12:01am

An American in Paris only for the choreography and Gershwin score

[sctrojan65]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 12:16am

And I do like Gershwin and choreography, Robbie. I think I will enjoy it.
GContini…..it looks like it will indeed be AIP.
Both musicals sound like something I would appreciate, but from your description (and the insight of others on the board), I think AIP will hit all cylinders with me. Your direct comparison was very helpful.
Not seeing it until next week so will check in with my thoughts at that time.
Thanks again, all.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 1:59am

sctrojan65 ^OTT is such a heavily dance driven show but beautifully staged and danced while listening to that glorious Bernstein score played by the lush 30 piece orchestra is a real treat and the Lyric theater is gorgeous.

[sctrojan65]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 2:18am

Can't wait to see it. Thanks! Just hope my cousin gets back to me soon so I can nab these remaining tix for American in Paris now. Must be fairly popular with such limited seating.

[Daddy Warbucks]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 2:19am

Admittedly, I haven't seen either yet, but I'm way more excited about AAiP - the Paris run received across the board raves. I have my tickets for later this month.