As a young ballerina, immersed in the world of classical ballet, the prospect of seeing "An American in Paris" was met with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Excitement, because this ballet, set to the glorious music of George Gershwin, promised a fresh, dynamic, and distinctly American experience. Apprehension, because I was apprehensive that this American musical would lack the sophistication and artistry that I cherished in classical ballets.
However, the moment the curtain rose on the dazzling opening scene, my fears were quickly dispelled. The choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, a renowned ballet choreographer, seamlessly intertwined classical balletic techniques with the vibrant energy and jazz-infused rhythms of the American musical. It was a captivating spectacle, bursting with colour and life. The dancers, all of whom possessed incredible technical prowess and interpretive depth, brought a profound humanity to their roles.
The story, while simple, was deeply moving. A young American soldier, Jerry Mulligan, played with charisma and effortless grace by the captivating Robert Fairchild, finds himself lost in the post-war Parisian landscape. He is surrounded by beautiful Parisian women, with the vivacious and alluring Lise, brilliantly danced by the sublime Sarah Lane, becoming his true love. His journey is a poignant reflection of finding solace, love, and new purpose in the aftermath of conflict.
However, the heart of the production lay in the glorious music of George Gershwin. Each score, from the iconic "An American in Paris" to the melancholic "Embraceable You," was brilliantly woven into the fabric of the ballet. It wasn’t merely background music, but an integral part of the storytelling, driving the emotion, enhancing the visual narratives and elevating the dancing.
Highlights:- **The opening scene:** The swirling colours, the vibrant costumes, the sweeping camerawork, all intertwined with the powerful music of the overture, set a perfect stage for the drama that unfolds. The iconic blue car was an instant emblem, an emblem of the time period and Jerry’s ambition, that was instantly recognizable for all the viewers in the theatre.
- **Jerry and Lise’s duets:** These intimate and emotionally charged moments were masterfully choreographed. Wheeldon allowed Fairchild and Lane to express a tender love, with their elegant lines and effortless artistry.
- **The Bal du Château:** This scene was a dazzling explosion of energy. The dancers were exuberant, the costumes stunning and the set breathtaking.
- **The ending scene:** The poignant finale, set to “Concerto in F,” a perfect marriage of jazz and classical elements, left me utterly transfixed.
The performances were truly remarkable. Robert Fairchild was exceptional as Jerry, his raw energy and emotional vulnerability were captivating. He seamlessly blended the strength and elegance of ballet with the expressiveness of musical theatre. Sarah Lane was the perfect Lise, she exuded a vivacious spirit, with an ethereal quality to her dance, that reflected the romantic and poetic beauty of the city of Paris. It is easy to understand why these dancers were handpicked by Christopher Wheeldon.
Beyond the technical brilliance and the beautiful sets, the real triumph of "An American in Paris" was its ability to transcend genre. It was not just a ballet, it was not just a musical, it was a truly evocative and deeply human experience. The seamless integration of classical ballet and American musical, the exquisite choreography, the exceptional performances, and the unparalleled musical genius of George Gershwin combined to create an unforgettable theatrical experience that will stay with me long after the curtain falls.