London is set to welcome the classic musical An American in Paris, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning new musical at the Dominion Theatre from March 2017. With tickets now on sale, the musical tells the story of Jerry Mulligan, an American GI striving to make it as a painter in a city bursting with hope and possibility. Following a chance encounter with a young dancer named Lise, the streets of Paris become the backdrop to a ‘modern romance of art, friendship and love in the aftermath of war’.
An American in Paris is inspired by the Oscar® winning film of the same name, and features the timeless music and lyrics of George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin. It will head to London and burst onto the West End stage for the first time next year, with the official opening night on 21 March 2017 (with preview performances from 4 March). An American in Paris features many of George and Ira Gershwin’s most iconic songs including I Got Rhythm, ‘S Wonderful, and They Can’t Take That Away From Me.
The multi award-winning musical will again be choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, who will also be directing An American in Paris. The internationally renowned, British-born Wheeldon, recipient of the Tony Award 2015: Best Choreographer for this production, is an Artistic Associate of the Royal Ballet. Wheeldon received an OBE in the 2016 New Year’s Honours, highlighting his work in the industry.
Wheeldon’s reinvention of the MGM film, which originally starred Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, premiered in 2014 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris to ecstatic reviews before transferring to The Palace Theatre on Broadway, where it is now in its second hit year, becoming the most awarded musical of the 2015/16 season. Fresh from originating their roles on Broadway, Robert Fairchild (New York City Ballet Principal dancer) will play Jerry Mulligan and Leanne Cope (British Royal Ballet dancer) will play Lise Dassin. The pair will be making their West End debuts, and will lead a company of over 50 other actors, dancers and musicians.