An American in Paris

An American soldier, an alluring French woman, and an indomitable European city each yearn for a new beginning in the aftermath of World War II. Inspired by the Academy Award winning 1951 film, An American in Paris features an enchanting score by George and Ira Gershwin, a fresh, sophisticated book by Tony nominee and Pulitzer Prize finalist Craig Lucas, and stunning choreography from tap to ballet that will sweep you off your feet!

Music and Lyrics

GEORGE GERSHWIN AND IRA GERSHWIN

Book by

CRAIG LUCAS

Originally produced on Broadway by
STUART OKEN VAN KAPLAN ROYFURMAN

By special arrangement with
Elephant Eye Theatrical & Pittsburgh CLO and Théâtre du Châtelet

Running Time

APPROXIMATELY

2 HOURS, 30 MINUTES

with INTERMISSION

Director / Choreographer

JEFFRY DENMAN

Music Director

DAVID LAMOUREUX

Honorary Producer

JOAN WELLS

Associate Producers

GLORIA DEUKMEJIAN

KELLY JANOUSEK

Youth Performance Sponsors

EVALYN M. BAUER FOUNDATION

DON BLACK & JUDY MCNULTY BLACK

JANICE FISCHER & JACK VAN HORN

SHARON KIRKPATRICK

CRAIG MCMANIGAL

FRANK & MARGIE NEWELL

BEN & NORENA THOMPSON

This show is rated PG.
Language
None.
Sexual Innuendo
None.
Drugs and Alcohol
Some.

Violence
None.
Mature Content
Some.


Reviews


“If you are equally ignorant of the subject at hand, I recommend you stop reading this immediately and buy a ticket to this show (right now — go!), because there is no bliss quite like being taken completely unawares by great art — which is what Musical Theatre West is bringing us here on absolutely every level. – This is musical theatre firing on all cylinders.”

Imaan Jalali, LA Excites

read whole review here

“…This updated take on the classic musical combines the elegance of the original Broadway musical with the magic of the movie…”

Shari Barrett, Culver City News

read whole review here

“…An opening night showgoer said that “An American in Paris” is the “best show we’ve seen at Musical Theatre West,” and another first-time MTW attendee shared that “the cast is incredible, and there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house!” …”

The Show Report

read whole review here

“…The production doesn’t just look gorgeous, it also sounds absolutely gorgeous, too. … And, yes, the dance numbers here are, as expected, just spectacular….”

Broadway World Los Angeles

read whole review here

“The cast of Musical Theatre West’s production is simply outstanding.”

Sean McMullen, Press Telegram

read whole review here


Video



Photo Gallery



Cast


* = Denotes a member of Actors’ Equity, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

Sareen Tchekmedyian* (Lise Dassin) is overjoyed to be making her MTW debut! Credits: Anastasia 1st National Tour; Barak Ballet: Wein, The Queen has Arrived; Sarasota Ballet: works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Sir Frederick Ashton; Circus Arts Sarasota: Aerial Straps Ballet Act. Sareen is a first-generation Armenian American from Huntington Beach with a BA in Performing Arts from the LEAP Program at St. Mary’s College. Thank you family, friends and Derik for the constant support and the creative team for trusting me with this beautiful role. @sareentchek

 

 

 

Luke Hawkins* (Jerry Mulligan) is thrilled to return to Musical Theatre West, having played the role of Will in Oklahoma! 2013.  Broadway:  Xanadu; Harry Connick Jr’s A Tribute to Cole Porter. Regional Favorites: Huck, Big River; Action, West Side Story; Ren, Footloose; Burt, Mary Poppins; Don Lockwood, Singin’ In The Rain; Phil Davis, White Christmas. Cirque du Soleil Banana Spheel; Joya.  TV: 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; 2015 Tony Awards; “The Colbert Report”; “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon”; “Maisel”. Film: Hail, Caesar! Clear Talent, SAG/AFTRA/AEA/AGVA/SDC @luketaps.

 

Louis Pardo* (Adam Hochberg) is elated to be joining Musical Theatre West in this beautiful work of art. He was last seen in the original musical We Ain’t Ever Gonna Break Up: The Hymon and Parfunkel Story at Chance Theater, which he wrote book, music, and lyrics for with friend/writing partner Gregg Hammer. His favorite credits include: The Grammy nominated West Side Story, The San Francisco Symphony, Hair; The Hollywood Bowl, A Year with Frog and Toad; South Coast Rep. Louis would like to thank his friends and family for never losing faith and helping him believe.

Michael Bullard* (Henri Baurel) is thrilled to be back at MTW for a third production after recently performing in Cinderella and 9 to 5. Broadway: Aladdin (u/s Iago, Omar). Tours: Aladdin 1st National, West Side Story International (Baby John). Regional: Closer Than Ever (Coachella Valley Repertory), West Side Story (Papermill Playhouse), Guys & Dolls and La Cage Aux Folles (Goodspeed Opera House), The Music Man (Ogunquit Playhouse). Wagner College: B.A. in Theatre Performance and Minor in Dance. Originally from Saranac Lake, NY. Love to my fiancé, Tim. IG: @themichaelbullard

 

Leslie Stevens* (Madame Baurel) played Ariel (Ann Margaret role) in the US Premiere (Ogunquit) & West Coast Premiere (La Mirada) of Grumpy Old Men, a musical version of the comedy classic film.  Favorite stage roles so far include Roxie in Chicago, Diana in Lend Me A Tenor, Masha in Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike, Lola in Damn Yankees with SDMT, Sally Slaton in Parade and Cinderella’s Stepmother in Into The Wood with 3-D Theatricals. This is her first time with MTW mainstage – though she had a great time playing Rita in Steel Pier with MTW’s Reiner Reading Series. On Broadway, she originated the role of Anne in La Cage Aux Folles and appeared in Victor/Victoria with Julie Andrews. A life-long dancer, Leslie was a soloist with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, the Dayton Ballet and in many mainstage productions with the LA Opera. On-camera work includes TV, short films and lead roles in Features “Threshold “Troubled Child.  Leslie is also a Choreographer, Associate Director, Librettist, Teacher and Screenwriter. She has loving support from hamster, Bear, and husband, Forrest. www.lesliestevens.net

 

 

Rebecca Johnson* (Milo Davenport) is thrilled to be back at MTW!  You might remember that red hair from Big Fish, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Young Frankenstein and White Christmas to name a few.  And you might’ve caught her on shows like “Community”, “The Mindy Project”, “Black Monday”, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “Mixed-Ish”, “The Big Bang Theory”, and most recently “I Think You Should Leave”.  In her spare time, she’s planning a wedding and trying not to kill her house plants.  Love to Jake & Finn.

 

 

Liza Piccoli* (Ensemble, Dance Captain) is thrilled to be making her Musical Theatre West debut! She is a graduate of Point Park University’s dance program and currently based in NYC. Other regional credits include A Chorus Line, Kinky Boots, Chicago, An American In Paris, Jersey Boys, 42nd Street (Music Theatre Wichita). Liza is also a songwriter and her debut single “Close” is available on all music streaming platforms. Thank you to the friends and family that have been so supportive in every endeavor! Instagram: @liza.piccoli

 

 

Martin Kildare* (Ensemble, Monsieur Baurel, Store Manager) MTW: Higgins in My Fair Lady, Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid. Broadway: The Lion King, A Raisin in the Sun, Timon of Athens, The Government Inspector, The Herbal Bed. National Tour: Mamma Mia!  Off-Broadway: Pride’s Crossing, Honor and the River, Candida.  Locally: Laguna Playhouse, South Coast Rep, A Noise Within, La Mirada, 3D Theatricals. Regionally: Over 20 major companies. Film and TV: “Palm Springs”, “The Sterling Affairs”, “NCIS”, “grown-ish”, “Superstore”, “Desperate Housewives”, “Law & Order”, “Big Love,” and many others.

 

 

Spencer Ramirez* (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Musical Theatre West debut! He is a graduate of The Juilliard School and former member of the Mark Morris Dance Group. Regional credits: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (The MUNY); An American in Paris (Ogunquit); Mamma Mia!, Newsies, and Shrek (Tuacahn Amphitheater). Off-Broadway: The Girl With the Alkaline Eyes by Chase Brock. Thank you to my MTA family and now to my MTW family!

 

 

Nicholas Sipes* (Ensemble) Training: Baltimore School For the Arts, School of American Ballet. Companies: Pennsylvania Ballet, The Metropolitan Opera, LA Opera, Company XIV, Laurie Sefton Creates. Broadway: Billy Elliot the Musical (Older Billy/Ensemble). Tours: Billy Elliot the Musical 2nd National (Older Billy/Ensemble). West Side Story International (Geetar). City Center- Encores: On Your Toes (Ivan). TV/Film:The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”. Campaigns: Estée Lauder, Zara Man. Love and thanks to my family and GTA. Follow my journey on IG: @nicholas.sipes

 

 

Giovanni Da Silva* (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Musical Theatre West Debut. Recent Credits include: Kinky Boots, Anne of Green Gables (Goodspeed Opera House), A Chorus Line (International Tour), New York City Opera (Principal Dancer), Leonard Bernstein’s Candide (European Tour), La Cage Aux Folles (Geva Theater Center), West Side Story (Virginia Repertory Theater). Originally from Los Angeles, California and graduate of Syracuse University BFA Musical Theater. Much love to the entire cast, crew, and creative team. Muito amor, mae e Pai eu ti amo. Social: @giovannidsilva

 

Ryan Perry Marks (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his MTW debut in An American in Paris! Credits include: National Tour – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Charlie). Regional – Mary Poppins (Bert) at Performance Riverside, Newsies (Race) at 3D Theatricals and 5-Star Theatricals, Young Frankenstein (Felix, u/s Igor) at McCoy-Rigby Ent./La Mirada, Gypsy (Tulsa). International – One Man’s Dream II at Tokyo Disney Resort. Classical Ballet – Giselle (Albrecht), La Bayadere (Solor), Cinderella (Prince Charming). Endless gratitude to his incredibly supportive family, friends, and Natalie at LA Talent! IG: @ryanperrymarks

 

 

Antoine Lee (Ensemble) has done 4 Mainstage shows with MTW, including Something Rotten! and Ragtime. Other credits include CAGES DTLA, BTS 2020 Billboard Performance, and “The Choe Show”. Dance company credits include Olney Ballet, Bowen McCauley, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and the Merce Cunningham Repertory Understudy Group. Thank you for supporting American Theatre. IG: @AntoineIsHereForYou

 

 

Brandon Halvorsen* (Ensemble) TV/Film: Bite Size Halloween ep. “Ride Or Die” (Hulu), “Koreatown Ghost Story” with Margaret Cho which has won 120+ awards, Where No One Lives, and more! Regional: Mamma Mia!, Beauty and the Beast, Newsies (McCoy Rigby); Hairspray (The Muny); West Side StoryNewsies (The LEX); Newsies (PCPA – West Coast Premiere); Newsies (5-Star); CATS (PVPA). Big thanks to my amazing team at Avalon Artists Group, this cast and creative team, MTW, and all my friends and family. Elon University alum. Proud AEA member. Instagram: @brandostar

 

Quintan Craig* (Ensemble) Q is so proud to be back home at Musical Theatre West! Recent Credits: Cinderella, u/s Prince Topher (MTW) Grease, u/s Rodger/Doody (MTW), Ragtime, Dance Captain (MTW), 42nd Street, Billy Lawlor (3D Theatricals), Something Rotten!, Ensemble (MTW). He can also be heard on MTI’s recordings of Chicago (Billy Flynn), West Side Story (Riff), and Newsies (Jack/Romeo). Quintan is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville, TN. All my love to Vee and the Fam Bam. Hangin’ a star on this for Nana. @Quintan_Craig

Liliana Rodriguez (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Musical Theatre West debut! Regional: How The Grinch Stole Christmas! (The Old Globe), Sunday In The Park With George (CCAE Theatricals) Something Rotten!, On Your Feet! (Moonlight Amphitheatre), In The Heights, Catch Me If You Can, All Shook Up (SDMT), I Too Sing America and 1968: Revolution Remastered (Goodman Theatre). Education: AA in Musical Theatre, Grossmont College. Thanks to the cast and creative team! Much love to Anthony, her family and her dogs. lilianarodriguez.org, @lilianarodriguez_10 on Instagram.

 

 

Katie Marshall (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back with MTW on the CPAC stage! Previous MTW credits include Holiday Inn, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Guys and Dolls, and Do Re Mi (Reiner Reading Series). Other credits include A Chorus Line (Welk Resorts Theatre), West Side Story (Moonlight Amphitheatre), Young Frankenstein (SDMT), and The Disneyland Resort. She currently dances with Reborn Dance Interactive, FUSE Dance Company, and Emergent Dance Company, and teaches and choreographs locally in LA and Orange Counties. All my love to my amazing family.

 

 

Emma Park (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her MTW debut! Recent credits include A Chorus Line and Something Rotten! at the Moonlight Amphitheatre. She would like to thank Jeffry, David, and the rest of the creative team for the opportunity to perform in her dream show, and her family for their support!

 

 

Samantha Bell (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her musical theater debut! Former principal dancer with Oakland Ballet and soloist with State Street Ballet, where she toured across the US and China. Additional dance credits: ARC Dance Seattle, Menlowe Ballet, Opera Santa Barbara, Anaheim Ballet, Disneyland, Youth America Grand Prix bronze medalist classical division and NYC finalist. TV: CW’s Masters of Illusion; MTV Video Music Awards. Film: In Plain Sight. UCSB BA graduate. Deepest gratitude to my family, coaches and friends for believing in me.

 

Bianca Brandon (Ensemble) is a Virginia native who danced competitively & was a gymnast all through middle and high school. She trained since the age of two in various technical styles, Tap, Jazz, Acro and Contemporary are her favorites. A graduate with a BFA from Point Park University in Dance & a minor in Broadcasting. Some of her credits include faculty on Abby Lee Dance Company, Disney Cruise Line, Disney’s Tale of the Lion King at Disneyland , In The Heights, So You Think You Can Dance, “Sheetz”, and more. She is also currently a judge for various dance competitions & conventions.

 

Matti Endsley (Ensemble) began her ballet training at age seven with Orlando Ballet.  At twelve, she was admitted into the company’s pre-professional program where she danced four years.  At fifteen she trained in the professional program at Atlanta Ballet.  Professional Theatre: The Fantasticks, Roger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Disney’s Freaky Friday: The Musical, Locomotion, The Wedding Singer, The Producers, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and Lenox Ave. Matti received a BFA in Dance from Point Park University.  You may also find her dancing at Universal Studio Orlando. @mattiendsley

 

Lizzy Sheck* (Ensemble) is very excited to be making her MTW debut! Some of her favorite regional theater credits include: The Winter of Oz Holiday Panto (Dorothy US, *played) Something Rotten! (Ensemble swing/ Portia US), West Side Story (Velma), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Gypsy), The Wizard of Oz (Ensemble). She has also performed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and for Broadway to the Rescue’s “The Big Fat Christmas Show”. Lizzy gives a huge thank you to GTA, her family, and her friends for their support and love!

 

 

 

 

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