Take Your Students to “An American in Paris”

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 17 April 2019 > Pedagogy


The Châtelet Theatre in Paris is re-opening in September and returning to its tradition of putting on large-scale musicals, in their original language. The opening offering is George and Ira Gershwin’s An American in Paris. There are special matinée performances for schools on Thursdays 12 and 19 December at 3 p.m.

An American in Paris was written for cinema. The 1951 film directed by Vincente Minelli and starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron is a classic. It wasn’t until 2014 that a stage version was developed, directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon (Royal Ballet, New York City Ballet). It originally premiered at Châtelet, before storming Broadway, winning four Tony Awards, and has toured internationally to great acclaim.

The stage musical tells the story of American men in post-WW2 Paris, where they are each pursuing their passion — art and music. They, and a French friend, all fall in love with the beautiful dancer Lise, without realising they all love the same person. Some of the film’s greatest hits will be familiar even if you haven’t seen it: "I Got Rhythm" and "They Can't Take That Away From Me" for example became hit songs in their own right.

School Matinées
There will be two special performances just for schools on 12 and 19 December at 3 p.m. Tickets are just 10 euros per pupil and accompanying adults are free.

You can reserve from today on: 01 40 28 28 05.

An American in Paris
Théâtre du Châtelet
28 November 2019-1 January 2020

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