A Gershwin-ner of a Show

An American in Paris – Drury Lane

Five years ago this highly-anticipated stage version of the 1951 Gene Kelly/Leslie Caron musical film classic burst upon Broadway. After playing Paris, New York and the West End, and launching a two-year National Tour that played Chicago, we finally have our own regional production. It is truly magnificent. It’s elegant, romantic, gorgeously produced and beautifully danced and sung. For anyone who adores those classic movie musicals and big, old-fashioned, splashy theatrical productions, this is the show for you.

This adaptation is the fine work of talented playwright Craig Lucas, but the show’s splendor is pure George and Ira Gershwin. The show is almost a jukebox musical in the sense that the score represents some of the best of the brothers’ many fine compositions. It’s an artistic triumph, as directed and choreographed by guest artist, Lynne Kurdziel-Formato, in which every moment becomes a story told through music and movement. Supported by Chris Sargent’s musical direction and finely conducted, richly sounding pit orchestra, the production is a mellifluous masterpiece. Visually enhanced by Karl Green’s stunning, eye-popping costumes, Emily Young’s period hair and wigs and a multilayered Impressionist scenic design by Kevin Depinet, the production is artistically amplified by Lee Fiskness’ dazzling lighting, and some unbelievable moving projections by Kevan Loney, this jaw-dropping production is a feast for both the eyes and ears.

What we’re blessed with is actually a traditional, old-fashioned book musical. Lucas has simply fleshed out the thin plot of the Academy Award-winning film. He’s infused the libretto with an array of additional wise and witty characters to tell this story of love and art. Following the end of WWII, an American soldier named Jerry Mulligan decides to remain in Paris, hoping to nurture his career as a painter. By chance, he meets fellow ex-patriot, Adam Hochberg, a musical composer (modeled after George Gershwin) who’s also a fellow war veteran. Adam’s been secretly coaching Henri Baurel, the son of a wealthy French family, in his dream to become a nightclub singer/dancer. All three men imagine a better, more fulfilling future after the atrocities they’ve endured in the War.

Into their lives dances lovely Lise Dassin, a modest, young shop clerk, who harbors her own dreams of becoming a prima ballerina. Eventually each man discovers that he’s in romantic competition for the affections of Miss Dassin, a somewhat mysterious young woman with a secret past. To complicate matters, Jerry meets and becomes the boy toy of Milo Davenport, a strong-willed American philanthropist who enjoys lending her financial support to struggling artists. She happily sponsors Lise’s dance career, funds a ballet written especially for her by Adam and support’s Jerry’s pursuit of an artistic life. As expected, conflicts arise, secrets are revealed, friendships are mended and, with Adam conducting Lise’s ballet performance, the show ends happily.

As Jerry Mulligan, Josh Drake is boyishly handsome is an honest and convincing actor and sings and dances like a dream. Mr. Drake, a veteran of the National Tour circuit, makes a terrific leading man, in his Drury Lane debut. His leaps and turns are aerial born and he dominates every choreographic number. He’s extremely well-matched by lovely, gifted singer/dancer Leigh-Ann Esty, as Lise. This beautiful triple threat, with an emphasis on her smooth, athletic ballet moves, is pure poetry in motion. She, too, makes this demanding role her own. Ms. Esty’s sparkling joy is evident as her face lights up whenever she’s dancing with the man she loves. It’s as if the sun has risen over the Champs-Elysees. Two leading actors who are wonderfully talented singer/dancers hold the Drury Lane audience in the palm of their hands.

Chicago’s own Skyler Adams is excellent and absolutely heartbreaking as Adam, a brilliant, yet insecure young composer looking for a career break and a chance at love. He, too, falls for Lise, creating conflict between himself and his new friend Jerry. Add into this mix an exquisite performance by the magnificent, lovable, multi-gifted Will Skrip as Henri, a handsome, closeted young man who’s also drawn to Lise, a family friend. She’s in debt, for some unknown reason, to Henri and his parents (we later learn the reason for her gratitude) and accepts Henri’s halfhearted proposal of marriage. Henri’s delightful aristocratic parents are played with glee by Caron Buinis and Neil Friedman.

In addition, there’s gorgeous millionaire Milo Davenport, deliciously portrayed and sung by Erica Evans, who has fallen for her protege, Jerry, although he innocently thinks she’s simply interested in helping further his artistic endeavors. The company is supported by a brilliant ensemble of triple-threats, a company of corps de ballet and jive/modern tappers, such as the exquisite Sawyer Smith and Cory Goodrich as Mr. Z and Olga, who are unsurpassed. They dress the stage with their talent, choreographic skill and unbridled energy.

For sheer entertainment, this wonderful musical production can’t be beat. It tells an unabashedly romantic story, set against the City of Lights, and made even more magical by the Gershwins’ lush score. This multi Tony Award-winning musical is sure to be embraced by every theatre fanatic, as well as devotees of the classic film. It features superb choreography and singing, performed by a phenomenally talented cast and surrounded by gorgeous sets and costumes. Audiences are guaranteed to leave the theatre humming songs like “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise,” “But Not For Me” and “I’ve Got Rhythm.” Who could ask for anything more? This is simply a Gershwin-ner of a production.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  

Presented January 31-March 29 by Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Drury Lane box office, by calling 630-530-0111 or 800-745-3000, or by going to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other fine area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com