I remember seeing the 1951 film,“An American in Paris” as a kid and loved to watch Pittsburgh native Gene Kelly dance because he was always so full of joy as he moved. The musical, “An American in Paris” is inspired by the film. According to Maslow, my blog inspiration psychologist, aesthetic needs or the appreciation and search for beauty in the world is part of the process of obtaining your personal best or being self-actualized. “An American in Paris” is about beautifying and spreading joy in a dark world.
Reflection
This play takes place after the devastation of World War II.
American solder, Jerry Mulligan (McGee Maddox) stays in Paris after the war to
pursue painting. He meets veteran solder, Adam Hochberg (Etai Benson) who is a
composer, and the son of a wealthy
industrialist, Henri Baurel (Nick Spangler) who wants to be a singer. They first meet in a local pub, become the
best of friends and sing, “I got rhythm, I got music, I got my girl..who could
ask for anything more” (I Got Rhythm). What they don’t realize is that they all
have an interest in the same girl, dancer/ballerina, Lise Dassin (Sara Esty).
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| I Got Rhythm (Jerry, Adam and Henri) |
Adam has a great line in the play that went something like
this, “Life is already so dark so if you have the ability to bring joy why would you hold it in.” This play was about bringing joy and beauty in a
dark world. Lise inspired these three men (who were all in
love with her) to create a ballet for her. Adam composed, Jerry designed the set, and Henri’s family financed the ballet which
was the focus of the first Act. In Act II the ballet was a graceful work of art with a set that resembled a Picasso painting!
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| I'll Build a Stariway to Paradise |
The dancing of Sara Esty as Lise and McGee Maddox as Jerry added
beauty and grace to the stage throughout the play. There was also various dance
styles that kept the show energized like a little jazz in the first half (Second
Raspsody/Cuban Overture) and a grand LasVagas style tap number (I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise) in Act II. Intertwined
was the love story and the building of friendships and songs like “The Man I Love”, “S Wonderful” and
“They Can't Take That Away From Me”.
Don’t miss this explosion of joy that beautifies our
sometimes dark world.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven ( Matthew 5:16)
Other Sources
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust https://trustarts.org/production/48835
Watch "An American Paris" full Movie Gene Kelly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljJexPbIw_
Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBOqLRX4xNs
Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBOqLRX4xNs
