An American in Paris (Broadway) NYC Reviews and Tickets

"Any one of Wheeldon’s dances packs more content, smarts, and finesse than practically all the book scenes put together...When you can convey so much through pure physical expression—with a slight assist from Gershwin’s “Second Rhapsody” and “Cuban Overture”—words seem somehow insufficient. And Craig Lucas’ plodding, paint-by-numbers-style script is, regrettably, especially insufficient."
Read more

"What also sets it apart are its intricate ballet sequences, exceptional music supervision, a dazzling design scheme and an unusually somber book by playwright Craig Lucas...Lucas stresses the cultural tensions in postwar Paris, bringing up the painful stains of Nazi occupation...Though heavy-handed and drawn out, he deserves credit for trying to add depth to the film...Regardless of the book, the music is glorious, the visuals are innovative and the performances are top-rate."
Read more

"The dancing s'wonderful; the music s'marvelous; I was dazzled by the scenery, even if it was a little too busy. But I didn't feel the love. And that's a problem for a show that's billed as a romance....Though very nicely acted by a supporting cast of stage veterans, Craig Lucas's book gets bogged down with too many complicating subplots...on its toes, "An American In Paris" is glorious. But when the dancing stops, it falls disappointingly flat."
Read more

"If "An American in Paris" fails as an integrated musical, it soars as choreography, and ought to be seen, admired, and appreciated as such. By marshaling dance as few others have on Broadway in recent memory, Wheeldon has provided us a jolting reminder of the incomparable, incalculable power of dance to speak of our deepest longings and agonies when words and even lyrics cannot."
Read more

"The musical, visually beautiful though structurally thin and frequently shaky, delivers this nostalgic charm against a gorgeous backdrop of a post-war Paris...The final product feels to be a patchwork musical, indulging us with visual spectacles and beloved melodies at the expense of cohesive musical storytelling...Those seeking a nostalgic evening of George and Ira Gershwin's music will find much to love, and the show is a must-see for anyone with a passion for ballet."
Read more

"In most cases the songs don’t make much sense and sometimes feel like they’ve been forced upon the scenes only to feature as many of them as they could... While it’s impossible to dislike 'An American in Paris,' it must be said that the show coasts on the familiarity of the songs and the stunning choreography which sometimes makes one wonder if it would’ve worked best as a full on ballet rather than a Broadway musical."
Read more

"The show has a glorious Gershwin score going for it, not to mention exquisitely conceived and executed ballet numbers…But it’s the characters and their stories that elevate this show beyond mere musical extravaganza…The story unfolds with great finesse…The show looks as good as it sounds…The creators show they understand why people go to musicals— to be moved and dazzled with equal force. 'An American in Paris' is as smart and spirited as it is spectacular."
Read more

"Why does "An American in Paris" feel so fresh? First-time Broadway director Christopher Wheeldon has turned it into a modern ballet...it’s mesmerizing, unlike anything I’ve witnessed on Broadway before...While this is what makes An American in Paris special, it’s not the whole show. There are also traditional razzmatazz song-and-dance routines. There are scenes full of dialogue. There’s a plot. Some of playwright Craig Lucas’s choices are intriguing (some aren’t.)"
Read more