An American In Paris, the iconic MGM musical starring Gene Kelly and directed by Vincente Minnelli, is finally hitting hitting the stage, 60 years after the film debuted. Producers said that the production will debut in Paris in December 2014 before hopefully coming to Broadway.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the play will be choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. Craig Lucas is working on the story and Bob Crowley is working on set designs and costumes.
An American In Paris was built on a George Gershwin score and culminated with Kelly’s 16-minute, silent ballet to the Gershwin piece of the same name. Every song in the film was written by Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, featuring famous songs like “I Got Rhythm,” “‘S Wonderful,” “Stairway to Paradise” and “Our Love Is Here To Stay.” It won six Oscars, including Best Story and Best Picture. Kelly also won an honorary award for showcasing his many talents in the film.
Deadline notes that if the play does make it to Broadway, it will be the second Best Picture Oscar winner to make the jump to the stage recently. In March, Rocky The Musical will debut.
Hopefully, An American In Paris does better than the stage version of Gigi, which lasted just four months.
image: Amazon