An American genius in Paris

There was one highlight during my grumpy Christmas vigil and that was a film of "An American in Paris" - no, no, not that one with Gene Kelly - this was a balletic version designed by Christopher Wheelden (no, me neither!) who is, apparently, a titan in the world of ballet.  It broke the traditional balletic barriers in that there was both dancing and singing which there needed to be because it featured the music of that true musical genius, George Gershwin.  Of course, it was difficult for me to judge exactly because the Gene Kelly film version is seared into what passes for my memory banks.  Even so, it was superb and the staging left me open-mouthed with a mixture of admiration and drooling envy because, bugger it, my little theatre in Twickenham could not have achieved 1% of the special effects they produced.  If any of you can download a version of this production onto your computer-thingies, I urge you to do so.  In the meantime, from me, a tip of the hat and an exceedingly large 'thank you' to the  late, great George Gershwin.

ADDITIONAL:  Good grief, I just checked Christopher Wheelden on Wiki and discovered that he is English and was born in Yeovil which is about 20 minutes down the road from Chateau Duff!

 

 

Comments

[Whitewall]

David, that would explain it! Besides, over here, we don't have a 'genius' to spare!

[Bob]

A (partial) performance from La La Land:

https://www.medici.tv/en/concerts/gustavo-dudamel-herbie-hancock-gershwin/