An American in Paris Dazzles at the JCC CenterStage
-by Carol White Llewellyn
An American in Paris, with lyrics and music by George and Ira Gershwin, with book by Craig Lucas, and directed by Ralph Meranto, JCC CenterStage Artistic Director, opened at the Louis S. Wolk JCC of Rochester this weekend to a sold-out audience.
This wildly-ambitious production is a bold extravaganza that few regional theaters dare attempt due, not only to cast size, but because it requires a rare blend of acting, singing, and especially dancing—through which much of the story is told.
At its heart, An American in Paris follows the journey of Jerry Mulligan (Joseph Davila), an American GI who stays in France after WWII to pursue a career as a painter. He befriends fellow expat Adam Hochberg (Lucas Casey Brown), an aspiring composer, and Henri Baurel (George Barberi), a well-to-do Frenchman with secrets of his own. The trio, dubbing themselves the “Three Musketeers,” are unknowingly united not only in friendship, but in love—each drawn to the same mysterious young shop girl/soon-to-be prima ballerina, Lise Dassin (Sarah Morgan).
The production’s energy is infectious, driven by non-stop music and dance that test the stamina and skill of the entire ensemble. Costume designer Diane Spacher and her crew outdo themselves, assembling some 200 costumes that range from 1940s chic to opulent, Busby Berkeley-inspired confections—many cleverly referencing the Broadway original.
In a bold collaboration between the JCC CenterStage and the Draper Center, the dance numbers—performed by an amazing ensemble of adult dancers and the Draper Center’s high school students who aspire to dance careers—are executed with razor-sharp precision and grace. From classical ballet to numbers that capture the excitement and spirit of the jazz age, Jamey Leverett’s choreography thrills.
But of course, the heart of the story belongs to Lise, Jerry, Henri and Adam.
Sarah Morgan hails from the West Coast, having auditioned remotely for her dream role as Lise. Though primarily billed on her website as a dancer, Sarah reveals considerable acting and vocal chops, delivering a heartfelt portrayal as Lise.
As the brash, yet charming, American Jerry Mulligan, who falls for Lise at first glance, Joseph Davila is a powerhouse. In Jerry’s rivals, Lucas Casey Brown shines as the wise-cracking composer Adam whose vocal talents are superb. As Henri, George Barberi conveys the inner conflict of a man torn between duty and desire.
Jennie Gilardoni adds spice and delicious complexity as Milo Davenport, the wealthy patron who tries to orchestrate the future—for art and for love—with charisma and cunning as she makes her play for Jerry.
As she prepares herself mentally for the premiere of Adam’s ballet, Lise draws from the depths of her most cherished memories to pour her soul into the performance. The partner for the captivating and poetic pas de deux of Adam’s ballet reflects the man Lise truly loves and with whom she longs to dance through life.
Though the set design is intentionally minimal to accommodate the sweeping choreography, John Haldoupis’s scenic work is sumptuous. Drawing on French impressionism, he conjures the essence of Paris—its romanticism, its beauty, its spirit—through stylized representations of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, and bustling city streets.
In short, An American in Paris—brilliantly directed by Ralph Meranto and superbly conducted by Andrew Cooke—radiates with charm and excitement, a sparkling homage to the City of Light. Make your reservations now before it sells out at the Louis S. Wolk JCC Rochester Centerstage through May 18.
Photos by Lou Schneider, courtesy of Louis S. Wolk JCC of Rochester CenterStage