Good News Monday: American In Paris Musical Premiers Wednesday

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Good News Monday: American In Paris Musical Premiers Wednesday and comes to Broadway this spring is holiday happiness personified. I just had to share the good news.

Paging through the NYTimes Sunday Arts & Leisure Section, I came upon this brilliantly graphic ad announcing the resurrection of one of my favorite stories. If you are a classic movie fan the news of the treasured movie “An American In Paris” directed by Vincent Minnelli with music by infamous George & Ira Gershwin being recreated for the stage is more than good news. It is nothing less than fabulous! After all it won 6 Oscars including Best Picture. If you want to see it again over the holidays it would make a great stocking stuffer. Amazon is an easy source for the TCM version – “American In Paris.”

I have not found a person young or old that is not fascinated by Gene Kelly’s masterful interpretive dance abilities. Every routine he performed seemed to emanate from his heart and soul. No two were alike. Each was uniquely stylized choreography driven by a deep understanding of his own athletic abilities. He captivate us from ‘Singing in the Rain’ to ‘American In Paris’. The story’s backdrop is romantic Paris in the early 50’s. Three friends struggle to make a livelihood when two of them, one of which is starving artist Gene Kelly, fall in love with a beautiful and urban chic French maiden played by Leslie Caron. Kelly and Leslie dance modern interpretations of ballet, enchanting us from one musical scene to the next. There are many routines that transport one to another world with the magical forces of colorful settings, music and dance in sync to create high art. I adore this film because it has such a positive effect on me – it inspires me to hold tight to my romantic dreams. Having the opportunity to experience it LIVE on the Broadway stage is  a must.

How did this come about? It seems brilliant theatre minds think alike. The back story is when Jean-Luc Choplin the general director of The Theatre du Chatele in Paris, approached the Gershwin estate about obtaining rights, he learned that the veteran Broadway producers Van Kaplan and Stuart Oken had the same idea. In an unusual collaboration they decided to work together hiring star choreographer Christopher Wheeldon to direct. The lead performers are Robert Fairchild, principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, who takes on the role of Jerry (Mr. Kelly) is paired with his Parisian love interest Lise (Ms. Caron) who will be played by Leanne Cope of the Royal Ballet in London. They certainly have big dance shoes to fill!

Thankfully this production will go on tour:

~ The ‘American In Paris’ Theatre production debuts at The Theatre du Chatele, in Paris this WEDNESDAY!

~ It will then travel to The London Theatre,  if you are going there this spring.

~ Then make the journey to the Broadway Palace Theatre, New York City with previews beginning March 13th. Tickets are on sale now.  If you are in NY C or have a chance to visit in 2015, it would be worth seeing. What a fabulous gift tickets would make?! (I hope my hubby reads this post!)

Spanista Takeaway: Spanista believes taking time to enjoy world-class entertainment is a priority for personal happiness. In ‘The 7 Dimensions of Wellness’ created by the doctorial staff at Longwood University – the ability to balance work with leisure pleasure is one of the important tenants of Wellness. Spanista Self Care Philosophy professes participating in the Arts is not an indulgence – it is a necessity for happiness. The Arts lift the spirits and feeds the soul. The Arts stimulate the right brain in ways that sustains positive impact of joy emotionally and physically for weeks while enhancing the relationship you have with the one who attend with you. Enjoy!

May Your Self Care Journey To Joy Be Merry & Bright,

Ginny