According to Variety, Trafalgar Releasing has landed theatrical rights to the stage version of the musical An American in Paris. Trafalgar, formerly known as Picturehouse Entertainment, is known for bringing prestige live events to the big screen.
The classic 1951 MGM George & Ira Gershwin movie musical starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron and directed by Vincente Minelli inspired a musical play version in 2014, opening at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. It has since played on Broadway, where it won 4 Tonys including best choreographer for Christopher Wheeldon. The musical is currently playing in London’s West End until January 2018. The Guardian called the play “theatrical gold” and “a riot of color and movement,” awarding it 5 stars.
Set in the post-war period, the musical centers on the romance between a former American G.I., Jerry Mulligan, now a struggling artist living in Paris, and a French dancer, Lise. New York City Ballet principal dancer Robert Fairchild and British Royal Ballet dancer Leanne Cope reprise their roles from Broadway as Jerry and Lise.
Trafalgar Releasing CEO Marc Allenby said, “An American in Paris is one of the biggest productions to hit the West End this decade with outstanding performances, memorable tunes, beautiful costumes and exceptional sets. We can’t wait to share this production with audiences in cinemas around the world throughout 2018.”