The Score | Fascinating Rhythm

George Gershwin’s An American in Paris has been an orchestra staple practically since its premiere in 1928. The jazzy, evocative score inspired the beloved 1951 Hollywood musical, which starred Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron and included songs by George Gershwin and his lyricist brother, Ira. Now An American in Paris is a Broadway musical. The show follows the romance of a young American soldier and a beautiful French dancer in postwar Paris; Bob Crowley’s dazzling sets make the city itself a character. The musical score is adapted, arranged, and supervised by Rob Fisher, who wove together not just hits like “I Got Rhythm,” “’S Wonderful,” and “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise” but also echoes of orchestral pieces including the Concerto in F and Cuban Overture. The Gershwin estate gave Fisher full access to the Gershwin catalog, and he worked with director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon to choose songs and instrumental pieces that would best serve the creative team’s vision. The whole thing climaxes with a ballet to Gershwin’s symphonic poem. Who could ask for anything more?