An American In Paris at Theatre Royal

Arts & Entertainment Stage Theatre & Performance

Mark Morellini
April 16, 2022

Enthusiasts of movies from the golden years of Hollywood should be delighted that An American In Paris is coming to the Theatre Royal in Sydney. The four-time Tony Award winning Broadway Musical version of the 1951 film is set to captivate Sydney audiences throughout April, May and June.

Inspired by the 1928 orchestral composition by George Gershwin, the film starred Gene Kelly and was a huge box office hit, ultimately winning six Academy Awards including Best Picture.

The stage production which remains faithful to the classic film is set during the liberation of Paris from the Nazis during WWII and tells the story of an America soldier who falls in love with a French woman.

An American In Paris — Robbie Fairchild & Leanne Cope. Photo: Darren Thomas.

American dancer/actor Robbie Fairchild has played the lead character Jerry Mulligan in more than 500 performances over seven years. Recently Robbie sat down with City Hub to explain that he had huge shoes to fill when first approached to play the role made famous by Gene Kelly.

“It was daunting because I was singing and acting on stage and I’d never done that before. Gene Kelly was my idol and doing a part which he made famous was amazing since at the time nobody had played the role of Jerry Mulligan besides him. But I’ve never felt like I was compared to him.”

The cast comprises of 23 performers on stage with Leanne Cope playing the love interest and the classic score is orchestrated. The choreography is described as stunning. Ballet is a significant part of the musical, but there are also other styles of dancing. The tunes include I Got Rhythm, Love Is Here To Stay and They Can’t Take That Away From Me.

“This musical is a feast for the eyes and the Gershwin score is incredible. I never knew how much I loved his orchestral work and I never get sick of hearing this music. All combined with the music, the choreography and dancers from the Australian ballet the quality is top level.”

The production is described as magical, gorgeous, joyous, and entrancing with exuberant dance, and Fairchild who also starred in A Chorus Line, Oklahoma, and Brigadoon, explained that his role in An American In Paris has been his favourite.

“Definitely my favourite because looking at other shows there’s no dancing that’s so hard and you’ll never have to do an 18-minute ballet at the end of a musical. I also sing and act a lot in this show, so I’ll never find anything as challenging as this role – and I love a challenge.”

Fairchild is adamant that this musical is suitable for young and old.

“There’s something for everyone. There’s so much to learn from the past and we just don’t have music that sounds like that anymore. It’s like a lesson in genius and I think that’s so inspiring.”