CAST:
Garen Scribner... Jerry Mulligan
Leanne Cope... Lise Dassin
Brandon Uranowitz... Adam Hochberg
Max von Essen... Henri Baurel
Jill Paice... Milo Davenport
Veanne Cox... Madame Baurel
This show, had me at the verge of tears. The beginning of the show was perfect or 's wonderful, so to speak. I got maybe a little teary- eyed and my heart was in my throat as Adam began to tell the story. As he sat down at his piano, a nazi-flag appeared in front of him... which eventually dropped gracefully to the floor revealing the cast; cheering loudly. The flag got picked up, revealing France's flag in it's blue and red glory as it started being waved around proudly. All of a sudden most of the French celebrating had disappeared only to be summoned by a lone man still in his military uniform. There were what appeared to be about four fighter jets soaring through an ashen, brown sky right over the Arc de Triomphe. What we assumed to be Jerry turned around and saluted the jets passing by. After what felt like an iconic, and strangely powerful scene one of Jerry's friends asked him if he was going to hitch a ride back home. Jerry pretended like he was going to follow right behind his friend, but only ripped up the ticket a short time later and that's how the story began or at least how an american ended up in Paris.
Everything about this show is simply amazing. The cast, the costumes, the set, the choreography, the plot. The two lead dancers- Garen Scribner and Leanne Cope were absolutely delightful and insanely talented. It was quite surprising to see them sing, too... because we all know they express with their toes. Not their mouths. Brandon Uranowitz was funny, and provided a source of laughter even in the darkest of times during the show. Max von Essen, wasn't necessarily my cup of tea only because I disliked his character... but other than that he was quite the stuck-up only child (now I use the word stuck-up very lightly- Henri wasn't necessarily a whiny person, but very well willing to be in congruence with other people to get what he wants). His mother is quite the same way, only proving this is a sign of inheritance. It is clear that out of Henri's parents, his mother is the most controlling of them leaving the father a lot more accepting of Henri and his secret. Jill Paice, was just plain elegant and charming. Although she was rich like Henri, she liked to keep quiet about it... but let it phase past her when you saw her lavish dresses, and parties. Miss Davenport is quite a fashionable person to be honest. The cast gradually works itself together, and although the plot gets a little tiresome and exaggerated towards the end of Act II the whole plot itself is beautiful like a one of Jerry's paintings. The way Bob Crowley was able to fit the culture of a whole country on a stage is astounding and the way he also picked out costumes that closely matched the era this musical occurs in.
The plot is beautiful too, a way of a country coming together and reforming. The relationship that Jerry and Lise have, helps to clear the heart break and horrors both of them have seen as victims of war. From the end of war to where the musical leaves off, it is clear that France has come close to becoming back to what it had been before- a city of life and color with as much diversity as New York City has. The story is not just one about love, but forgetting about the past and healing the wounds that came before.
The theater the musical is, is also gorgeous too and frankly quite chilling as in how much it's seen in 102 years. Also, Judy Garland performed there. For 19 weeks. Strange... but quite remarkable. A beautiful theater it is though, with all of it's meticulous details.
Be sure to check out the gift shop, too... which is decently priced compared to other places. You can buy an espresso cup and look just like Adam by the piano or Lise at the coffee shop!
CONCLUSION:
Highly recommend this show for everyone. Not sure that young kids will like it, but anyone will like it... I promise that this musical isn't just about some Romeo and Juliet, but a story about how a little friendship and love can heal the deepest of wounds.
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