Hotspots! December 1, 2016

Page 29

first-ever nationwide tour. I asked him about the experience and about the musical adaptation of the beloved film in this exclusive interview for Hotspots Central.

This is your first national Broadway tour. What are some of the things you like most about touring?

We've been to three cities so far, and by the time we get to Florida it will be more, but I have really enjoyed getting to know the crews in each theater. It's really special. I also love seeing each audience soak in the performance and have so much fun. It's really uplifting to see that spark there as we share the story with them.

This musical was preceded by a well-loved film. How do you see younger audiences relating to the musical?

Ryan Steele Awards. The musical was included on the “Year's Best” lists of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New Yorker, Associated Press, The Hollywood Reporter and The Pittsburgh PostGazette. The Masterworks Broadway Original Broadway Cast recording of An American in Paris was nominated for the Best Musical Theater Album Grammy® Award. The score of An American in Paris includes t h e s o n g s “ I G o t R h y t h m ,” “ L i z a ,” “'S'Wonderful,” “But Not for Me,” “I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise,” and orchestral music including “Concerto in F,” “Second Prelude,” “ S e c o n d Rhapsody/Cuban Overture” and “An American in Paris.” You'll be able to see Ryan Steele in the lead role of Jerr y when An American in Paris plays in both Palm Beach and Miami. Steele, formerly part of the casts of Newsies and Matilda on Broadway, joins the traveling p ro d u c t i o n of A n American in Paris, his

The first time I had the chance to watch the show as a spectator, I immediately felt inspired. The Gershwin songbook is classic. The emotions people feel when connecting to it is so beautiful to me. A couple will hold hands when a certain song came on, or after the show you see young couples walk off to their cars, almost in a cuddle. The message of love is noted by people young and old.

How much practice and memorization went into preparing for the role of Jerry?

We went through about five weeks of work sessions, reading scenes and singing songs and working on all the dance moves. After we were all cast, I started rehearsals two weeks before everyone else so I could note all the major moments, because I have to be aware of


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