Broadway Cast recording of An American in Paris was nominated for the Best Musical Theater AlbumGrammy® Award. The score of An American in Paris includes the songs “I Got Rhythm,” “Liza,” “'S'Wonderful,” “But Not for Me,” “I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise,” and orchestral music including “Concerto in F,” “Second Prelude,” “Second Rhapsody/Cuban Overture” and“AnAmericaninParis.” You'll be able to see Ryan Steele in the lead role of Jerry when An American in Paris plays in both Orlando and Tampa. Steele, formerly part of the casts of Newsies and Matilda on Broadway, joins the traveling production of An American in Paris, his first-ever nationwide tour. I asked him about the experience and about the musical adaptation of the beloved film in this exclusive interviewforHotspotsCentral.
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 youngandold.
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 allthemajormoments,becauseIhavetobeawareofeveryoneandwhat they're doing since my character is central. It was pretty difficult having to learn everything, but the team I work with is amazing, and Christopher Wheeldon is so great to work with. It's been challenging but it's so rewardingtoo.
Which number is your favorite to perform as Jerry, and which one is your favorite to observe? My favorite to perform is the "American in Paris" ballet at the end. The routine is romantic, sexy and fresh...I feel so honored to be able to perform it. In terms of watching the show, I love the opening. It's
Ryan Steele
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 storywiththem.
This musical was preceded by a well-loved film. How do you see younger audiences relating to the musical? 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
Hotspots Exclusive Interview by Mike Halterman absolutely amazing. The metaphorical sunrise of Paris after the SecondWorldWarissuchabeautifulsequencetowatch.
One of the tour's stops will be Orlando. Is there anything you'd like to convey to our community? I'd like to say that art really brings out beauty and love. [voice breaks] I think An American in Paris is very relevant right now. Art showcases the beauty and love that's in this world, and if we continue to spread it, and weliveourtruelives,wewillalwayswin.
What would you say to people to convince them to buy a ticket for An American in Paris? World-class artists were involved in the making of this show, from beginning to end. The Broadway production was not scaled down when it moved to national touring, so this truly is a one-of-a-kind show, a true sliceofBroadway,comingtoacitynearyou!
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