Photo: marson_pr on Instagram 

Even if you don’t have plans to travel to the City of Light this spring, the award-winning musical An American in Paris just might usher you away to this global fashion capital. The hit Broadway musical has won four Tony Awards, and just debuted at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto on March 27. It is said to combine classical music with elegant ballet sequences and contemporary stage design. The two and a half hour production aims to bring the romance of Paris into the 6ix, and to bring a passionate love story to the stage. 

Inspired by the 1951 Academy Award winning film of the same name, An American in Paris is about an American soldier and a French girl meeting each other in Paris, each longing for a new beginning following the unspeakable horrors of World War II. Adapted for the stage by Christopher Wheeldon and incorporating songs from George and Ira Gershwin, Wheeldon’s re-invention of the musical is meant to modernize the tale, all while staying true to the romantic theme of the original film, which is set in a post-war landscape. American veteran Jerry Mulligan embarks on a much-needed fresh start in Paris, with musical numbers like ‘S Wonderful’, ‘I Got Rhythm’ and ‘They Can’t Take That Away from Me’ setting the mood.

While in Paris, Mulligan decides to capture the creative energy of the city and become a painter. With his career reaching new heights and his recent, yet unforgettable encounter with the fascinating girl named Lise, his life seems to have taken a joyful turn. However, Lise won’t devote herself to him, and this introduces some stress and devastation to a world where Jerry has discovered his new-found happiness. When the reason for her resistance is discovered, the musical builds to the climatic number, a fourteen minute ballet ensemble. 

In town until April 29th, the musical just might be a hit among culture vultures and hopeless romantics alike.