Of all the performance arts dance is probably my least favorite. I think it’s an incredible skill and the dancers are unbelievable athletes but if I had to pick between a concert, ballet, opera, or play I would definitely pick ballet last. That’s why I was a little hesitant to see An American in Paris which just opened at The Ruth this weekend. I know this is a dance-heavy show because I actually saw it back in 2015 on a quick trip to New York I took that year. Fortunately my worries were put to rest as this new production of An American in Paris at The Ruth is as good as anything I saw on Broadway and a special event in this year’s Utah theatre landscape.

With An American in Paris being so dance-centric it is essential the choreography be compelling and executed well and it is at The Ruth. Director Jennifer Hill Barlow and choreographer Penny Saunders make every scene a stunning work of art where the movement of the human bodies transfixes the audience with its beauty and storytelling abilities. And it’s not just ballet but we see contemporary, ballroom and tap numbers throughout (I am not a dance critic but they all looked incredible to my eye.) The lighting by Ryan Fallis is also stunning with bold red backgrounds and mood lighting particularly standing out. The costumes were made with the assistance of Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute are incredibly well done and almost another character in the dance sequences.

The story is pretty simple with a love triangle between artist Jerry Mulligan (Jonathan Tanner), composer Adam Hochberg (Jordan Briggs), dancer Henri Baurel (Thomas Wood) and the young Lise Dassin (Ella Bleu Bradford.) They go back and forth between who Lise is going to pick and who ‘deserves’ the girl. It’s all perfectly serviceable because it’s all just a setup or framework for the dance.

The only downside I can see with An American in Paris at The Ruth is it is a long show at nearly 3 hours and might try the patience of some who aren’t as impressed by the dancing and want more story. Sometimes I might include myself in that group but when it’s so well executed as it is here I couldn’t help but be impressed. I really wish they had a live orchestra for such an incredible production but I get it. That’s not what they do. It would just add the perfect finishing touch to hear live musicians playing those classic Gershwin tunes.

Many people will be aware of the classic film starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron. That is also a movie that is all about the dance. Tanner has Kelly vibes in his performance. Same with Bradford and Caron. Teaira Burge is also stunning as the rich Milo Davenport. My favorite numbers are the longer ballet dance sequences like “Concerto in F” at the beginning, “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise” and the final “An American in Paris” ballet.

I really can’t recommend this show more highly. I will be seeing the TTHS cast which has Rylee Rogers from Ballet West as Lise, so I’ll be back! All involved in this An American in Paris should be very proud. It is playing at The Ruth through July 19th and tickets can be purchased here.

An American in Paris features music by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin and a book by Craig Lucas based on the 1951 film.

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