Caron, 84, originated the role of the beautiful French ballerina who attracts the attention of an American artist in post-World War II Paris. The role is currently played on Broadway by Tony Award nominee Leanne Cope.
Caron was introduced at the end of the show, after the bows, by cast member Brandon Uranowitz. According to a production spokesperson, Uranowitz stepped forward and announced that "a very special guest" was in the house: "Leslie Caron, screen legend, Hollywood icon and star of the Academy Award-winning film An American in Paris which inspired the stage musical." Cope escorted Caron to center stage and co-star Robert Fairchild presented her with flowers. Caron did not speak, but took a bow with the cast.
"The audience, needless to say, went wild and gave her a long standing ovation," the spokesperson said.
Like the film, the show uses songs from the George and Ira Gershwin songbook, with a new libretto by Craig Lucas. Extended ballet sequences by Christopher Wheeldon are set to George Gershwin's orchestral music.
The score of An American in Paris includes "I Got Rhythm," "Liza,” "'S Wonderful," "But Not For Me" and "I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise," as well as orchestral music including "Concerto in F," "Second Prelude," "Second Rhapsody/Cuban Overture" and "An American In Paris."
For more information, visit AnAmericanInParisBroadway.com
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