The Story Behind the Musical
In 1949, Gene Kelly starred in the iconic movie "An American in Paris," a romantic comedy-musical directed by Vincente Minnelli. The film's success inspired a stage adaptation, which premiered in London's West End in 2014. The musical, also titled "An American in Paris," features a book by Craig Carnelia, music and lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, and additional music by Chris Wilkins.
The story follows American soldier Jerry Mulligan, who falls in love with a beautiful young French woman, Geneviève, while stationed in Paris after World War II. As Jerry navigates his feelings for Geneviève and her ex-boyfriend, Henri, the musical takes the audience on a journey through the City of Light, filled with stunning dance numbers, memorable songs, and the iconic ballet sequence that won Gene Kelly an Academy Award.
Script and Portable PDF
While I couldn't find a direct link to a portable PDF of the musical script, I can suggest a few options:
Trivia and Fun Facts
I hope you found this information interesting and enjoyable! If you're looking for a specific script or score, I recommend exploring official sources or licensed retailers to ensure you're getting a legitimate and high-quality version.
Introduction
An American in Paris is a classic American musical comedy written by George S. Kaufman and Gene Tunney, with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin. The show premiered on Broadway in 1951 and has since become a beloved favorite among audiences and theater enthusiasts alike. For those looking to access the script, a portable PDF version can be a convenient and helpful resource. In this essay, we'll explore the musical's background, its plot, and the benefits of having a portable PDF script.
Background of the Musical
An American in Paris is set in post-World War II Paris, where the city is still reeling from the aftermath of the war. The story follows the adventures of Jerry Mulligan, an American GI who falls in love with the city and its people. The musical features a blend of jazz, ballet, and traditional show tunes, showcasing the Gershwins' signature style. The show's creative team, including director Vincente Minnelli and choreographer Michael Kidd, brought the story to life with innovative staging and memorable dance numbers.
Plot Summary
The musical tells the story of Jerry Mulligan, a young American soldier who decides to stay in Paris after the war. He becomes infatuated with the city and its culture, and soon finds himself entangled in a complicated love triangle with two beautiful women: Lise, a charming French girl, and Henri, a charismatic artist. As Jerry navigates his feelings and the complexities of post-war Parisian life, he must confront his own identity and sense of belonging.
Benefits of a Portable PDF Script
Having a portable PDF script of An American in Paris can be incredibly helpful for theater enthusiasts, students, and professionals alike. Here are a few benefits: an american in paris musical script pdf portable
Conclusion
An American in Paris is a timeless musical classic that continues to delight audiences with its witty dialogue, memorable music, and charming storyline. A portable PDF script of the musical can be a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the show's creative elements, from its clever plot twists to its iconic dance numbers. Whether you're a theater enthusiast, student, or professional, a portable PDF script of An American in Paris is a convenient and helpful tool that can enhance your understanding and appreciation of this beloved musical.
Where to Find a Portable PDF Script
There are several online resources where you can find a portable PDF script of An American in Paris, including:
When searching for a PDF script, be sure to verify the accuracy and legitimacy of the source to ensure that you're accessing a high-quality and reliable version.
Because An American in Paris is a licensed property, downloading a "bootleg" PDF is a violation of copyright. However, there are legitimate ways to obtain a portable digital copy:
A. For Reading & Study (The "Libretto"): The Story Behind the Musical In 1949, Gene
B. For Production (The "Rehearsal Material"):
If you are analyzing the script, pay attention to these specific sections:
If you need the script for professional, educational, or personal study purposes, here are your legal options:
Licensing for Production: If a school or theatre company wishes to perform the show, they must rent performance rights through a licensing agency. The two main agencies for this show are Music Theatre International (MTI) or Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW) , depending on the region. Upon paying licensing fees, they will provide official digital or physical scripts, vocal books, and scores.
Educational/Perusal Copies: For directors, music directors, or students, you can request a “perusal” copy from the licensing agency. This is often a digital PDF (portable) sent directly to you for a small, non-refundable fee (typically $10–$25) to read and decide if you want to license the show. This is the only legitimate way to get a portable PDF for personal reading.
Published Libretto: Search for the An American in Paris (Vocal Selections) or the Libretto/Vocal Book. Samuel French (now Concord Theatricals) has occasionally published perusal scripts, but a mass-market paperback of the full script is rare. Instead, look for the "An American in Paris: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)" booklet, which contains the complete lyrics and some dialogue summaries, but not the full script.
If you are a theatre company or school, you can request a digital perusal. Once granted, MTI provides a watermarked PDF that is fully portable. You can upload it to Google Drive, Dropbox, or your iPad’s Books app. Official Script : You can purchase the official
If you gain licensed access, the An American in Paris script PDF will generally follow this industry standard:
Legitimate, free full scripts of currently licensed musicals like An American in Paris are generally NOT available to the public online. The script is protected by copyright (owned by the estate of George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, along with the licensing agencies). Unauthorized uploads on file-sharing sites or forums are piracy and are often incomplete, low-quality, or removed frequently.