Key Concepts
- Les Demoiselles de Rochefort (The Young Girls of Rochefort): A cult French musical film, considered one of the best-loved classics of French cinema.
- Musical Theater Artist: A performer specializing in musical theater productions.
- Lido Theater: A prominent Parisian venue, historically a cabaret, now also used for theatrical productions.
- Zoom Audition: A remote audition conducted via video conferencing software.
- Gene Kelly: The illustrious American dancer, actor, and choreographer who originally played the role of Andy in the film "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort."
- Legacy vs. Recreation: The artistic approach of honoring a predecessor's work without attempting to directly imitate or recreate it.
- Stage Adaptation: The process of transforming a film or book into a theatrical production.
- Technical Stage Elements: Advanced theatrical technologies and mechanisms used to enhance a stage production (e.g., transponder bridge, moving bar).
- Théâtre du Châtelet: A major theater in Paris, implied as the venue for the stage production.
Introduction to "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort"
The segment introduces "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort" (The Young Girls of Rochefort) as a cult musical from France and a beloved classic of French cinema. The film features two charming twin characters who pursue their dreams of musical success and love in the French capital, encountering a variety of colorful characters including carnival workers, a sailor, and an American composer. The interview features musical theater artist Paul Amrani, who plays the charming American composer, Andy, in the stage adaptation.
Paul Amrani's Unconventional Casting Journey
Paul Amrani recounts his "completely by chance" casting for the role of Andy. Born in Marseille, France, but having lived most of his life in the U.S., Amrani was visiting his father in Marseille between musical theater contracts. He met friends, David and Jessica Aubrey, who were working at the Lido Theater in Paris on "Titanic." During a coffee meeting, they informed him about casting for an upcoming show. Within 30 seconds, he was meeting producers and the artistic director at the Lido offices.
Despite being asked to audition on a Sunday, Amrani was scheduled to fly back to the U.S. that same Thursday. The producers accommodated him with a Zoom audition. He received the material for the character Andy the next day, performed the audition on Sunday morning, and was offered the role, confirming his return to France in the fall.
Embodying Andy: Honoring Gene Kelly's Legacy
Critics have highly praised Paul Amrani's performance, particularly his "charming" French accent. Amrani confirms that while he still has an American accent when speaking French, he "exaggerate[s] it for the role," finding it "really fascinating to play with every day."
Playing Andy, a role famously originated by the "illustrious Jean Kelly" (Gene Kelly), presented a significant challenge. Amrani describes it as "such huge shoes to fill" because "there are no other dancers like him." His approach was to "honor his legacy but to not try and recreate it because no one can recreate that. No one can be him." To avoid being influenced, he "haven't watched the movie since before my audition" and focused on bringing "as much of myself to the role." He notes that audiences have "really resonated" with his portrayal, feeling like they "see him" (Gene Kelly) because "there's so much of him in the DNA of the role."
The Enduring Appeal of "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort"
Amrani expresses his deep affection for the film, describing it as one of his favorites, which he typically watches three times a year (though not while performing in the stage production). He attributes the film's captivating power to "the joy" it exudes.
- For French audiences: They respond to the "joy" and "get to go in and have a good time seeing the show."
- For American audiences: It offers a "slice of life," allowing them "to see French culture, to see this French family that's existing and see the slower pace of French life perhaps." This cultural insight is what he believes "resonates with audiences."
The Unique Stage Production at Lido
The current production of "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort" is notable as "the first time it's being done on stage outside of a of the kind of film format that it was originally done in." Amrani highlights how the Lido Theater's "incredible space" compensates for the transition from screen to stage.
The production leverages the theater's unique architecture and technical capabilities:
- Immersive Experience: Uses "all the entrances and exits," creating a feeling of being "ushered into the world of Rochefort."
- Advanced Technical Elements: Features a "transponder bridge that the the festival carnese come in on at the beginning of the show," and a "bar that comes up and down from the ground."
- Cabaret Heritage: The Lido's past as a cabaret provides "all of those different spaces to play with," enhancing the theatrical possibilities.
Conclusion and Show Information
The interview concludes with a reminder for audience members in Paris to see the show. The production of "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort" will be running at the Théâtre du Châtelet (referred to as "Teato here in Paris") until June of next year. Paul Amrani expresses his gratitude for the interview.
Synthesis/Conclusion
Paul Amrani's journey to starring in the stage adaptation of "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort" is a testament to serendipity and talent, culminating in a critically acclaimed performance that respectfully reinterprets a classic role. His approach to embodying Andy, honoring Gene Kelly's legacy without imitation, resonates deeply with audiences. The production itself leverages the unique capabilities of the Lido Theater to transform a beloved film into an immersive stage experience, capturing the original's joy and offering a "slice of French life" to diverse audiences. The show's success underscores the enduring appeal of its themes of love, music, and the vibrant spirit of French culture, making it a must-see Parisian theatrical event.
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