FLASH FRIDAY: Vincente Minnelli Shimmers Onstage - AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, GIGI & THE BAND WAGON

By: Pat Cerasaro May. 15, 2015

Today we are celebrating the many mainstage musicals based on the films of Vincente Minnelli.

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Thank Heaven
The classic films of director Vincente Minnelli are continually celebrated around the world for their visual flair, daring subject matter and a certain unmistakable allure all their own. From the Academy Award-winning Best Picture AN AMERICAN IN PARIS to the cherished musical gems of GIGI, THE BAND WAGON and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS to the taught drama of HOME FROM THE HILL and SOME CAME RUNNING to the riotous comedy of THE LONG, LONG TRAILER and THE RELUCTANT DEBUTANTE to fascinating historical films such as MADAME BOVARY and LUST FOR LIFE as well contemporary comedies, musicals and dramas such as FATHER OF THE BRIDE, THE SANDPIPER, ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER, TEA & SYMPATHY and many, many more, Vincente Minnelli was a master of versatility and produced masterpieces in many genres during his time at the top of the Hollywood heap. Nevertheless, Minnelli's roots on Broadway and with no less than Florenz Ziegfeld himself as designer of the famous Ziegfeld Follies are visible in many of his most noted cinematic entries and it should come as no surprise that his films are particularly well-suited to the stage - look no further than the three major musicals based on his creations that have graced the Great White Way and accompanying avenues this season alone: AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, GIGI and Encores! THE BAND WAGON.

Considered by many to be perhaps the finest movie musical ever made, or at least one of them, the rightly acclaimed and vaunted AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is unlike any other movie musical ever made, before or since. Outfitted with a swiftly paced and endlessly entertaining book by Alan Jay Lerner and a sumptuous score of standards by no less than George and Ira Gershwin, it is an impossible-to-beat feast for the senses when conjured up in the brilliant mind's eye of a master filmmaker such as Minnelli - and simply exhilarating to experience as a viewer, time and time again. Truly, no greater ballet sequence had ever been rendered on film at the time prior to the titular finale showpiece and the fact people still view it in awe more than 50 years after its debut acts as a major credit to Minnelli's command of the form - and the film itself. It's breathtaking.

Then, there is the lovingly crafted adaptation of Collette's iconic coming-of-age novella GIGI, accented by an original score composed explicitly for the film by the Golden Age team of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe with some of Minnelli's personal favorite Parisian mise en scene on full, glorious display throughout the proceedings. To add to all of that, the whip-smart and delectable casting only makes the lovely and lovable tale even more enjoyable and repeat-worthy, cumulatively whipping up a meringue of merriment each and every time it is experienced.
THE BAND WAGON may not be quite as well-known as Minnelli's major movie musicals such as AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, GIGI, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS and BRIGADOON, but it is every bit as strong and supple in its assured presentation and ultimate entertainment value - if not even more so. Indeed, Liza Minnelli herself cites THE BAND WAGON as her absolute favorite of her father's films and it is clear to see and hear why when viewing it - besides the electric choreography and dazzling visuals, the top-flight script by Betty Comden and Adolph Green positively soars and provides the absolute ideal launching pad for several showstoppers to beat the band - or, the band wagon, as the case may be. As those fortunate enough to attend the recent Encores! mounting of the musical can attest, THE BAND WAGON is a story fit for the stage and shimmers spectacularly when seen upon one.

Those checking out this season's Tony Awards hopefuls via the most-nominated show of them all, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS - which received as astounding 12 2015 Tony nominations, including Best Musical - and the erstwhile GIGI - which will see Best Featured Actress nominee Victoria Clark battle it out in a tight race - both show strong evidence for the palpably magical and undeniably adorable je ne sais quoi that Minnelli imbued so many of his cinematic achievements with along with a fresh new energy appropriate for the here and now of today. All things considered, thank heaven for Vincente Minnelli - especially for his marvelous musicals, whether onscreen or onstage.

S'Wonderful
So, now, let's take a look at some of Vincente Minnelli's most marvelous movies with an emphasis on those that have come to the stage, this season and in seasons gone by.

First, here is the official trailer for AN AMERICAN IN PARIS.
Get a glimpse of the new Broadway adaptation of the film.
Robert Fairchild, Max von Essen and Brandon Uranowitz sing live.
Now, sample the original theatrical trailer for GIGI.
Preview the stage musical version starring Vanessa Hudgens.
Check out the cast of GIGI performing live on GOOD MORNING AMERICA.
Revisit the trailer for Golden Age movie musical THE BAND WAGON.
Don't miss this performance preview of Encores! THE BAND WAGON.
Also, delight in this clip of the iconic "Dancing In The Dark".
Plus, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS is another Minnelli movie made musical.
Lastly, view a commercial for the Broadway production of the show.
As a special bonus, see the 1990 stage version of MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS on the Tony Awards.
What is your absolute favorite Vincente Minnelli movie musical of all time? Furthermore, what is your choice for his best film? Given the fact that he left a cinematic legacy so dense, rich and dynamic, nearly any choice is well worth consideration - as well as a repeat viewing, too. Terrifically timeless, all.

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