How Does an American in Paris End?

By Michael Ferguson

Paris, the city of love and lights, has been a source of inspiration for countless artists over the years. One such artist is George Gershwin, who composed the iconic musical ‘An American in Paris.’ The musical follows the story of an American soldier named Jerry Mulligan, who falls in love with a French girl named Lise Bouvier.

The musical’s plot revolves around Jerry’s attempts to win Lise’s heart while dealing with his own conflicting emotions. However, things take a dramatic turn when Lise reveals that she is already engaged to Henri Baurel, a wealthy Frenchman.

As the story progresses, Jerry realizes that he cannot compete with Henri’s wealth and status. He decides to leave Paris and return to America. However, before leaving, he attends a performance of his friend Adam Hochberg’s new composition.

During the performance, Jerry has an epiphany and realizes that he cannot leave Paris without expressing his feelings for Lise. He decides to stay back and attend Lise’s wedding ceremony.

As Lise walks down the aisle towards Henri, she realizes that her heart belongs to Jerry. She leaves Henri at the altar and runs towards Jerry. The two embrace each other as the audience erupts into thunderous applause.

The musical ends on a bittersweet note as Jerry and Lise realize that their newfound happiness comes at a price. They must leave Paris behind and start anew in America.

In conclusion, ‘An American in Paris’ is an iconic musical that captures the essence of Parisian romance. It tells a timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption through its beautiful music and captivating storyline. If you ever get a chance to watch this masterpiece live on stage or listen to its soundtrack, I highly recommend it!