Four-time Tony Award winning musical “An American In Paris” is making a stop in Des Moines during its national tour. The show, which runs through Sunday, is the latest installment of the Willis Broadway series at the Des Moines Civic Center.
Inspired by the 1951 Academy-Award winning film of the same name, “An American In Paris” is the romantic story about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, all seeking a new beginning following World War II.
“It was one of my favorite (movies),” said Weston Krukow, who has made his national touring debut with “An American In Paris.” “What I love about the show is it takes the movie and gives you another element that is more contemporary. It is a little darker into the aftermath of World War II and brings you into more of historical perspective on society. And I think because of the era we are in we are allowed to do that.”
Before joining the cast, Krukow was a professional ballet dancer, an Emmy Award-winning choreographer and a fan of the stage production.
“I fell in love with not only the dancing but with the story has such depth because it is this wonderful love story,” he said of when he first saw the play. “It is a really great, well rounded evening of entertainment. As a dancer being in the show I couldn’t be happier and more proud. It is very fun to serve something to an audience that you know they will enjoy.”
Krukow, who has worked in Des Moines teaching dance for the past five summers, said he is excited to return to Iowa to not only share some of his favorite spots around the city but also to share the cast’s talent and passion for the show with Iowans.
“We are a band of gypsies that are rolling around the country telling a love story and everyone is so passionate about that,” Krukow said. “To be a part of this journey is a huge honor because I feel the love and respect they have for the work every day.”
The most-awarded musical of 2015 will continue with performance today through Sunday. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available at DMPA.org, the Civic Center Ticket office or by calling 800-745-3000.
“Any show should make you think, make you feel something and make you feel uplifted and fired up to finish your day and I think this show does all those things,” he said.