Show Synopsis:
An American man named Jerry is trying to be a painter in France after World War II and meets a lonely and wealthy woman named Milo. She begins to pay him for his paintings in exchange for his company, which Jerry has no interest in pursuing. To apologize for her behavior, Milo offers to sponsor an art show for Jerry and gets jealous when he flirts with Lise at a bar. Milo arranges a showing for Jerry with a collector, and Jerry asks Lise on a date, but she does not want to be seen with him in public, so they have a date on the banks of the Seine River. Milo gets Jerry an art studio and large exhibition, which he only accepts under the condition that he will eventually pay her back for her patronage. One night, after many dates, Lise and Milo go back to Milo?s apartment, and Lise runs off when she sees his building. Jerry finds out that his acquaintance Henri is also involved with Lise. Jerry and Lise meet under the Notre Dame and she tells him she is marrying Henri and moving to America the next day, because Henri kept her safe during the war. She and Jerry proclaim their love for each other, and in his despair, Jerry kisses Milo. Henri learns that Jerry and Lise are in love, and doesn?t let her leave him behind in Paris.
Character:
Henri Baurel, a middle-aged and good natured French singer with a romantic streak; chivalrous and understanding.
Song Context:
Henri performs this song to entertain Parisian society.
Fun Facts:
1. This musical is based on the 1951 movie based on George Gershwin's symphonic poem of the same name. The movie used the Gershwin brothers' work to drive the plot.
2. The 1951 movie won six Academy Awards, including best picture.
"All you preachers
Who delight in panning the dancing teachers,
Let me tell you - there are a lot of features
Of the dance that carry you through
The gates of Heaven.
It's madness
To be always sitting around in sadness,
When you could be learning the steps of gladness.
You'll be happy when you can do
Just six or seven;
Begin today!
You'll find it nice,
The quickest way to paradise.
When you practice,
Here's the thing to know,
Simply say as you go,
?I'll build a stairway to Paradise
With a new step ev'ry day!
I'm gonna get there at any price;
Stand aside, I'm on my way!
I've got the blues
And up above it's so fair.
Shoes, go on and carry me there!
I'll build a stairway to Paradise
With a new step ev'ry day.?
Ev'ry new step
Helps a bit ; but any old kind of two step,
Does as well. It don't matter what step you step,
If you work it into your soul
You'll get to Heaven.
Get busy -
Dance with Maud the countess, or just plain Lizzy:
Dance until you're blue in the face and dizzy.
When you've learn'd to dance in your sleep
You're sure to win out.
In time you'll get Saint Vitus dance,
Which beats the latest thing from France.
Take no chances on this Paradise.
Let me give you advice.
I'll build a stairway to Paradise
With a new step ev'ry day!
I'm gonna get there at any price;
Stand aside, I'm on my way!
I've got the blues
And up above it's so fair.
Shoes ! Go on and carry me there!
I'll build a stairway to Paradise
With a new step ev'ry day.
I'll build a stairway to Paradise
With a new step ev'ry day!
I'm gonna get there at any price;
Stand aside, I'm on my way!
I've got the blues
And up above it's so fair.
Shoes ! Go on and carry me there!
I'll build a stairway to Paradise
With a new step ev'ry day."