Mansfield Symphony Orchestra and Renaissance actors to perform Gershwin's An American in Paris
The Mansfield Symphony Orchestra presents a Broadway collaboration with Artistic Director Michael Thomas and a cast of Renaissance Theatre performing artists as they present An American in Paris in Concert. This performance will be the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra’s 2023-24 season finale on Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 pm.
Based on the 1951 Academy Award-winning film, starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, An American in Paris tells the story of two American GIS who decide to stay in the City of Light after the close of WWII. It features unforgettable George and Ira Gershwin songs, such as “I Got Rhythm,” “The Man I Love,” “S’wonderful,” “But Not For Me,” “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise,” “I’ve Got Beginner’s Luck,” as well as Gershwin’s symphonic works, “Concerto in F,” “Cuban Rhapsody” and “An American in Paris.”
The Renaissance production is a collaboration of the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Octavio Mas Arocas, the Richland Academy of the Arts Dance Program, under the direction of Marden and Sarah Ramos, and the Renaissance Performing Artists, under the direction of Michael Thomas. The choreography is by Sarah and Marden Ramos, and Erin Wolford, and features current and former members of the RAA dance ensemble.
The Cast and Company
• Kristin Kaufman (Monique)
• Lori Turner
• Leah Gesouras (Milo)
• Erin Ekin (Lise)
• Haley Bedocs
• Emily Bare (Yvette)
• Emily Roblin
• Jamie Mayfield (Simone)
• Layla Ramos
• Mindy Tissue
• Jackie Metz
• Lily Casey
• Madison Kearney
• Stephanie Hayslip
• Nate Roblin
• Jimmy Lancaster
• Jake Sustersic
• Zakari Ramos
• Dre’lan Evans (Mr. Z)
• Wyatt Beckstein
• Joe Trolian
• Ethan Mann
• Carter King
• Justice Gardner
• Mike Miller
• Noah Casner (Adam)
• Jacob Poiner (Henri)
• Matt Piper (Jerry)
“An American in Paris premiered on Broadway in 2015, winning four Tony Awards. This concert provides a rare opportunity to hear these classic songs and orchestral pieces performed by professional actors and dancers, and a full symphony,” says Thomas. “The Renaissance Theatre is so proud to once again partner with the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra and the Richland Academy of the Arts.”
MSO Conductor and Musical Director Octavio Mas Arocas adds, “An American in Paris is a story about love, happiness, friendship, and about discovering life’s incredible possibilities in Paris, the City of Lights, in the aftermath of World War 2. The beloved music and lyrics, by the Gershwin brothers, include some of the most iconic songs from the Great American Songbook. This uplifting and beautiful musical is a reflection of our times, reminding us of our own constant search for our dreams and a happier future, and our constant search for life’s most wondrous possibilities!”
To purchase tickets to this Ohiohealth Series performance, visit the Renaissance Theatre website, rentickets.org, or visit/ call the box office at 419522-2726, 138 Park Avenue West in Mansfield.