Paul Amrani on Stage Adaptation of 'Les demoiselles de Rochefort' in Paris

The Cult Classic 'Les demoiselles de Rochefort'

• 💡 "Les demoiselles de Rochefort" is a cult musical film from France, celebrated as a beloved classic of French cinema.
• 🎯 The story follows two sisters pursuing dreams of success in music and finding love in Paris, encountering various characters like carnival workers and a charming American composer.

Paul Amrani's Unexpected Role as Andy

• 🎭 Musical theater artist Paul Amrani plays the role of Andy, the American composer, in the new stage adaptation.
• ✈️ Amrani's casting was completely by chance, occurring while he was visiting his father in France between musical theater contracts.
• 💻 After a chance meeting with friends working at the Léo Theater, he was offered a Zoom audition and secured the role, with producers impressed by his potential.

Performance and Artistic Choices

• 🗣️ Amrani discusses his performance, noting that he exaggerates his French accent for the role of Andy, adding a unique charm.
• 🌟 He addresses the challenge of stepping into the shoes of Andy, a role previously played by Jean Kelly, emphasizing his focus on honoring Kelly's legacy rather than recreating it.
• 🎭 Amrani aimed to bring as much of himself to the role as possible, believing the audience resonates with this authenticity, which still carries elements of Kelly's original performance.

The Enduring Appeal of the Musical

• ✨ Amrani believes the film's enduring appeal lies in its joy, offering French audiences an escape and American audiences a glimpse into French culture and a slower pace of life.
• 🎭 The current production at the Léo Theater utilizes the venue's unique space, including multiple entrances and exits, a transponder bridge, and a retractable bar, to immerse the audience in the world of Rochefort.
• 📍 The stage adaptation is running at the Léo Theater in Paris until June of next year.