Kathleen Marshall's 'Top Hat' Revival Triumphs at Paris's Châtelet with Irving Berlin's 1935 Score

A stage revival of the iconic 1935 American film musical 'Top Hat,' directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, is currently captivating audiences at the Châtelet in Paris. The production originated from London's Chichester Festival Theatre and features Irving Berlin's original score, including the famous song 'Cheek to Cheek.' Phillip Atmore, a three-time Astaire Award winner from California, stars as Jerry, delivering a performance that masterfully combines tap dancing, singing, and acting. Nicole-Lily Baisden plays Dale with notable elegance. The show's narrative follows a music hall star who falls in love in London, with complications arising from mistaken identity involving a friend in Venice. Peter McKintosh designed the Art Deco-inspired sets, which rotate on a turntable. The orchestra is conducted by Luke Holman. The cast also includes Stuart Hickley, Clive Carter as Horace, Emma Williams as Madge, James Clyde as Bates, and Alex Gibson-Giorgio as Beddini. The production successfully translates the energetic, jazz-infused spirit of the original film, which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and was directed by Mark Sandrich in 1935. The review highlights the athletic dance numbers, superb costumes and lighting, and the show's broad popular appeal, noting enthusiastic audience applause.