The U.S. doesn’t only enjoy French culture, France enjoys American culture — especially our movies musicals.
In Paris this winter, Cité de la Musique’s Philharmonie de Paris will host a four-month exposition of classic musical films called “Comédie Musicales: La joie de vivre du cinéma” (“Film Musicals: A Glorious Feeling”).
The musicals, known as comédies musicales in French, featured in this exhibit range from classics like Grease (1978) and West Side Story (1961), to newer films such as La La Land (2016). Visitors can learn about the development and evolution of the American musical, and how movies all over the world have been influenced by the genre. In addition, the exhibit has rare behind-the-scenes photographs that show the making of these classic movies.
This exhibit could not be more timely because the musical has seen something of a comeback in popular culture: recent movies like Greatest Showman (2017) and A Star Is Born (2018) have seen great success in the box offices.
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The exhibition opened in mid-October with Singin’ in the Rain (1952), one of the classic Hollywood musicals. Two weekends feature live musical performances, like a jazz band accompanying several vocalists for the music of West Side Story in November and a Jazz Loves Disney concert in December. Children are welcome, and are encouraged to visit the exhibit wearing costumes from the classic films chosen at the entrance. Admission costs between 6 and 11 euros, depending on age.
