Monday, May 21, 2012

"Paris" at The Paramount

The Paramount Center marquee in scenic downtown Boston (Photo: Keary Nichols). "Paris" at The Paramount...More than 60 years after it was first released, Vincente Minnelli's "An American in Paris" completely captivated audiences when it recently screened at Boston's Paramount Center. As part of the Paramount's film series, "Gotta Dance: The American Film Musical (1929-1953)," Minnelli biographer Mark Griffin introduced a restored print of the Oscar-winning musical starring Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron and Nina Foch (coincidentally, the evening of the screening - April 20th - would have been the late, great Nina Foch's birthday).
Among those attending a post-screening book signing event (left to right): Rebecca Meyers (Director of Film Programming, Paramount Center), Carol Ann Small (Founder of Laughter With a Lesson), Mark Griffin (author of A Hundred or More Hidden Things: The Life and Films of Vincente Minnelli), Neil Davin (Technology Support Services Manager at Emerson College), Mary Ann Cicala (Interim Director, Alumni Relations, Emerson College). The week prior to the Paramount Center event, Mark Griffin was the guest on two Boston-based radio programs. On April 14th, Griffin discussed Vincente Minnelli's life and career with "Standing Room Only" host Johnny Q on WERS (88.9 FM). The following day, Griffin was the featured guest on "The Jordan Rich Show" (WBZ-AM 1030). This special tribute to Minnelli also included beautiful musical accompaniment by pianist Jeffrey Moore (jeffreymoorepiano.com), who played selections from "Gigi," "Kismet" and "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever."