Max von Essen: An American Plays French (and gay?) in Paris

This is a preview of an EDGE exclusive interview with Max von Essen, star of Broadway's "An American in Paris" that will run in its entirety in the May issue of EDGE's monthly digital magazine for iPad.

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"At this point in my life and career, I honestly feel like everything has led up to this show for me," Max von Essen lets out a deep and grateful sigh before he continues to cite the various Gershwin connections that have led him to a superlative featured role in the new production of "An American in Paris" on Broadway.

Beginning with his learning to sight-read and practicing piano to Gershwin tunes as a child, von Essen has been highly influenced by the composer's work, which led to an oddly serendipitous audition for Liza Minnelli, right out of University, where he ended up singing and dancing with the legend.

Now his lifelong adulation for Gershwin culminates in his delightful portrait of Henri Baurel, the gallant and dutiful suitor who dreams of cabaret stardom in "An American in Paris."

Not so much an adaptation as a reimagining of the Oscar-winning Best Picture of 1951, this exquisite piece stays true to the spirit of the source material while finding its own original vision and voice. "I feel like it's a love letter to the film. It's inspired by the film but then takes it to a completely different place," von Essen offers. And in large part the credit can be given to book writer Craig Lucas and director Christopher Wheeldon, who's fairly new to Broadway but considered a genius in the dance world.

"He's changing the landscape of Broadway right now, von Essen says of Wheeldon. We're able to push the boundaries a bit on an artistic level. And ask a little bit more from our audiences."

"An American in Paris" permits him the opportunity to create a rousing, rich, multi-faceted character that is as charming as he is enigmatic.

Adding to Henri's beguiling qualities is his sexual ambiguity. Von Essen shares that he has his clear notions of who Henri is and what his journey will ultimately be but feels strongly about keeping it unanswered in the show, "Is he gay? Is he not gay? I liked that it isn't completely tied up with a little bow...my story is there to facilitate the ultimate love story of the piece (Jerry and Lise)."

The openly gay actor has never shied from his orientation, but has never felt the need to "officially" come out. "I've just always been out to myself, out to friends, out in the industry...No one's ever asked. It just is, and it's fine with me. The only thing I find important at my point in life is being out, being proud so that if some teenage kid is questioning and wants to know that there are guys out there who are doing well, life is okay--I feel like that is my responsibility, to be out, to be proud, to be truthful to who I am and do good work as an actor."

Von Essen is finally being recognized for his brilliant talents in a show that is truly groundbreaking.

Subscribe to EDGE's digital monthly magazine for iPad to read the full interview with Max von Essen in May.