PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY

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An American in Paris

to become an apprentice before
accepting a full placement.
The only entertainer in his fam-
ily, Prottas was joined in home
schooling by older twin sisters; one
became a therapist and the other a
teacher. His dad, a painting contrac-
tor, and mom believed there could
be more intellectual opportunities
with independent study.
It was through later independent
coaching by experts in their fields
that Prottas enhanced his acting
and vocal abilities.
“Both my parents were raised
Jewish, and I consider myself
Jewish,” says the touring artist, who
is based in New York and dating a
former fellow show member. “I did
a Birthright trip to Israel about four
years ago, and it was really fascinat-
ing. It’s part of my heritage and who
I am, and it makes doing the show
so special. There are so many Jewish
themes.”
One of those themes has to do
with the Baurel family, who hid Lise
from the Nazis.
While Prottas has the city of Paris
on his mind as he takes to the stage,

he has many cities to think about
when he leaves the stage — close to
40 so far on tour.
“The show was still running on
Broadway when I auditioned, and
I’m glad I did,” he says. “I enjoy
exploring cities we’re in, and I like
taking various exercise classes in
those different cities to keep in con-
dition.”
The Detroit Opera House is a
familiar venue to Prottas, who has
appeared in mixed repertory bal-
let presentations on its stage. With
An American in Paris, he feels a
special connection to the elaborate
dance numbers, considering “I Got
Rhythm” a quintessential piece of
musical theater and “Fidgety Feet” a
lot of fun in its choreography.
The dancing is what made him
want to audition.
“I knew this show featured a lot
of ballet and required high-caliber
dancers,” he says. “I also knew
Christopher Wheeldon, our director
and choreographer, from my years at
the ballet. It felt like a good fit and
the right step to take. I was ready for
a change and to move on.” •

details

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY

An American in Paris runs Nov. 28-Dec. 10 at the Detroit Opera House.
Tickets start at $29. (313) 872-1000; broadwayindetroit.com.

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