The Royal Ballet announces Anna Rose O’Sullivan to star in her musical theatre debut in Christopher Wheeldon’s An American in Paris at Grand Théâtre de Genève

by Chloe Westwood, Head of Communications, Press and Corporate Affairs

Kevin O’Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet, is delighted to announce that Principal dancer Anna Rose O’Sullivan will take on the lead singing and dancing role of Lise Dassin in the full production of Christopher Wheeldon’s An American in Paris at the Grand Théâtre de Genève this December. 

The casting comes ahead of a series of highly anticipated debut performances with The Royal Ballet this Season as Tita in Like Water for Chocolate, Lise in La Fille mal gardée, and the title role in Giselle, further cementing her reputation as a versatile and expressive dancer who has a range across the classical and contemporary repertory. 

Her upcoming performance in An American in Paris marks a significant international engagement, showcasing her artistry in Wheeldon’s Tony-award-winning 2014 production that blends ballet with Broadway flair. The Royal Ballet celebrates this exciting collaboration and looks forward to sharing O’Sullivan’s continued success with audiences worldwide. 

O’Sullivan’s performance in An American in Paris (The Ballet) at Covent Garden this summer was met with glowing acclaim. In the ballet finale of Wheeldon’s Tony-winning adaptation, she captivated audiences, embodying the spirit of the French muse. The Times praised the production as ‘an irresistible treat,’ highlighting Wheeldon’s exuberant choreography, Bob Crowley’s Mondrian-inspired designs, and the ensemble’s vibrant energy. 

Anna Rose O’Sullivan said:  

‘I’m thrilled to be spreading my theatrical wings and stepping into the vibrant world of musical theatre with Christopher Wheeldon’s stunning production of ‘An American in Paris’. It’s a golden opportunity I simply couldn’t resist and a chance to explore new dimensions of myself as an artist. I look forward to broadening my craft through this exciting experience, and I can’t wait to return to the Royal Ballet and Opera to make my debut as Giselle and continue this wonderful season!’ 

A graduate of The Royal Ballet School, O’Sullivan joined The Royal Ballet in 2012 and was promoted to Principal in 2021. Her repertoire with the Company spans classical and contemporary works, including Cinderella, Odette/Odile (Swan Lake), Juliet (Romeo and Juliet), Kitri (Don Quixote), and Alice (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland). She has also created roles in several new works, most recently Gertrudis in Like Water for Chocolate.