Boston has been chosen to launch the national tour of “An American in Paris,’’ the lavishly choreographed Broadway musical based on the classic 1951 film starring Gene Kelly. Performances will begin Oct. 25 at the Citi Wang Theatre and run through Nov. 6. Featuring a score by George and Ira Gershwin that includes “I Got Rhythm’’ and “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise,’’ and set in Paris in the aftermath of World War II, “An American in Paris’’ revolves around the relationship between a former GI, who is an aspiring painter, and a young French dancer. Christopher Wheeldon’s choreography for the Broadway production won a 2015 Tony Award. As part of the development company Elephant Eye Theatrical, the Citi Performing Arts Center is a producer of “American in Paris.’’ In a statement, Citi president and CEO Josiah Spaulding said the organization is “extremely honored to open the tour,’’ adding: “Our participation in Elephant Eye Theatrical enables us to go beyond the role of presenter and to develop new works.’’

Don Aucoin can be reached at aucoin@globe.com.