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By Adam Hetrick
Houston's Alley Theatre has announced that the world-premiere engagement
of The Gershwins' An American in Paris has been extended for the second
time through June 22.
Based on the 1951 Academy Award-winning film, The Gershwins' An American
in Paris began previews April 29 and officially opened at the Alley
Theatre May 18. Originally scheduled to conclude on June 1, the
twice-extended production will now play an additional week of
performances (past its previous extension of June 15) through June 22.
Three-time Tony nominee Harry Groener (Crazy for You) stars opposite
Kerry O'Malley (Into the Woods) as the central couple in Ken Ludwig's
theatrical adaptation of the 1951 film.
In Ludwig's adaptation, Groener stars as Parisian music-hall star Michel
Gerard, who fails to arrive for filming of a new Hollywood musical in
which he is set to appear. As filming in Paris is halted, the film's
producer sends his reluctant secretary, Rebecca Klemm (O'Malley), to
locate the missing leading man.
The Gershwins' An American in Paris boasts a line-up of Broadway musical
regulars including Felicia Finley (The Wedding Singer) as Hollywood
starlet Hermia Chase; Jeffry Denman (The Producers) as Preston, the
young Hollywood movie executive; Meredith Patterson (42nd Street) as
Yvette; Stephen DeRosa (Hairspray) as Hamish; Alix Korey (The Wild
Party) as Hilda; and Ron Orbach (Laughter on the 23rd Floor) as film
producer Louis Goldman.
The stage production features many of the film's original songs, while
incor****ating such Gershwin gems as "They All Laughed," "'S Wonderful,"
"Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" and "Love Walked In."
While future plans are not yet solidified, Ludwig has hinted that The
Gershwins' An American in Paris is looking toward a Broadway bow
following its Houston premiere.
The creative team includes Alley artistic director Gregory Boyd at the
helm, as well as choreographer Randy Skinner (42nd Street), set designer
Doug Schmidt, lighting designer Paul Gallo and costume designer Carrie
F. Robbins. Rob Berman =97 of the City Center Encores! series =97 serves
as musical supervisor with orchestrations by three-time Tony Award
winner Doug Besterman (The Producers, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Fosse)
and Larry Blank (Drowsy Chaperone).
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