George and Ira Gershwin Trustees to Develop AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Musical?

According to The New York Times' Patrick Healy, the trustees of George and Ira Gershwin's estates are developing a musical adaptation of An American in Paris by Craig Lucas, to be directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon.

“It’s very early in the adaptation process, but there are talented artists involved," Mike Strunsky, nephew of Ira Gershwin, told The New York Times, "and there’s a real love fest right now between the two sides of this family."

Read the original report here.

An American in Paris debuted on film in 1951, starring Gene Kelly and winning the Oscar for best picture. According to Healy, a musical version of "Paris" has been in varying stages of development for at least 20 years, including playwright Wendy Wasserstein's attempt in the '90s, and Ken Ludwig's adaptation for a Houston stage production in 2008.

The current project will be produced by Stuart Oken and Van Kaplan.

The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, currently playing on Broadway at the Richard Roger's Theatre, just saw its starring actress Audra McDonald take home a 2012 Tony Award.

Photo credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

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