An American in Paris Musical Aiming for Broadway

A stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning 1951 movie musical An American in Paris is eyeing a Broadway run, according to the New York Times. The musical, which features songs by George and Ira Gershiwn, will be directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon and feature a book by Craig Lucas (The Light in the Piazza). No potential dates, theater or casting have been announced.

Starring Gene Kelly, the film followed a World War II veteran named Jerry (Kelly) living in the City of Lights. An aspiring painter, Jerry's work catches the eye of a wealthy older woman who expresses interest in more than just Jerry's talent. Jerry however falls for a young French girl he meets at a cafe. Directed by Vincent Minelli with a screenplay by Alan Jay Lerner, the movie earned six Academy Awards. Several previous attempts have been made at adapting the film for the stage. Late playwright Wendy Wasserstein was recruited to pen a book for the musical in the '90s, while a production featuring a book by Ken Ludwig was produced in Houston in 2008.

The Gershwins are currently represented on Broadway by the Tony-winning revival of Porgy and Bess and Nice Work If You Can Get It. Click below to watch Kelly perform "I Got Rhythm" from the original film.