Broadway in Austin

Stunning An American in Paris debuts in Austin at Bass Concert Hall

An American in Paris makes its Austin debut on May 30.

Photo by Matthew Murphy

When An American in Paris premiered in 2015, there was nothing quite like it on Broadway in terms of how the show used dance as a central storytelling device. Renowned choreographer Christopher Wheeldon skillfully wove together dance, narrative, and scenic design to create the visually breathtaking show that will make its Austin debut May 30-June 3 at Bass Concert Hall.

Allison Walsh plays lead Lise Dassin, an aspiring dancer who becomes the love interest of three men after World War II. “It may seem a bit of a stretch to have three different men fall in love with her, but it makes sense with what all these artists have just experienced in the war,” Walsh explains. “They’ve seen that life can be cut short and that love is the most powerful force.”

Because dance is the driving force behind this production, Walsh says about half of the ensemble is classically trained in ballet. “Our show is extremely hard to cast because the caliber of dancing is so high, while requiring excellent singing and acting — we have total triple threats,” says Walsh.

The versatile cast puts its best jazz, tap, and ballet foot forward throughout the show. Walsh, who has watched the production evolve from its original workshop, through its Paris and Broadway debuts, and into a national tour, says she is extremely proud to be part of its talented cast.

“This show requires hard work and dedication from the entire touring company, forcing everyone to be at their best," said Walsh. "I love how we all rise to the occasion.” The result is a stunning show that leaves audience members humming Gershwin tunes and tapping their toes.

While An American in Paris takes place post-WWII, its message remains both contemporary and relatable. “I think our show appeals to a modern audience, while retaining the charms of a classic musical with full production values,” says Walsh. “It’s wonderful!”

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Tickets for An American in Paris are currently on sale here.

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Historic Austin museum will close for more than a year for restoration

Photo courtesy of the City of Austin

The Elisabet Ney Museum will close at the end of 2024 and reopen in mid-2026.

Every building needs some maintenance here or there, and the historic Elisabet Ney Museum needs some extra-special care. Formerly the art studio and residence of its namesake, it's been standing since 1892. It'll spend 2025 in relative solitude, as it undergoes renovation for a year and a half with no visitors allowed.

The museum will close to the public December 30, 2024, and open again in the summer of 2026 if all goes according to plan, a news release from the City of Austin shares. It'll be a quiet period compared to the 21,000 people visiting from around the world each year.

According to a museum overview on the city's website, Elisabet Ney, a European portrait sculptor, bought the property and called her new studio Formosa. She worked on sculptures depicting important Texans like Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, and collected works of European contemporaries.

The building at 304 East 44th St. includes 3,700 square feet of museum space, which was converted by Ney's friends after her death in 1907. It retains its unique look that juxtaposes a Neo-Classical main studio from 1892 with a later addition from 1902 including a tower for her husband, Edmund, to write in. It is also on 2.5 acres of land, which has largely been restored to its natural state with native species.

A press release lists these tasks (verbatim) within the scope of the new work, referred to as the Capital Improvement Project (CIP):

Restoration of original exterior wood doors and windows
Upgrades and replacement of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
Replacement of the exhibit and general lighting systems
Repairs to the roof, masonry, plumbing, and interior finishes.

There will also be work to do outside of the building. Workers will replace the pedestrian bridge across Waller Creek, stabilize a 20,000-square-foot portion of the bank, and make the grounds more accessible by adding new pathways.

Funding comes from several sources, according to a release: "the 2012 Bond, Proposition 14, the Parkland Dedication Fund, the Historic Preservation Fund, Partners in Preservation through the National Trust, and contributions from the Friends of the Elisabet Ney Museum."

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