O'Malley Replaces Dilly in World Premiere of An American in Paris

By Adam Hetrick16 Apr 2008Tony nominee Erin Dilly has bowed out of the world premiere of The Gershwin's An American in Paris at Houston's Alley Theatre.A spokesperson for the Alley confirmed to Playbill.com that Dilly has withdrawn from the production due to illness. In her absence, "the Alley is pleased to announce" that Kerry O'Malley has assumed the role of Rebecca Klemm.O'Malley, who has appeared in the Broadway revivals of Into the Woods and Annie Get Your Gun, has now joined rehearsals for the 1950's set musical based on the 1951 Academy Award-winning film "An American in Paris."Three-time Tony nominee Harry 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 star. As filming in Paris is halted, the film's producer sends his reluctant secretary, Rebecca Klemm (O'Malley), to locate the missing star.While the 1951 MGM movie-musical presented Gene Kelly as the American in Paris, Tony-nominated playwright Ken Ludwig (Crazy for You) has fashioned a completely new take on the Gershwin classic, so that Miss Klemm is now the stranger in a strange land described in the title.Also set for the Alley world premiere are 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; and comedic Broadway actress Alix Korey (The Wild Party) as Hilda. Complete casting is expected shortly.Alley Theatre artistic director Gregory Boyd directs the new musical, with a creative team that boasts choreographer Randy Skinner (42nd Street), set designer Doug Schmidt, lighting designer Paul Gallo and costume designer Carrie F. Robbins. Rob Berman — of the City Center Encores! series — serves as musical director with orchestrations by three-time Tony Award winner Doug Besterman (The Producers, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Fosse).The Gershwins' An American in Paris makes its world premiere April 29 and will officially open May 18. The Alley Theatre limited engagement runs through June 1.