News

An American in Paris: The Musical

Press Release: Two screenings of “An American in Paris” added to Live Cinema Series – Sept. 20 & 23

Gesa Power House Theatre will add two screenings of An American in Paris: The Musical to the Live Cinema Series at Gesa Power House Theatre on Thursday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m. and again on Sunday, September 23 at 2:00 p.m.

This four-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, inspired by the Oscar-winning MGM film of the same name, tells the impassioned story of discovering love in the “City of Light” in 1945. An American GI’s chance encounter with a beautiful young dancer in Paris becomes the backdrop to a sensuous, modern romance of art, friendship, and love in the aftermath of war.

An American in Paris features the music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin, stunning designs, and show-stopping choreography. With a record-setting 28 five-star reviews from critics, An American in Paris is an “old-fashioned, big-hearted spare-no-expense Broadway romance” (The Wall Street Journal).

Directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Royal Ballet). Runtime: 160 minutes.

Beer, wine, snacks, and popcorn will be available for purchase, and may be taken into the theater. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.

Reserved seating tickets are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500. Adult tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Student tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

The 2018 Live Cinema series is sponsored in part by Shakespeare Walla Walla and features current productions by professional companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Ballet, and Royal Opera. Direct from England, these productions are filmed live and rebroadcast to select international theaters.

Shakespeare Walla Walla is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that aims to make Shakespeare and theater approachable and entertaining to students in eastern Washington and Oregon. 

Live Cinema Schedule

Wednesday, September 5
Romeo & Juliet
The Royal Shakespeare Company

Wednesday, September 12
Swan Lake
The Royal Ballet

Thursday, September 20 & Sunday, September 23
An American in Paris
Broadway Musical

Wednesday, October 10
The Merry Wives of Windsor
The Royal Shakespeare Company

Wednesday, November 7
Red
Live Theatre

Thursday, November 29
The King and I
Broadway Musical


About the Gesa Power House Theatre

The historic Gesa Power House Theatre is a 300-seat performing arts venue, located in downtown Walla Walla. The 120-year-old building was once the Walla Walla Gas Plant, built to produce coal gas used to light the streets, businesses, and homes of Walla Walla. In 2011 the Gesa Power House Theatre building was transformed into a state-of-the-art playhouse for live performance. The interior design of the theatre was inspired by Shakespeare’s own intimate Blackfriars Theatre in London, England.

The Gesa Power House Theatre is on the Washington State Building Preservation Commission list of State historic buildings and on the National Register of Historic Places. The venue also hosts a variety of other cultural events, musical concerts, and private events (including weddings).

For additional marketing and media information, including interviews and hi-res images, contact:

Bradley Nelson
Media Contact
Phone: 509.529-6500
webmaster@phtww.org

Gesa Power House Theatre
111 North Sixth Ave.
Walla Walla, Washington 99362

Season Sponsors


Foundry VineyardsWalla Walla Union-Bulletin logo
Pacific Power logoWW Valley Honda logo

Additional support provided by
Walla Walla County, Port of Walla Walla, City of Walla Walla, City of College Place

Each Coldwell Banker Office is Independently Owned and Operated