An American in Paris may soon find its way to Broadway.

Pace Theatrical Group Inc. and Jujamcyn Theatre are planning a new musical based on the George Gershwin 1928 composition, Marc Gershwin, co-trustee of the Gershwin Family Trust, told Playbill On-Line (Sept. 18). The show is tentatively projected for the 1999-2000 season.

Gershwin, who is the son of Arthur Gershwin and nephew to George and Ira, said the musical would draw its inspiration from the original music and not the 1951 Gene Kelly-Vincente Minnelli movie.

"The history of going from movie to stage is not always great," said Gershwin. "And the story is somewhat dated. Definitely, we want to create a new book. The idea would be to update it."

No names have been attached to project as of yet. Co-trustee Leopold Godowsky said several legal questions have to be worked out before talent can be hired. George Gershwin wrote An American in Paris while visiting friends in the City of Light. He would often stroll the streets listening for just the right taxi horns to incorporate into the piece. The composition was first performed on Dec. 13, 1928, at Carnegie Hall, conducted by Walter Damrosch.

-- By Robert Simonson