Articulations

Austin Musical Theatre launched its debut production of Peter Pan last week still unsure whether this city wanted what it had to offer, large-scale professional stagings of classic musicals. Well, now they're sure. Ticket sales and audience response to their one-week run at the Paramount Theatre have been so strong that the company has extended its run for a second weekend, this Friday through Sunday. AMT founders Scott Thompson and Richard Byron, who co-directed Pan, might've thought it a cruel joke if you'd suggested a holdover the day before opening. Ice forced them to cancel two dress rehearsals, and sales froze, too. But sales soared with the thaw, and the opening went so well that Wedneday Byron and Thompson huddled with producer Charles Duggan and Paramount manager Paul Beutel to discuss extending. Thompson credits the extraordinary support of these two men, plus the goodwill of the cast and crew, for Pan staying aloft. A review appears in this issue's "Arts Calendar."

Artists Find a Home

A few months ago, dozens of artists were displaced from the ArtSpace at 403 Baylor when the Artists Coalition of Austin was unable to renew its lease there. Now, ACA has found a new home for those folks, and what's more, it will also be the new home for another arts entity, the Austin Visual Arts Association. The space, at 1705 Guadalupe, has been leased by developer Gary Peden to create the Art Plex, 20,000 square feet housing offices for ACA and AVAA, a gallery, and studio space. Some studios are already occupied, and AVAA Director Sue Fawver expects to move into its new offices by the end of February. This adds another block to the latest downtown art center: Galeria Sin Fronteras, Women & Their Work, Lyons Matrix Gallery, and the Art Plex. Coool. For info, call 454-3077 or 480-8100.

Dining With Spalding

Ever wondered what it would be like to eat with Spalding Gray? Well, no, frankly, we haven't either. But that doesn't mean that we aren't impressed with that crafty bunch from Frontera@Hyde Park Theatre for snaring the noted monologist for a private party honoring Charter Donors to its new "Frontera Commissions" program, which will fund the development of new stage work. Three plays are already in the works for 1997: clayangels, by Daniel Alexander Jones, a new work by Laurie Carlos, and a new play by David Hancock. Sharon Watkins, owner of Chez Zee, hosts the party. To learn about becoming a Charter Donor to Frontera Commissions, call 419-7408. And as long as you're calling, volunteer for FronteraFest. The performance jamboree is in need of folks to usher, help with production, distribute posters, etc.

Esther's Auditions

Austin's favorite musical comedy troupe, Esther's Follies, is looking for performers and writers, and they're particularly interested in artists of color. If you're funny and want to swim in Esther's Pool, call 320-0198.