Beloved Movie Musical Destined for Broadway

This week, Simon Morris learned that beloved movie musical Gigi is destined for Broadway, with High School Musical alum Vanessa Hudgens slated to star in the title role.

Simon Morris Should Have Lived in Another Decade

When I was a child, I was one of those precocious kids who would have sworn down, had someone asked him, that I belonged in another era. Specifically, the era when the classic Hollywood movie musical reigned supreme.

Many a clock hand turned from 12 to 12, whilst a young Simon Morris whiled away the hours entranced by the sounds of classic Hollywood show tunes filtering through the room. Among my many favourites was the iconic MGM movie musical Gigi.

The Story of a Young Courtesan in Turn-of-the-Century Paris

Adapted from a novella written in 1944 and a stage musical from 1951, Gigi was a 1958 film directed by the legendary Vincente Minnelli. It chronicles the story of Gigi, a young girl raised by two courtesans in turn-of-the-century Paris to take on the role of lover to a wealthy patron, Gaston. Their plans go awry when Gaston falls for the young Gigi and plans to marry her.

The film was a cinematic triumph, bagging nine academy awards along with the hearts and minds of a generation. Now it’ll have the chance to do the same with a new generation, as a fresh stage version of the musical has entered production, ready to open on Broadway in early 2015.

She Came When Vanessa Hudgens Least Expected It

Actress Vanessa Hudgens is slated to star in the title role. She’s no stranger to the genre, having rose to fame as part of the High School Musical franchise, and starred as Mimi in a production of RENT at the Hollywood Bowl.

She recently spoke about landing the role – her first on Broadway – to People Magazine. Hudgens suggested that "I've been waiting for the right role to come along, and she appeared to me when I was least expecting it," before adding that "it's been a lot of fun prepping for Gigi … allowing myself to be as free as possible. I love this character, the music and play so much." 

Bringing Gigi to a Whole New Audience

Hopefully, that love will translate into a stellar performance when a revamped Gigi makes its first appearance on the Great White Way next year. Such a performance would show a whole new generation of musical theatre lovers why so many people fell in love with the story of a young Parisian mistress way back in 1958.