Gigi
On Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre

 

Thank heaven for little girls.  That’s what Maurice Chevalier sang to us in the original film version of this romantic comedy in 1958 and now 57 years later that song is still being sung, albeit by another character in this dazzling new stage production directed by Eric Schaeffer.

 

It’s Paris in the early 1900’s.  Honoré Lachaille (Howard McGillin) acts as narrator and opens the show, and we are introduced to the cast one by one. A young and rambunctious Gigi (Vanessa Hudgens) is growing up faster than her gran-mére; Mamita (Victoria Clark) and Aunt Alicia (Dee Hoty) can keep up with.     The nephew of Honoré, Gaston Lachaille (Corey Cott) is a close family friend that makes regular visits to Mamita and Gigi, who he treats much like a sister.  Gaston, a wealthy sugar tycoon, finds much more comfort in the simple lifestyle that Mamita’s home offers. Gaston is just bored.  He prefers a homemade cassoulet, and a childish game of cards with Gigi to the playboy life of glamorous women, champagne and the spotlight at Maxim’s.  In a lost card game wager with Gigi, Gaston has agreed to take Gigi & Mamita on a seaside vacation to Trouville.  When they are seen frolicking together at the seaside, it takes no time for the rumors to start and Gigi’s innocence becomes compromised.  Aunt Alicia makes quick work of polishing Gigi into a proper courtesan, and when Gaston sees her transformed into a lovely young woman, he falls in love with her.  It’s not so cut and dry, and things get complicated, as all good love stories do, but in the end de l’amour wins.  Better you should see it unfold for yourself.


This might be an old story, but there is nothing old about this production.   All is new from the beautifully designed set to the glamorous costumes that were often seen whirling and twirling across the stage compliments of the fancy footwork of Joshua Bergasse .   My sense in the opening scene was a courtyard beneath the Eiffel tower, although I don’t think it was the intent.  Whatever it was, the grand structure of curved metal that reached over the stage was stunning.   Lighting was carefully manipulated to fade the structure in and out of scenes.  There were panels, props and ornate textiles used to bring us to the apartments of Mamita and Aunt Alicia and onto the dance floor of Maxim’s.   A central curving staircase allowed for dramatic entrances and exits. The costume designs (Catherine Zuber) are remarkably beautiful, and more than outshine the original designs in the movie.  The beautiful Lerner & Loewe score is brought to life by this talented cast.  Victoria Clark sang two songs that were originally intended for other characters, but I’m sure no one minded. She could sing all the songs for all I care, impractical as that would be.  Her voice is a treasure.  All eyes are on this young “newsie” Corey Cott.  He is as beautiful to look at, as he is to listen to.    Paris is just up the street so get to the theatre tout de suite.   For tickets and more information go to http://gigionbroadway.com  and visit my show page for discounts Here -ThisbroadSway 4/5/2015