Gigi

Gigi (1951) was a popular Broadway play based on Colette's 1945 novel of the same name, starring Audrey Hepburn in the title role.

Plot
Gigi is the story of a young girl in 19th century Paris. Raised to someday be the mistress of a rich man, Gigi lives with her mother and grandmother, and takes lessons at the home of her aunt. The family has some connections, and have been great friends with rich playboy Gaston. Gaston is bored with his life, and his only joy seems to be in the company of Gigi and her family.

Aunt Alicia decides that the time is right for Gigi's entry into society. After dressing her up, she is presented to Gaston as a young woman. He is, at first, dismayed at the change. Gradually he realizes that he is attracted to Gigi, and takes her out on the town.

As the night progresses, Gaston sees the emptiness of his life and wants something more. He proposes to Gigi, and she gladly accepts.

Audrey Hepburn
During filming of Monte Carlo Baby, Colette noticed Hepburn and reportedly said: "Voila! There's our Gigi!" Hepburn was reluctant at first to take the part. Due to her inexperience in acting, she did not feel prepared to suddenly take the lead in a major Broadway play. However, Colette convinced her that she was perfect for the part.

The play opened on Broadway at the Fulton Theatre on. Hepburn was given star billing. Upon seeing her name for the first time in lights, Hepburn reportedly said, "Oh, dear. And I've still got to learn how to act."

The play was a critical and financial success and Hepburn won the 1952 Theatre World Award for it. In addition, her newfound stardom led to her being cast in Roman Holiday, for which she won the Academy Award.

Opening Night Production Credits

 * Theatre Owned / Operated by City Playhouses, Inc. (Louis A. Lotito, President)
 * Produced by Gilbert Miller
 * Written by Anita Loos; Adapted from the novel by Colette; Music selected by Alexander Haas
 * Directed by Raymond Rouleau
 * Scenic Design by Raymond Sovey
 * General Manager: Morton Gottlieb
 * Company Manager: D'Arcy Miller
 * Stage Manager: Richard Bender
 * Assistant Stage Mgr: Ronald Telfer
 * Technical Consultant to Mr. Rouleau: Lila de Nobili
 * Press Representative: Richard Maney and Frank Goodman
 * Special Promotion: Arthur Cantor

Opening Night Cast

 * Audrey Hepburn ... Gigi
 * Cathleen Nesbitt ... Alicia de St. Ephlam, Gigi's Aunt
 * Doris Patson ... Andree, Gigi's Mother
 * Josephine Brown ... Madame Alvarez, Gigi's Grandmother
 * Bertha Belmore ... Sidonie
 * Michael Evans ... Gaston Lachaille
 * Francis Compton ... Victor