Gigi was the Best Picture of 1958…or so said the Motion Picture Academy which gave it that award and nine others. I'm not sure why. There were some great songs and Maurice Chevalier was wickedly charming…but ten Oscars? My problem with it was that I could never summon up any interest in the story of a bored rich guy who decides to brighten his life by buying himself a mistress.
In 1973, reversing the usual process, it was adapted for a stage musical. Nowadays, people often turn movie musicals into theatrical productions but back then, it was something new…and unsuccessful. It only ran a few months on Broadway. I guess audiences then couldn't summon up any interest in the story of a bored rich guy who decides to brighten his life by buying himself a mistress.
The Reprise! group which does fine limited-run musicals up at UCLA is currently offering a revival of the stage version and I am just back from Opening Night. The cast is strong (especially Lisa O'Hare in the title role) and the sets and costumes and orchestrations are splendid. Director David Lee has done a terrific job of delivering Broadway quality on a low budget and short-term rehearsals schedule. I'm very glad I saw it but I still can't summon up any interest in the story of a bored rich guy who decides to brighten his life by buying himself a mistress.
This production of Gigi runs through 2/27. If you order tickets here, try entering the word "LOVE" in the coupon code box. I think it'll get you ten bucks off each ticket.
By the way: Betty White was in the audience. Then again, she's in everything.