By Shannon
In recent years, Broadway Producers have looked to stronger strategies to bring shows to Broadway – a formula that is safer than bringing a musical to Broadway cold. With a big, Broadway name, a show may fare better or have a longer period to warm itself to the city’s audience and for word to spread, and the current Broadway production of Gigi is no exception. Gigi stars Vanessa Hudgens, and opened on Broadway in January after an out-of-town tryout in DC. With a cast recording on the way and genuine buzz, it’s clear that Gigi is a delicious cake of the Broadway season, and Hudgens is the cherry on top.
Vanessa Hudgens exceeded expectations the night she made her Broadway Debut as the title role in Gigi. Oftentimes, child stars are never quite able to match the success that they achieved in their youth, but Hudgens is the rare exception, maintaining her star status, notably for her work now in Gigi. However, Hudgens has now revealed that she belongs in live theater and has trained for it since she was a little girl. After starring as Mimi in Rent at the Hollywood Bowl and moving up to Gigi, Hudgens has wowed Broadway fans with her talent and work ethic, and is no longer viewed as the young High School Musical star.
Vanessa’s interpretation of Gigi’s playful, yet chic characterization was praised by others. Entertainment Weekly was charmed by Hudgens’ allure. They claim her Gigi to be tomboyish and sprightly, yet a true beauty with eyes that twinkle, “even as she’s rolling them”. Furthermore, Variety declares that Hudgens has vocal dominance over the other actors with a clarion voice of an “unabashed Broadway belter”. Variety particularly enjoyed Hudgens’ delivery of “The Night They Invented Champagne”, claiming that the song suited her style and closed the First Act with a rousing performance on Vanessa’s part.
Hudgens pleasantly surprises Broadway with her singing, acting and dance along with the genuine charm she brings to Gigi. Vanessa’s beauty and adorable giddiness encompasses Gigi’s character in a different but arguably as well of a delivery as the Gigi’s before her (Leslie Caron and Audrey Hepburn). Hudgens isn’t Hepburn yet, but for now she has graced her audiences with talent that most people didn’t know she had. As the summer season approaches, expect Gigi to grow busier and tickets to become a harder ticket to snag with Hudgens in the lead and a cast of exceptional talent with summer audiences trickling into the city.
See Gigi eight times a week on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre. Visit GigiOnBroadway.com for more information.
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