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GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 26th, 2015 12:59 PM by acekatherineplumber2

Christine: Thank you! I really appreciate that! I was worried that my review seemed quite jumbled and didn't make too much sense and also didn't sound that good since I'm just a high school student and I'm still learning to write. You've assuaged my fears a great deal, though. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it and I do plan to review every show I see in the future. I won't be seeing anything until March, however.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 26th, 2015 11:00 AM by neonlightsxo

"People were joking, forget about the tourists, every gay man in NY and every person who works in the fashion district is going to check out the show." Calm down with the hyperbole. This has never been true of any show. Ever.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 26th, 2015 6:42 AM by Christine17

Ms. AceKatherine, What an insightful review! It was a treat to read. You have such discernment -- in the visual display of the sets and costumes, the choreography and dancing, the vocals, and in your perception of the acting. You point to nuances that I missed, and so enjoyed gaining from your perceptions. And your review seemed to capture much of the magic of a broadway musical. It filled out the whole experience for me. I hope you write more reviews. Christine... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 26th, 2015 1:14 AM by acekatherineplumber2

So...Gigi.... I went into this show knowing nothing about it and having medium expectations. I was really impressed. I couldn't stop smiling the entire time I was in the theater! I thought the music was pleasant, the orchestra was lush, the lyrics were smart, and the vocals were very strong across the board. I liked the story. I loved seeing Gigi grow up, yet retain her spunk. Her arc was interesting. I appreciated the emphasis on her relationships with all the other characters. The show... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 7:12 PM by MCfan2

Forgive me, I'm going to ramble. I have tons of thoughts about "Gigi" after seeing it this afternoon, and I want to get them down while they're fresh in my memory. For those of you who don't want to read lots of rambling, I'll give you the TL;DR version up front: It's not bad but it needs work, especially the first act. I went in with my hopes pretty high -- I like the movie and I've liked other projects of... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 6:11 PM by Hereindc

Been amused at all the comments especially from people who haven't seen the show. As far as the costumes...the dresses are absolutely fantastic. People were joking, forget about the tourists, every gay man in NY and every person who works in the fashion district is going to check out the show. The stage and scenery is top class. While the staircase remains throughout, the backdrop with the Eiffel tower and other furniture and items slide in and out seamlessly. There are some issues with the... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 2:47 PM by 15minutecall

Seems to me, if it's an opinion about quality, sure you don't need to back it up. But if it's about quantity (as in "almost everyone who really likes it likes it for the sentiment"), some evidence would be helpful, no?... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 2:41 PM by Mr. Nowack

There's nothing wrong with that at all. It was merely an opinion, so I don't think it needs evidence to back it up. I don't mean to bash the film, I'm just not terribly fond it it and sometimes hypothesize why others do so much. Contrary to my feelings expressed above I actually do enjoy watching it, though mainly for the absolute decadence of the visuals and music/arrangements.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 2:29 PM by 15minutecall

Mr Nowack, I respect your opinion on the Gigi film butwhat evidence do you have that almost everybody who likes it does so for the sentiment? I appreciate its beauty, elgance, & craft - not to mention the charisma of it cast. Is that so wrong?... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 1:50 PM by Smaxie

That isn't the premise. The set is inspired by many of the steel and glass buildings built for the Paris Exposition in 1900, and other landmarks. Think of buildings like the Palais de Glace and the Petit Palais. more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 1:14 PM by matineeidol2591

What I don't understand about the set: if the premise is that the unit set depicts underneath the Eiffel Tower, why is there a second Eiffel Tower on the drop at the rear of the stage?... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 12:54 PM by Princeton Returns

Is there a press night for this in dc? Interested in reviews... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 5:34 AM by Fan123

Regarding the set, it reminds me of something written about Gigi the film, a speculation that Minnelli chose an unusual way of doing the obligatory Eiffel Tower shot - showing the tower from beneath as Gaston looks up during 'It's A Bore' - in order to make the tower seem uncharacteristically oppressive. I have no idea if that's true; it was Stephen Holding who wrote about it in 'Directed by Vincente Minnelli'. But anyway, the idea helps the set work better for me.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 3:32 AM by Musical Master

After looking at that picture of the set, that has to be one of the best designs Derek McLane has done for the Kennedy Center. It's better than his designs for FOLLIES and RAGTIME.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 2:24 AM by Phillypinto

well thats why theres a new and updated book!... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 2:21 AM by Mr. Nowack

I don't think it's aged particularly well. I think almost everyone who really likes it likes it mostly for the sentiment. For me it's almost classy to a fault as to where it somehow loses something. Sumptuous though it may be to look at and listen to if I pay attention to the story it bores me to tears and the charms of Maurice Chevalier and even Louis Jourdan are somewhat lost on me.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 2:00 AM by OlBlueEyes

I'm surprised by the little esteem in which the 1958 film is held at this time. Not so much by the reaction here, since it is a sentimental film and sentiment isn't big with a lot of the posters here, which is fine. But I assumed that it was on everyone's top 10 list of movie musicals, and this does not seem to be the case. In 2002 the AFI came out with a list of the greatest "love" films and Gigi came in a 35, below such classics as Ghost and Moonstruck and King Kong. Of course my reactio... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 1:50 AM by Musical Master

How are the costumes in the show? Did Catherine Zuber do wonders or is it just okay?... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 1:16 AM by Phillypinto

"If it doesn't, will you leave?" Kad, will I leave what?... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 1:13 AM by Phillypinto

and what if On the 20th Century, The King and I and Gigi get rave reviews as well? Side show also got raves. That leaves you with all 5 revivals with raves. No matter what, one of them is gonna get the boot and its either On the Town, On the 20th Century, or Gigi... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 1:13 AM by Mr. Nowack

That set design is a mixed bag for me. While it is gorgeous and striking, it seems a bit cold and unsuitable for the action of the show, despite making good use of the "art nouveau" steel style used for a number of interiors in the film and in the real life turn of the century Paris. Where is there even a scene that realistically calls for a large staircase like that?... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 12:41 AM by RippedMan

I don't see Gigi usurping On The town.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 25th, 2015 12:16 AM by kyl3fong2

On The Town is absolutely getting a best revival nomination. That show was incredible and one of the best musicals I've seen recently.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 24th, 2015 10:43 PM by Robbie2

^On the Town will get a best revival nomination and the Kagan's (producer) will keep it open till the nominations are announced on April 28...I doubt GIGI will be nominated from what I am hearing so far but will see when and if it arrives on Broadway.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 24th, 2015 7:20 PM by Jeffrey Karasarides

"I told you guys, On The Town is gonna get the boot!" On the Town got RAVE REVIEWS, so it's likely gonna be nominated no matter what. And please keep in mind that the Tony nomination could probably end up helping the show at the box office.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 24th, 2015 7:10 PM by acekatherineplumber2

I'm optimistic about this show and hope I won't be let down. Anyway, I'm going to see it tomorrow evening--will report back.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 24th, 2015 7:09 PM by RW3

It's been so interesting reading the reviews on here and another website like, Twitter. On here, we are being more critical of it. However, on Twitter, people are really enjoying and loving it. It is very interesting to see the contrasting views. Another note: The marketing team has really stepped up its game. A full-page ad for the show was in the NY Times today.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 24th, 2015 7:05 PM by Kad

If it doesn't, will you leave?... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 24th, 2015 6:47 PM by Phillypinto

WOW IM SPEECHLESS AT THAT SET!!! absolutely breathtaking! The overall consensus of this show is that it is charming, but needs to make some changes, which they are doing. I told you guys, On The Town is gonna get the boot!... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 24th, 2015 6:45 PM by disneybroadwayfan22

bwayphreak: Thanks for the pic! Great background! Hopefully, they will make it more dynamic. crystal: How is the show a mess? Is it because it's so old fashioned?... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 24th, 2015 6:08 PM by bwayphreak234

Here is a picture of the set for those interested... ... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 24th, 2015 5:14 PM by Robbie2

Opening Night is Thursday 1/29 very curious on how this will be reviewed by the critics...... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 24th, 2015 5:00 PM by criostal

Saw the matinee performance today, or half of it. Actually, I was so bored and disinterested in the characters and their relationships that I left at intermission...a first for me. Vanessa Hudgens was OK. However, I felt like her voice/acting would be better suited for a cartoon version. I agree with posters above that said many of the cast were flat/improperly cast in their roles. Clearly, there was a lot of talent on the stage, but for me, it was just a disjointed mess that went nowhere.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 24th, 2015 1:07 AM by christhefish

I was actually at tonight's performance. I went in with now expectations and little prior experience with Gigi and was rather happy. The first act was very good, the second less so but that may be more the material than the production. Hudgens is fine, not remarkable but certainly she has talent and is clearly having fun. Cott was in great voice and was a standout for me. Then there is Ms. Clark, I have seen he'd many times and while this wasn't my favorite performance of hers I am always in awe... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 23rd, 2015 11:21 PM by RW3

Yes, they did have a performance tonight.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 23rd, 2015 9:20 PM by kyl3fong2

Do they have a performance tonight?... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 23rd, 2015 9:04 PM by RW3

Has the show made any changes yet?... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 20th, 2015 7:22 PM by RW3

I don't know about the movie version, but the 1973 version works.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 20th, 2015 6:53 PM by disneybroadwayfan22

Is it me or is the movie soundtrack not working on the US iTunes store?... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 20th, 2015 6:24 PM by RW3

The producers are really pushing the marketing for the show. I just saw the commercial twice in a 5 minute span.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 20th, 2015 4:30 PM by RW3

Vanessa instagrammed a picture of her at a rehearsal today. So they are definitely making changes.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 20th, 2015 3:00 PM by Auggie27

Standing ovations, of course, that guarantees success. Maybe at the Notthingham playhouse. I grew up in DC, and never attended a musical at the Kennedy Center that didn't result in a standing O.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 20th, 2015 11:49 AM by Spotlight61

Heidi Thomas who writes the British TV export, Call The Midwife, is a real creative force and will no doubt be honing this to ensure that her first Broadway adaptation will succeed with audiences and critics alike. It has been garnering standing ovations, which is no mean feat for a tryout.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 20th, 2015 10:44 AM by Kad

They are certainly making changes to the show and taking advantage of their tryout in D.C.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 20th, 2015 9:59 AM by bruzson2

Perhaps, but no need to bring the narrator full circle, IMHO, although this is how it's done in the movie. Stage is a different beast than a movie and the 'second' ending just seemed like an excuse for a final dance moment and the cast to gather on stage. We'll see if they make changes in D.C. ("Little Dancer" didn't change much at all from first preview to last performance, both of which we saw) but I'm guessing changes could be made for Broadway.... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 20th, 2015 8:18 AM by g.d.e.l.g.i.

Suggestion (based on a complete lack of knowledge on how this may or may not affect the storyline and staging): Honore re-enters as a narrator over Gigi and Gaston kissing and 'sealing the deal'. Blackout. Curtain. Bows: "Night They Invented Champagne." Better or worse, bruzson2?... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 20th, 2015 8:10 AM by bruzson2

We saw the show Sunday eve and I was very pleasantly surprised. Hudgens is very good (not great) and the rest of the cast is quite good as well, although Victoria Clark seemed a bit flat and was uncomfortable in the ensemble dance numbers. Act one was very good but the show grinds to halt in act two with the lawyer number. It ran 9 minutes in the 1973 stage version (check out the liner notes on the cast album from 1973) and it feels even longer here. It should definitely go. That having been... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 20th, 2015 7:17 AM by Auggie27

What on earth is the appeal of this material in 2015? And to whom is it pitched? Boomers? We grew up and only knew it from TV; yes, we're too young to have been the initial audience. Our parents are somewhere between 80 and 95 -- they were the initial fans. Are they hoping to sell to people over 75? What young women (or boomers) in 2015 find this overly precious, sexism-laden tale of French girlhood entertaining or inspiring? It's beyond dated; it's an artifact, a curio. It's of course abou... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 20th, 2015 1:11 AM by Jarethan

I am guardedly looking forward to this show. I say guardedly because, despite some of the trivializing comments here and elsewhere, it is my all-time favorite movie musical. I have seen it no less than 30 times and never tire of it. Someone said the last 1/2 hour drags...amazes me, because I think the filming of The title song, which occurs during that time, is as perfect a staging of a musical number as I have ever seen. I still get goosebumps when the music crescendoes. On the other h... (more...)

GIGI @ Kennedy Center
Jan 19th, 2015 8:46 PM by haterobics

If/Then had DC merch, too, but it changed a bit once it was on Broadway...... (more...)