GIGI Book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner : Music by Frederick Loewe : based on a novel by Colette and the MGM film. As produced by Edwin Lester for the Los Angeles and San Francisco Civic Light Opera Associations and by Saint Subber for Broadway. Uris Theatre, Broadway - November 13, 1973 (103 perfs) SYNOPSIS Gigi is a story of La Belle Epoque, Paris at the turn of the century: a world of beauty and luxury and sophisticates like Honoré and his handsome nephew Gaston. In this world love is a work of art and also a business arrangement. Little Gigi is being trained by her Aunt Alicia; she must learn how to allure, how to recognise the blue flame at the heart of an emerald, how to choose a cigar - but Gigi doesnt want just to be someones mistress, even Gastons. To his surprise Gaston discovers that Gigi is the only girl who doesnt bore him. Gigi is a show that bubbles like champagne that flows through its vivid scenes. There is a tang of salty French wit, too, and a lacing of all-time hits; "Gigi", "The Night They Invented Champagne", "I Remember It Well", and "Thank Heaven For Little Girls". STORY (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) As the show opens, Honoré Lachaille explains that in turn-of-the-century Paris, marriage is not the only option. Gaston Lachaille Honorés nephew, is a rich bon vivant much like his uncle. But Gaston is bored with the high life and his series of mistresses. The one thing he truly enjoys is spending time with one of his uncles old friends, Madame Alvarez, whom he calls Mamita, and especially her granddaughter, the precocious, carefree Gilberte or "Gigi". Madame Alvarez sends Gigi to her Aunt Alicias to be groomed as a famous courtesan in their familys tradition, and learn etiquette and charm. Gigi is initially a very poor student, as she does not understand the reasons behind her education and finds Parisians obsession with making love inexplicable. She does, however, enjoy spending time with Gaston, whom she regards as an elder brother. When Alicia discovers that Gaston took Gigi and Madame Alvarez on holiday, she is incensed that her sister could do such a thing without consulting her, and insists that Gigis education must increase dramatically if she is to catch a prize such as Gaston. Mamita is shocked, but sees the advantages it could bring Gigi and so goes along with the plan - though neither tell Gigi of their scheming. Gigi is miserable in her lessons, but puts up with them as a necessary evil, though she still seems awkward and bumbling to her perfectionist aunt. A short time later, Gaston visits and is shocked to see Gigi in a rather alluring white gown. He tells her she looks ridiculous and storms out, but returns later and apologizes, wishing to make it up by taking her to dinner. Mamita refuses, telling Gaston that with his reputation, a young girl seen in his company might be labelled in such a way as could damage her future. Gaston is enraged yet again, storms out, and wanders the streets of Paris in a fury. It is during this rant that Gaston realises that he has fallen in love with Gigi. He returns to Mamita and strikes a business arrangement to take Gigi as his mistress, promising to provide the girl with luxury and kindness. He visits Gigi later, but she tells him she does not wish to become someones mistress; she wants more for herself than to be passed between men, only desired until they grow tired of her and she moves on to another. Gaston is horrified at this portrayal of the life he wishes to give her, and leaves stunned. Later, however, Gigi
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