Background
Gigi took several steps on its journey to the musical stage. It first appeared as a 1945 novel by Colette, which was adapted for the screen with Danièle Delorme in 1948. In 1951 Anita Loos adapted the novel for the stage, and the Broadway production starred Audrey Hepburn in her first major role.
Seven years later, while My Fair Lady was in Philadelphia prior to its New York City opening, Arthur Freed approached Lerner about a feature film musical adaptation. Although Loewe had vowed never to work in movies, he was charmed by the book and agreed to collaborate on the project. The 1958 film of Gigi proved to be a major critical and commercial success and the winner of nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Read more about this topic: Gigi (musical)
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