We were first introduced to Gigi in 1944 when Collette published her novel
but this became a stage play in 1951 with
Audrey Hepburn being personally selected by the author to play the leading
role.
When Lerner and Loewe produced their musical version for the 1958 Vincente
Minelli film, Leslie Caron played the definitive title role. The star studded
cast included the legendary Maurice Chevalier and Louis Jordan as the leading
men with Hermione
Gingold, giving her own distinctive support.
The film version of Gigi contained a song, 'Say a prayer for me tonight'
that was originally written for My Fair Lady, but never reached the final
cut. The irony of the references to Wellington and Waterloo never seemed
to bother the writers or Vincente Minelli when the film was released. Sit
back and enjoy our version of Gigi and reflect on the bygone age that was
Paris
at the turn of the twentieth century.
In Act 2 of Gigi we have the scene in the solicitor's office
where a pre-nuptial arrangement is entered into by Gigi and Gaston. As was
the custom, the details were worked out by Gaston's legal representative,
and a representative for Gigi. Sadly for Gaston, Gigi's best interests
are served by the formidable Aunt Alicia!
The scene is almost entirely sung - rather like Mr Lloyd-Webber's musicals are today - and we have written this short synopsis of the scene to help you follow the highly amusing and enormously clever and witty lyrics.
Maitre Dufresne is confident that the details of the Contract
will appeal to Gigi's family, and - after introductions - proceeds
to launch into a detailed description of Gaston's love for Gigi
and his willingness to provide generously for her. But Aunt Alicia is not
interested in a vague "wonderland" she wants details.
How many rooms? How many baths? Does it face south? And (most importantly)
does she keep it all if Gaston pops his clogs?
Not surprisingly there is conflict! Alicia's ideas of décor and furnishing are somewhat sumptuous compared to Gaston's but in the face of her onslaught, Dufresne reluctantly backs down, and agrees on (at least) seven rooms!
The financial allowance is the next matter for negotiation.
Dufresne proposes 7000 francs per year. Alicia considers
7000 francs per MONTH is nearer the mark. Dufresne gets
his apoplexy under control, and proposes 20000 per year.
They do finally agree on 34000 francs, as long as Gigi also gets frequent
gifts of precious stones, furs, stocks and shares and a Rolls Royce. Alicia
emerges triumphant, Mamita is acutely embarrassed, Duclos (Alicia's
lawyer) is surplus to requirements and Dufresne is considering early retirement.