Gigi at The Kennedy Center

The Show, A Review

As soon as I heard an ensemble of Broadway All Stars was bringing Gigi back to the stage, I immediately put it on my calendar and bought tickets.

I grew up loving Gigi, and how could one not? The film is filled with beautiful costumes, romance, and is set in magical turn of the century Paris. The film won nine Oscars back in 1958, including Best Picture. With such a successful and memorable adaptation on film, I had hoped the Broadway production of Gigi would not completely abandon it's Hollywood roots.

I was honestly concerned with the casting of Vanessa Hudgens as Gigi, it just didn't seem like quite the right fit. Leslie Caron was completely perfect in the film adaptation; as I'm sure Audrey Hepburn was in the original stage version in 1951. As the performance neared, I was finding it hard to compare the classic Gigi with the one currently listed in the Playbill.

To my surprise, I couldn't have been more wrong. Vannesa Hudgens was resplendent. She completely captured the essence of Gigi in her tone, mannerisms, and care-free laughter. Bravo, Vanessa, for a truly incredible performance!

Vanessa Hudgens shows of her dance moves at Gigi preview Credit: Neilson Barnard at Getty Images Entertainment

I was equally impressed by the performances of Gaston (Corey Cott), Mamita (Victoria Clark), and Aunt Alicia (Dee Hoty). The sets were beautiful and the dialogue had some great moments of humor.

I would highly recommend anyone who grew up loving the film as I did immediately buy tickets to the show. If it is sold out in DC, you can travel to New York and see it on Broadway. Previews start March 19th with the official opening on April 8th.

GiGi at The Kennedy Center

January 16th - February 12th

Tickets from $45

http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=TPTSD

NYE ReCap - Who, What, and Where

After being totally sick with the flu last year, I am so glad to report that my NYE 2015 was a blast! Here is a very brief recap of the evening - what we did and who were the services that made it all happen.

Club Blowdry 

This was the first time I used Club Blowdry, and I was thrilled. My stylist showed up right on time, we set up a mini salon in my kitchen and 45 minutes later I had great NYE ready curls. The service was $60, tip is included and paid through the website (no money exchanges hands between you and the stylist). I loved Club Blowdry because I was able to get my hair done in my own home, run up stairs to dress, and was out the door in a snap. Would definitely recommend and will book again (and fyi, those curls last 48 hours - it was incredible!)

Rent the Runway

I wrote rave reviews about my experience at the RTR Georgetown store back in November (click here for earlier post) but the dress I chose was damaged, so they sent me an alternate. The alternate was too small and too long. I ran to the Georgetown store in a frantic at 6pm the day before New Years. The store was madness but I was able to find a replacement gown and was given it at an even exchange. A bit more drama than I was hoping for, but it all worked out! I received so many compliments on my BCBG Max Azria dress at the Kennedy Center, I will most certainly continue to rent from RTR.

My husband and I in the Grand Foyer, Kennedy Center

Kennedy Center

My husband and two of our awesome friends had an AMAZING time at the Kennedy Center for NYE. We saw Ozomalti (a latin, hip hop fusion band out of LA) perform with the NSO. They literally turned the concert hall into a dance party - I don't think the Kennedy Center has ever seen anything like it! After the show, we drank and danced in the Grand Foyer until the balloon drop at midnight. The Kennedy Center provided the perfect mix of an elegant, but rocking time, on New Years Eve. Bravo!

Ozomalti rocking it in the aisle

Ceiling of the concert hall, Kennedy Center

Toasting to the New Year with friends in the Grand Foyer, Kennedy Center

Cheers to a Happy New Year!
S.

A Guide to the Best of DC's Performing Arts Winter Season

I am totally overwhelmed by the amount of exciting performances happening in the District over the next few months. The weather may be cooling down but the performances are heating up! From one theater lover to the next, here are my top picks for the winter performing arts season.

Little Dancer, A New Musical

This world premier Kennedy Center musical is inspired by the story of a young ballerina immortalized by Edgar Degas in his famous sculpture. The show is only running for a few more weeks, make sure you don't miss it!

The Kennedy Center from Oct 25th - Nov 30th

Tickets from $45-$155
Click here for tickets

(Both photos courtesy The Kennedy Center. Left: Tiler Peck; right: Edgar Degas, Little Dancer Aged Fourteen

Gigi, The Broadway Musical

Production Poster

This was one of my favorite classic movies growing up, I am so thrilled Gigi will premiere in DC before heading to Broadway! Gigi is a new production of Lerner and Loewe's musical comedy, where true love between a free-spirited young woman and a wealthy young playboy must overcome the conventions of turn-of-the-century Paris. 

The Kennedy Center from Jan 16th - Feb 12th

Tickets from $45-$145

Click here for tickets

Julius Caeser

Production Poster

Beware the Ides of March, Caesar. Julius Caesar returns home victorious, securing both unparalleled power and popularity. Fearful for the Republic and driven by their own ambition, several senators conspire to assassinate the Roman dictator in the Capitol. However, their brash move plunges Rome into chaos and threatens the very democracy they swore to uphold. 

In the shadow of the nearby Capitol building, Shakespeare’s searing commentary on power, ambition, and democratic responsibility smolders in our own dear city that is centered around politics and power. 

Folger Elizabethan Theater from Oct 28th - Dec 7th

Tickets from $40-$55

Click here for tickets

Sleepy Hollow

Photo courtesy of The Washington Ballet

And no, I'm not talking about that horrible show on Fox. Washington Irving’s classic tale is now being told through the lush language of ballet. In a love triangle, the new school teacher, Ichabod Crane, finds himself smitten by a flirtatious beauty, Katrina Van Tassel, much to the displeasure of town rowdy, “Brom Bones” Van Brunt. A rivalry ensues and the ghostly “Headless Horseman” comes into play one fateful night. This program features original live music. 

The Kennedy Center from Feb 18th - Feb 22nd

Tickets from $30 - $125
Click here for tickets