High School Musical's Vanessa Hudgens graduates to Broadway with glamorous turn in period dress ahead of Gigi debut
The star of High School Musical has graduated to the big stage.
Vanessa Hudgens cuts an elegant figure as she channels turn-of-the-20th century Parisian glamour in new images of her Broadway-bound role in Gigi.
The 26-year-old former Disney star takes on the title character of a courtesan-in-training.
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Graduation: Vanessa Hudgens cuts an elegant figure as she channels turn-of-the-20th century Parisian glamour in new images of her Broadway-bound role in Gigi
In a publicity image of the revival musical, the knockout descends from an elaborate staircase in a strapless black ball gown and opera gloves, and wears her hair up in a voluminous French twist.
Another photo shows the starlet beaming as she stands front and center of a backdrop inspired by the Eiffel Tower.
The singer-actress is clad in an all-white ensemble that includes a large boa, floor-length sleeves dress and black gloves.
Glamour girl: The singer-actress is clad in an all-white ensemble that includes a large boa, floor-length sleeves dress and black gloves
Her hair is styled in an up-do and accessorized with a feathered fascinator.
More images from the pre-Broadway production from Washington, DC's The Kennedy Center show the beauty alongside co-stars Victoria Clark as her grandmother Mamita and Corey Cott as Gaston Lachaille - her character's love interest.
Gigi will make its debut on The Great White Way on April 8 at the Neil Simon Theatre. Previews will begin on March 19.
Broadway baby: The 26-year-old former Disney star takes on the title character of a courtesan-in-training and falls in love with rich playboy Gaston, played by Corey Cott
The role was originated by Audrey Hepburn on Broadway in 1951, and the 1958 film version of Gigi starring Leslie Caron won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
It was adapted as a musical in 1973 but was not a hit with theatergoers.
In the original book, Gigi was nearly 16 years old and her suitor was 33. The updated version eschews controversy with their ages updated to 18 and 25.
Tricks of the trade: Gigi is groomed by her grandmother (Victoria Clark), a madame, and her aunt to learn etiquette for her path in the family business
The story - based on the 1944 book by the same name by Colette - follows Gaston, a rich playboy who has become tired of Parisian society and strikes up a friendship with Gigi
Gigi is groomed by her grandmother, a madame, and her aunt to learn etiquette for her path in the family trade.
However their plans fail when Gigi falls in love with Gaston.
Debut: Gigi will make its debut on The Great White Way on April 8 at the Neil Simon Theatre; Previews will begin on March 19
Plan foiled: Things do not go exactly as planned when Gigi falls in love with Gaston
Revival: The role was originated by Audrey Hepburn on Broadway in 1951, and the 1958 film version of Gigi won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture
Born in 1873, author Colette was a controversial figure and free-thinker of her time who is credited with discovering a then-unknown Audrey Hepburn, handpicking her as the lead in the stage version of her book.
At 20 years old, the writer married a man 15 years her senior, and went on to marry two more times.
Her second marriage produced a daughter, and she is believed to have been an inattentive mother who left her in the care of a nanny.
At the end of her marriage she took her step-son as her lover before marrying another man.
Colette, whose real name is Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, died aged 81 as a celebrated author of many books.
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