GIGI Headed Back to Broadway, Aiming for 2014/15 in New Adaptation

Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe's beloved musical Gigi will open on Broadway, possibly as soon as the 2014-2015 season, directed by Tony Award-nominee Eric D. Schaeffer (Follies), in a new, re-envisioned adaptation by acclaimed British playwright and Emmy-nominated screenwriter Heidi Thomas ("Cranford," "Upstairs Downstairs," "Call the Midwife").

A developmental reading is taking place later this month in New York City.

Set in the magical world of La Belle Époque in turn-of-the-century Paris, Gigi is a timeless romantic comedy about a young woman groomed in the custom of her family to be a companion to a bored, wealthy playboy, until the two unexpectedly realize this is in fact true love.

Producer Jenna Segal said on the announcement, "GIGI lets us escape to an idyllic place where the girl gets the guy and love does conquer all. Heidi Thomas has restored Gigi to her rightful place at the centre of the story, backed by a funny, warm family of women that show the men in the world around them the finer meaning of life and love. This is 'chic lit' musical theatre!"

Heidi Thomas, writer and co-producer of the hit BBC/PBS series Call the Midwife, who is adapting Alan Jay Lerner's book for the new production, describes the fascination of Gigi: "It's a touching, funny, captivating story of love and all the trials that go with it. Set in the most beautiful era in the history of the world's most romantic city, the messages in Gigi endure -- 'Know your own worth. Write your own rules. And when you find love, never let it go.'"

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the debut of Gigi on Broadway. Lerner and Loewe's Tony Award-winning score was first heard in the 9-time Academy Award-winning Best Picture of the same name, directed by Vincente Minnelli. The movie, which was the last of the classic MGM musicals, was based on the Broadway play by Anita Loos and the popular novella by Colette.

Legendary designer and artist Jeremiah Goodman is crafting a defining image that captures the spirit of this new production.

GIGI is produced by Jenna Segal and Alan Williams serves as General Manager.

Casting and the full creative team will be announced at a later date.