Vanessa Hudgens to Make Broadway Debut in Title Role of “Gigi”

Vanessa Hudgens, known for her role as Gabriella in Disney’s hit film franchise “High School Musical,” will make her Broadway debut in the title role of a new revival of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s “Gigi.”

The 25-year-old actress has been playing the role in recent readings in New York, and will continue honing her performance during a pre-Broadway engagement at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., set for Jan. 16 through Feb. 12, 2015.

No Broadway dates have been set yet, but producers are aiming for 2015.

“I started performing in musicals from a young age, and it has always been my dream to be on Broadway,” said Hudgens in a statement. “I cannot wait to get back on stage, singing and dancing these songs and living in Gigi’s glamorous world.”

Hudgens has a long history performing in musicals. In addition to her singing work in “High School Musical” and its sequels, she’s been on stage since she was eight years old. In 2010, Hudgens played the role of Mimi in the Hollywood Bowl’s production of “Rent.”

“Gigi” first played Broadway in 1951, with a then-unknown Audrey Hepburn in the title role. The show was then adapted by Lerner and Loewe (“My Fair Lady”) into a a 1958 movie musical, which would go on to win nine Academy Awards including Best Picture.

The new Broadway production will be directed by Eric Schaeffer (“Follies”), and include a new book by British playwright Heidi Thomas -- known for television writing credits like “Call the Midwife” and “Upstairs, Downstairs.” The revival will feature classic “Gigi” numbers such as “Thank Heaven for Little Girls” and “I Remember it Well,” as well as songs incorporated from the film, including “The Parisians” and “Say a Prayer for Me Tonight.” Four songs written and added to the score by Lerner and Loewe in 1973 will also be included.