Pretty Woman: The Musical had its big opening night in Perth on Sunday at Crown Theatre, where it will be in residence for the next five weeks. Guests were asked to dress with a splash of red, and Perth’s glitterati didn’t disappoint.
In a world where producers and audiences are increasingly unwilling to invest in new stories, remakes and adaptations of well‑known titles are becoming more common.
It seems we’ll try out a new story if we already know the music — the jukebox musical has given us Mamma Mia! (ABBA), We Will Rock You (Queen), Head Over Heels (The Go‑Go’s) and Never Forget (Take That). On the flipside, we’ll try new music if we already know the story. That trend has brought us Beetlejuice, Ghost, Legally Blonde, Back to the Future and many others. Often the challenge with these adaptations is that the music doesn’t strike a chord.
Pretty Woman: The Musical successfully brings the romantic story of sex worker Vivian Ward and billionaire businessman Edward Lewis to the stage. While there are no musical numbers you’ll be humming for days afterwards, they are staged well and the performances pack an emotional punch.
There are no major changes to the story. Edward borrows his lawyer’s car to drive back to his hotel, gets lost on Sunset Boulevard and pays Vivian to show him the way. He then asks her to spend a week with him while he tries to close a big business deal.
While the film is a classic fish‑out‑of‑water story, this production delivers that and also clearly highlights the juxtaposition between the two worlds our protagonists come from. Vivian is from the streets – a world of hustling and getting by – while Edward lives the high life: opera, polo, boardrooms and luxury suites. The film focuses on Vivian escaping her world, but this telling shows that her world has value too.
One of the clever techniques used to show this two‑sided world is the casting of Happy Man, who serves as the story’s guide. He explains street life to us and invites us into the narrative. The same actor plays Mr Thompson, the stern but helpful hotel manager. Bobby Fox is brilliant in the dual role.
Taking on the romantic lead is Ben Hall — he’s completely swoon‑worthy and a captivating performer. Pop singer Samantha Jade has signed up for the almost impossible task of stepping into the role that made Julia Roberts a global superstar. Roberts’ performance in the iconic film casts an enormous shadow over the part of Vivian Ward. Jade’s take on the role is polished and full of life; while she doesn’t quite make the role her own, she is a fine actor and singer.
The cast is rounded out by Michelle Brasier as Vivian’s advice‑touting friend Kit, and Douglas Hansell as smarmy lawyer Phillip.
Unlike the film, this version of the story does get much hotter and steamier than the 1990 film which was made by Touchstone Pictures, a sub brand of the Walt Disney Company. This Vivian and Edward are sexual, physical and openly aroused.
The music was created by Bryan Adams and his regular songwriting partner Jim Vallance. Together they’ve penned hits including Heaven, Summer of ’69 and Run to You. There are no hugely memorable songs here, but they’re pleasant, well‑crafted and match the story’s emotional beats.
Pretty Woman: The Musical is fun and makes us nostalgic for the much loved film. It’s a movie with many memorable scenes, each on recreated here from the snapping of a jewelry box, to revenge on snooty shop assistants, and classic romantic endings.
Pretty Woman: The Musical is at Crown Theatre until Sunday 24th May. Tickets are on sale now. After the Perth season the show will head to Adelaide and then Melbourne.
