Pretty Woman: The MusicalTheatre Royal Sydney 7:00 pm
Pretty Woman: The Musical has arrived at the Theatre Royal for its Sydney debut. Directed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell, the feel-good stage spin of the classic film will leave you dancing in your seat, if not deeply moved. What the production sometimes lacks in depth, it makes up for in nostalgia, charm and good vibes.
What is the premise of Pretty Woman: The Musical?
The production follows Vivian Ward (Samantha Jade), a sex worker working on Hollywood Boulevard to survive. Despite her edgy exterior, Vivian dreams of a life captured in the song ‘Anywhere But Here’. Her luck begins to change when she meets businessman Edward Lewis (Ben Hall). What starts as a one-night business transaction turns into a longer deal – for $3000, Vivian becomes Edward’s partner for six days, while he secures a business deal, all whilst staying in the glamourous penthouse suite of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The mix of business, pleasure and pastel sunsets results in a cocktail of romantic fantasy, class mismatch and questions about who is really saving whom.
Who are the cast and crew of Pretty Woman: The Musical?
In her theatrical debut, singer-songwriter Samantha Jade is Vivian, opposite Ben Hall’s Edward. The pair have moments of flirtatious charm, which show glimmers of chemistry, but struggle to transition this spark into the sweeping passion the narrative is reaching for by its final scenes.
Jade and Hall are supported by Tim Omaji as Happy Man/Mr Thompson, and Michelle Brasier as Kit De Luca. The main cast is also supported by a strong ensemble that keeps the pacing lively throughout the production.
Why is Pretty Woman: The Musical a three-star production?
As an adaptation of the movie, the stage version struggles to reinterpret the material for the animation, vigour and demand that come with a live performance. Too many scenes feel like isolated moments rather than a fluid dramatic arc, so the book plays as a series of set pieces stacked end to end. The production also leans heavily on its lyrics to evoke emotional and personal growth, spelling out what the characters feel a little too obviously. Edward’s repeated solos in 'Something About Her' and 'Freedom', for instance, tip the score from emphasis and intrigue to overstatement.
Jade’s voice has a strong timbre that remains consistent throughout the performance. However, there are moments when her focus on vocal delivery seems to come at the expense of movement and choreography. Her acting in the book (speaking) scenes shows clear potential as she carries the grit, charm and hope of Vivian with great care and execution. However, until this is reconciled in the musical numbers, it is difficult to see the progress of Vivian’s character development, especially where the production relies greatly on its numbers.
Hall’s calm and collected presence is skilfully shown in his scenes as Edward in business. However, Hall struggles in scenes where he needs to encapsulate Edward’s inner turmoil. Whilst his vocals are sound, Hall seemed a little cautious in execution of the timbre and gusto needed for his musical numbers.
Special mention must be made to both the lighting team (Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg). The fluorescent and warm lighting infused the stage of the Theatre Royal with the nostalgia and ambience of a 1980's Los Angeles. Paradoxically, the almost unreal colouring of the backdrops established a perfect sense of place, context and atmosphere. This is further enhanced by David Rockwell’s scenic designs of Los Angeles between Hollywood Boulevard, the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and the penthouse suite. His set pieces allowed the production to move swiftly between locations, giving the world of Pretty Woman a coherent visual language.
What was the highlight of Pretty Woman: The Musical?
Both Omaji and Hall provide the energy and stamina that keep the show buoyant. Omaji’s transitions stitch the scenes together with charm and momentum, while Brasier brings a sharp comic edge and soulfulness, which provide the some of the few moments of depth. In particular, their song 'Never Give Up on A Dream' is a powerful and lively number that provides some uplift and heart, giving the shows some emotional weight.
My personal favourite was ensemble member Rebecca Gulinello’s operatic performance in 'You and I'. It was an incredible experience witnessing Gulinello’s beautifully smooth legato with coloratura sung at full gusto. Gulinello’s performance helped bridge the transition for Vivian and Edward’s relationship from transactional and flirty to something potentially more meaningful.
Who will like Pretty Woman: The Musical?
Pretty Woman: The Musical is a fun and playful production for those seeking a good night out. Whilst the production struggles to find its emotional beats, it delivers an easy, feel-good evening of theatre. Fans of the film, in particular, will enjoy seeing the iconic movie reimagined on stage.
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