A Modern Twist on an Old Fairy Tale

Pretty Woman: The Musical – Broadway in Chicago

Garry Marshall had always envisioned his 1990 hit romantic comedy as a musical. He’d actually been writing the script for a theatrical version at the time of his death. Producer Paula Wagner promised Marshall that work would continue on his dream project, and she kept her word. Returning to Chicago, where the musical had its 2018 pre-Broadway tryout, the Windy City is fondly embracing the show that went on to play over 400 performances in NYC, as well as around the world. The musical also won several Broadway.com Audience awards a year later. 

Talented, two-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (“La Cage aux Folles,” “Kinky Boots”) dynamically directed and choreographed this production, perfectly showcasing his creative strengths. Acclaimed late-80’s rock singer/songwriter Bryan Adams and his longtime creative partner Jim Vallance were brought in to enhance the story with their music; the book is credited to Mr. Marshall and J.F. Lawton. The score features 22 catchy songs, including a couple of winning, powerhouse ballads, as well as the iconic Roy Orbison pop/rock song that inspired the title. It’s performed as a sing-along during the curtain call. Garry Marshall’s dream, at last, became a reality.

Vivian Ward, a bold, beautiful small-town Georgia girl, is earning her living as a hooker in Los Angeles’ seedy red light district along Hollywood Boulevard. As the musical opens, Vivian’s dodging her landlord because her roommate, party girl Kit DeLuca, has squandered their rent money. Coincidentally, New York billionaire and high-power businessman Edward Lewis is in town to buy up a failing shipbuilding company. Since he’s all alone, when he meets Vivian he finds her bright, charming and exciting. Edward decides to hire her as the perfect date for an evening’s business event. What Edward and Vivian don’t anticipate is that they’ll fall in love with each other.

For this National Tour, the iconic roles that were created in the film by Julia Roberts and Richard Gere are now being played by Olivia Valli (National Tours of “Wicked” and “Jersey Boys”) and Broadway actor Adam Pascal (original casts of “Rent” and “Aida”). These two talented actor/singers are some of the best reasons for seeing this production. 
The lovely and spirited Ms. Valli sparkles and sizzles as Vivian. She fills the theatre with her powerful voice, belting out the songs from the Bryan Adams/Jim Vallance score. Valli’s portrayal of the Hollywood Boulevard hooker with a heart of gold, who dreams of being rescued by her own Prince Charming, is endearing. She’s the perfect modern day Cinderella who brings, beauty, charisma and musicality to this fairy tale, and makes the audience forget that Julia Roberts ever played this role.

The same can be said for handsome, Broadway musical star, Adam Pascal. His Edward isn’t a priggish wheeler-dealer, as in the film; instead he’s a soft-spoken businessman who brings his own emotional baggage to the story. Whether finding pleasure in doing business with Vivian, quietly manipulating a takeover of David Morse’s shipbuilding business or unintentionally falling for the woman who completes him, Pascal’s Edward is marvelous. This Tony Award-nominated actor offers a charming vulnerability, a guarded warmth and a rock-n-roll vocal quality that would easily melt even the most hardhearted woman. Together these two actors create the perfect chemistry to make this story sing.

One of the more inspired roles that’s been created for the musical is the Happy Man. Played here by charismatic and multitalented actor Kyle Taylor Parker, the character is a an LA huckster selling dreams, while hawking maps to movie stars’ homes. This streetwise salesman opens the show as the musical’s narrator, but continues to pop up everywhere as different characters. Parker plays Mr. Thompson, the dignified, but kindly manager of the posh Beverly Wilshire Hotel, who takes a liking to and helps mentor Vivian in her journey to becoming a lady. He unexpectedly appears as the orchestra conductor of “La Traviata,” the opera Edward has taken Vivian to on a special date. Ensemble member Amma Osei dazzles the audience as Violetta, in a brief scene from the Verdi classic.

But one of the most delightful and unexpected scenes is when Giulio, the hotel’s most likable and accommodating bellhop ever, joins Mr. Thompson and the men’s chorus to teach Vivian how to dance the tango. Matthew Vincent Taylor is sensational in the role and almost steals the show with his performance in this, and several other scenes.
In addition to a gifted singing/dancing ensemble, other standouts include the sensational Jessica Crouch, as Vivian’s roommate and friend, Kit DeLuca. The actress takes over every scene she’s in, including a delightful number with the hip-hopping chorus called, “Never Give Up on a Dream.” Matthew Stocke is appropriately smarmy as Philip Stuckey, Edward’s money-hungry corporate lawyer; and Alex Gibbs is a kind and appealing as David Morse, a business exec with a dream of building a fleet of cruise ships. 

Musical director Daniel Klintworth conducts an abbreviated six-piece pit orchestra that works well for the score. Technical expertise for this National Tour production comes from David Rockwell’s simple, but evocative and site-specific scenic design, nicely lit by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg. The show features an array of beautiful, breathtaking costumes, designed by Gregg Barnes, and accented with coiffure creations by Josh Marquette.

A few smart adjustments have been made since this show premiered in Chicago three years ago and eventually opened on Broadway. The musical is now well-paced with just enough dramatic tension to hold our interest. The finale still seems to happen rather abruptly, but then everyone who knows this movie is ready for the Prince to finally climb Rapunzel’s tower and rescue her. The production has become more streamlined, too. Terrific power ballads like Vivian’s “I Can’t Go Back” and “This is My Life,” along with Edward’s “Freedom,” are still bona fide hits. And every single production number that showcases this talented, hardworking ensemble sparkles with brilliance. 

The combination of a heartwarming love story and a modern twist on an old, familiar fairy tale, heightened by a toe-tapping score and a pair of outstanding actors in the leading roles, turns this film favorite into a beloved musical theatre favorite.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin DouglasPresented December 14-19 by Broadway in Chicago at the CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago.

Tickets are available at all Broadway in Chicago box offices, the BIC Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.