Pretty Woman: The Musical
Reviewed by Ryan M. Luévano
Dolby Theatre, Hollywood & Highland
Through July 4
RECOMMENDED
What do the romantic comedy films, The Wedding Singer, Waitress, Tootsie, Sleepless in Seattle, Honeymoon in Vegas, and Amélie all have in common? They have all been turned into musicals. And of that list, only one garnered critical acclaim, and a healthy Broadway run, that is Waitress. And in 2018, a new hot film property has joined the ranks. Based off the iconic 1990 romantic comedy film of the same title, Pretty Woman has been transformed into a full-fledged musical. Given the popularity of the film, it makes sense that at some point this colossal property would take it to the musical stage like so many others before it. Now on its U.S. tour, Pretty Woman the Musical, launched in London’s West End, has landed in Hollywood. And the question for this reviewer is: Does the world need Pretty Woman: The Musical?
The show begins with the rather expected, “Here is where our story takes place” musical number, “Welcome to Hollywood.” A lengthy, but serviceable song that gives a first taste of Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance boisterous late ‘80s, early ‘90s-flavored score, the grand scale of the production, and the large cast allure. Initially the most interesting new element in the show is the use of the character Happy Man who is introduced as our tour guide, rather like Into the Woods’ Mystery Man. This character played by Kyle Taylor Parker offers a clever storytelling device and what’s more Parker’s performance throughout is enthralling. He brings a bright showbiz energy to every scene and shows us that he’s an accomplished triple threat. His features in “On a Night Like Tonight” and “Don’t Forget to Dance” are a treat audience can’t help but enjoy.
The show most captivating element is its book. Written by Garry Marshall and the original screenwriter J.F. Lawton the script is essentially the film scene by scene. For most movie to musicals this is a liability, yet for Pretty Woman this works surprising well. Given that the film contains so many iconic scenes their inclusion in the musical is a treat for its fans who yearn to get lost in the romance of the story all over again.
Additionally, what makes the book equally so strong is the empathy it creates for Vivian, the prostitute who falls in love with an older wealthy businessman Edward. Audiences are rooting for her from her first entrance. Add to this the captivating performance by Olivia Valli and audiences, even this critic is hooked. Valli rides the line between powerful sexual woman and youthful damsel in distress with finesse—a consummate actress. And it will come as no surprise that Frankie Valli’s granddaughter can also sing. From “Anywhere but Here” to “I Can’t Go Back” she delivers powerful and dramatic vocals that only add to her well-rounded performance.
Valli’s co-star Adam Pascal is the quintessential Edward Lewis. He offers the right amount of stoicism and charm to play against Valli. The chemistry they have onstage is palpable. Director/Choreographer and Broadway veteran Jerry Mitchell injects so much sparkle into this production. The dance numbers are crisp and electric. From scene to scene everything runs like a Swiss clock bedazzled in gems. Yet even among the spectacle of the elaborate costumes and set pieces, Mitchell never loses sight of the intimate moments and pure storytelling that all worthy theatre requires.
Pretty Woman: The Musical may not have the poignant lyrics, or memorable music of Waitress, but it does have razzle dazzle and a whole lot of heart. It’s a musical that seeks to fully embody the spirit of the original source material; and based on the laughter, gasps and tears shared by the audience it has succeeded at that. So, does the world need Pretty Woman the Musical? I think Hans Christian Andersen said it best, “Where words fail, music speaks.”
Dolby Theatre, Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hlywd.; Wed.-Sat., 8 pm; Thurs., 2 pm; Sat., 2 pm; Sun., 1 & 6:30 pm; thru July 3; https://bit.ly/3MMGEK7
Then starting July 5: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 60 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; Tues.-Fri., 7:30 pm; Sat., 2 & 7:30 pm; Sun., 1 & 6:30 pm; thru July 17. https://SCFTA.Org
