'Pretty Woman: The Musical' captures essence of the film with power ballads, dance: Review

"Pretty Woman: The Musical" is pretty much a carbon copy of the 1990 film on which the stage production is based. If you liked the rom-com starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, it's a safe bet you'll enjoy the 2018 stage adaptation as it comes to life this week as part of the PNC Broadway in Louisville series at The Kentucky Center in downtown Louisville.

Like the movie, the musical production of this modern-day fairy tale tells the story of Edward Lewis, an uptight New York City billionaire who hires Vivian Ward, a Los Angeles prostitute, to be his social companion during his week-long business trip to Beverly Hills.

As the unlikely soulmates overcome all odds to find each other and themselves, Edward indulges Vivian in a Rodeo Drive shopping spree and introduces her to opera, wealthy friends and gourmet dinners. But it is the wise-cracking Vivian who knows she is destined for something better than "working the streets" who is the ultimate game changer. Her influence in Edward's stodgy life ultimately causes him to loosen up emotionally and rethink his career as a corporate shark.

Audiences have the late Garry Marshall to thank for both the film and the stage production of "Pretty Woman." The prolific film writer and director co-wrote the book for "Pretty Woman: The Musical" with screenwriter J.F. Lawton. The musical features direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell.

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In writing the book for "Pretty Women: The Musical," Marshall and Lawton not only kept the same story but also included a lot of the film's most popular dialogue. For example, "Edward? That's my favorite name in the whole world!" got a big laugh from the audience Tuesday in Whitney Hall.

Some of the film's storyline translates flawlessly to the stage, like the scene where the hotel manager played by the ultra-versatile Kyle Taylor Parker, teaches Vivian some etiquette and dance steps before she accompanies Edward to an important dinner meeting.

The costuming is reminiscent of the movie too, from the throwback 80s denim to Vivian's blonde wig and thigh-high black books and red blazer combo.

Of course, there are some differences. For instance, it wasn't possible to replicate the movie's iconic Rodeo Drive shopping scene with its fast-cut film montage set to Roy Orbison's "Oh Pretty Woman." But don't worry, the song does make its way into the theatrical production in other ways and the audience loves that, too.

As for Edward's emotional transformation into a "kinder and less self-absorbed person," this happens more rapidly in the musical than it did in the film. Edward is already showing signs of his better self in the first-act song “Freedom,” which is one of the show’s best numbers.

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Bryan Adamsand Jim Vallance collaborated on the musical’s 16-song score. The songs range from ballads to rock solos to a tango and the tour’s two lead actors have the talent to pull them off.

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The effervescent Jessie Davidson, as Vivian, has a huge pop voice, and Adam Pascal, as Edward, has the rock tenor voice that made him famous 26 years ago as Roger in the original cast of "Rent" and in the role of Radames in Broadway's "Aida."

With huge 80s hair and even higher heels, Jessica Crouch, who plays Vivian's best friend Kit De Luca, shines in every scene where she appears strutting across the stage and belting out songs like "Luckiest Girl in the World," and "Rodeo Drive."

Likewise, Parker, who is billed as "Happy Man" but actually plays several roles, can sing and dance and even conduct an orchestra with magnetic pizzazz.

Like all good romantic comedies, "Pretty Woman" ends on an emotional high note with the entire company singing "Together Forever." As the audience had known from the very start, the unlikely couple falls in love and we're left to assume they live happily ever after — in the film and on stage. No big surprises, and no dramatic turns, but a lot of entertaining songs, dances, and dialogue from start to finish.

The 2022-23 PNC Broadway in Louisville season, which opened last month with "Fiddler on the Roof," also includes "Annie," "Ain't Too Proud," "Hadestown," and "Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird."

Reach Features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com

'Pretty Woman: The Musical'

WHAT: Based on one of Hollywood's most beloved romantic stories, "Pretty Woman" is now a musical and on tour with Tony Award nominee Adam Pascal as Edward Lewis and rising star Jessie Davidson as the charismatic Vivan Ward. "Pretty Woman: The Musical" springs to life with a creative team led by two-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell ("Hairspray," "Kinky Boots," and "Legally Blonde").

The show's original score is by Grammy winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance ("Summer of '69" and "Heaven") and a book by the movie's legendary director Garry Marchall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton.

WHERE: The Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.

WHEN: now through Dec. 4

MORE INFORMATION: louisville.broadway.com

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 'Pretty Woman: The Musical' review in Louisville for 2022 season