Setting aside the dubious ethics behind the premise and the absolutely outdated idea that a woman needs validation from a man to be accepted by the world, Pretty Woman The Musical raises the question: Is it still possible to have fun hanging out with a singing billionaire and a lady of the night? Well, the answer to that question is, sort of.
The redemption of this musical comes via the excellent singing voices of the cast and the staging and blocking of the large ensemble. The energy level was high, as was the physical prowess of the dancers. The sound was augmented by the impact of a live band located at a higher audience level than sequestered down in a pit.
The pedigree of the creative minds behind the production is also stellar, with two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell providing creative direction and Grammy winners Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance providing the musical score. The cast, which includes Samantha Jade, Ben Hall, Michelle Brasier, Tim Omaji and Douglas Hansell, also contributes with fine voices and strong stage presence.
Regardless of the highly questionable ethos of the nineties era rom coms and films of that period in general, adapting the Pretty Woman story to the stage is handled with a modicum of taste and a downplay of the tawdry aspects that could derail things for a modern audience. See it and enjoy it for what it is and can provide, a slick time out on the town.
Pretty Woman: The Musical is currently playing at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane until 23 November 2025!
Rob Hudson
www.prettywomanthemusical.com.au
