By Jacqueline Parker
April 7. 2022
Pretty Woman: The Musical is the fourth of five Broadway musicals rounding out the Blumenthal Performing Arts’ Equitable Bravo Series season before it picks back up again in October. Adapted from the 1990 romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, the musical promises nothing but lots of romance, fun and, of course, great music.
Pretty Woman: The Musical is directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner, Jerry Mitchell, whose experience on and off the stage spans three decades. Joining him in bringing the production to life is producer Paula Wagner (Marshall, the Mission: Impossible series), and features a script by J.F. Lawton and the late Garry Marshall (the pair behind the original film). The musical made its world premiere in Chicago at the Oriental Theater in March 2018, where it ran for five weeks with its original cast. Unsurprisingly, the Covid-19 pandemic brought touring plans to a halt, but the musical is now back in action with a new and lively cast.
Just like in the movie, the story follows the budding romance of the captivating and endearing call girl, Vivian Ward (Olivia Valli), and wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis (Adam Pascal). Pascal is no stranger to the theater, having made his name as Roger in Broadway’s Rent (1996), a role which earned him a Tony Award nomination. Valli, on the other hand, might be a newcomer but love for the stage runs in her blood (she’s the granddaughter of Frankie Valli). Together, the two make a memorable pair as Edward and Vivian. They’re supported by Jessica Crouch, who plays Vivian’s best friend Kit, and singer Kyle Taylor Parker as Happy Man, among others.
Edward and Vivian’s dynamic love story wouldn’t be complete without the inspiration behind it all, Roy Orbison and Bill Dees’ 1964 hit, “Oh, Pretty Woman.” Although the song was originally left out of the 2018 musical adaptation, it was brought back in 2019 during the curtain call. The timeless song is complemented by an impressive original score by none other than the Grammy Award-winning Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (“Summer of ‘69” and “Heaven”).
Pretty Woman: The Musical plays in Charlotte April 12-17 at Belk Theater.
Showtimes:
Tuesday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 15 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 16 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 17 at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m.
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