The latest trend in the world of Broadway Musicals seems to be taking a popular film from 20 – 30 years ago, adding music, and targeting the nostalgia. The list the last few years is long, including Mean Girls, Beetlejuice, Mrs. Doubtfire and Big. It’s not really a surprise that Pretty Woman, the film that made Julia Roberts a superstar, would eventually get the musical treatment. The show plays in Calgary until Sunday April 6, to 9th, 2023 and Edmonton April 11th to 16th, 2023.

There is a sense of familiarity in the show, the lines are taken directly from the film, and Jesse Davidson tackles Robert’s original character Vivian with gusto. The iconic outfits make an appearance, and Davidson backs things up with a fantastic voice.

Richard Gere portrayed Edward Lewis in the film, a role taken on by Adam Pascal for the tour. It’s exciting for Broadway enthusiasts – Pascal originated the role of Roger in Rent and portrayed him in the film as well. The chemistry between Edward and Viviane leaps off the stage.

It is interesting that instead of using songs from the film soundtrack, it is all original songs. The music is written by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and there is where some of the challenges in the show lie. Lewis is supposed to be a cold-hearted, ruthless man who goes through a transformation. The third song in Something About Her shows a sensitive side early on that clashes with the character. Adams fingerprints are all over songs like You and I, You’re Beautiful and I’ve been looking for you have ended up on some of his albums.  Roy Orbison’s Pretty Woman makes an appearance in the show ending, but I think they should have at least included Roxette’s It Must Have Been Love – a song forever entwined with the film.

The show manages to feel both retro 90’s and bright and colourful. The rest of the cast is strong, with Jessica Crouch’s Kit De Luca and Trent Soyster’s bellboy Giulio both being scene stealers. Travis Ward-Osborne narrates the story as a guide and the hotel manager.

Pretty Woman: The Musical knows what its job is. To bring us familiar characters from the screen that we’ve watched 100 times to life on stage. Fans of the film will enjoy. Those not familiar with the film will still enjoy the story and songs.

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Broadway Across Canada | Theatre |