the mommy avenger

I’m going to age myself here, but I remember when Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere came out in movie theaters in 1990. I was too young to see it then, but once it was out on video, we definitely found ourselves watching it on a Friday night. The tale was a bit grown up and risqué, but iconic, nonetheless. So iconic, in fact, that decades later I found myself at an incredible press event at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills and everyone I was with (all adult women) just had to quote the movie when Julia Roberts goes into the elevator and says, “Well, color me happy! There’s a sofa in here for two!“each and every time we rode the elevator up to our rooms.

The 1990’s rom- com captured the hearts of women everywhere, so it’s no surprise that the wildly popular movie would find itself revamped and recreated for Broadway.

Last night, we got to see it* for ourselves on opening night at the Eccles in Salt Lake City. The production is led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde). The show features an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (“Summer of ’69”, “Heaven”), and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. The show has original scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, makeup design by Fiona Mifsud, and music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke. 

The show was based on the movie and followed it very closely. At the opening of the show, we find ourselves on the streets of Hollywood, the seedier side of the glamorous city. Here we are introduced to Vivian and Kit, roommates and sex workers, down on their luck, but surviving. By a chance encounter, Edward, a wealthy and successful businessman finds himself lost, attempting to return to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. He asks Vivian for directions and before we know it, she is driving him back to the hotel, personally.

Edward is in town for business for the week and propositions Vivian to stay with him so he can take her to various work functions, after finding himself charmed by her. We find ourselves rooting for the unlikely pairing as they both examine their lives, hopes, and dreams. Will the week change them? Will dreams come true? You’ll have to watch to find out!

“If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical!” (BuzzFeed News).

The show is really fun and fans of the movie will love the iconic moments and quotes, all set to upbeat singing and dancing. You can’t help but smile throughout the entire production. I, especially, love the shopping spree scenes (but tell me who didn’t love that part in the movie, too?) The audience was in love with Vivian and Edward, it was apparent, and loved the feel good story.

Everyone did a great job with the production. Ellie Baker portrayed a charming, sweet, and more empowered Vivian. Chase Wolfe owned the character of Edward, with his stand out performance in “Freedom“. The audience was blown away by powerhouse singer Rae Davenport as Kit, though. She was fantastic! Another stand out for the audience was Adam Du Plessis who played multiple characters in the show, including the manager of the hotel, clearly a favorite of the crowd.

Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time. Pretty Woman the film was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990. Now, 30 years later, Pretty Woman: The Musical  is “Big romance and big fun!” (Broadway.com). “Irresistible! A romantic fantasy. A contemporary fairy tale,” says The Hollywood Reporter. 

You will love the opportunity to see this reimagined classic live on stage, but your chances to do so are limited. Pretty Woman: The Musical is being performed live at Broadway at the Eccles now through April 7, 2024. To learn more about the show and get your own tickets, visit Broadway-at-the-Eccles.com or by calling 801-355-2787 (ARTS). Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by contacting Christopher Schneider or calling 317-632-5183.

For more information about the touring production visit: PrettyWomanTheMusical.com and visit their socials: Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

The John Gore Organization is the leading presenter, distributor, and marketer of Broadway theater worldwide. Under the leadership of 20-time Tony-winning theater producer and owner John Gore, its family of companies includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands. The company presents shows in 48 cities across North America as well as on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, Japan, and China. It has won Tony Awards in every producing category as well as numerous other Drama League, Drama Desk and Olivier Awards.  The John Gore Organization is committed to supporting theater access and education programs that introduce Broadway to the next generation of audiences and theater professionals.

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands.  Led by 20-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 48 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, and Hamilton. Current productions include &Juliet, Hadestown, Hamilton, Kimberly Akimbo, MJ: The Musical and Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}