Remember Gary Marshall’s beloved 1990 film Pretty Woman? The film that introduced Julia Roberts to the mainstream with Richard Gere? The Broadway production that opened in 2018 is gracing the beautiful Segerstrom Center of the Arts. Let’s discuss.

Pretty Woman is the typical Cinderella Story. Vivian a prostitute, dreams of a better life. Edward, a rich businessman meets Vivian after he is unable to drive a manual transmission car. Edward is interested in Vivian and asks if she is willing to spend a whole week with him, of course, paid. Vivian accepts which gives her a life she always dreamed of. Vivian in a dilemma must choose to stay with Edward or return to her unwanted life.

Pretty Woman is a delightful time at the theatre, especially if you are a fan of the 1990 film. The production honors its iconic film moments and brings a sense of nostalgia while watching but doesn’t bring anything new to the table. The production which is directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell focuses on the theme of dreaming but it never achieves its full potential. The show begins with a number called Come to Hollywood which introduces the poverty side of Hollywood, showing homeless people and escorts, but never offers any type of solution for that part of the story. The show uses one of the characters to show how dreaming can change your life, but forget to use others to showcase the concept. For example, one of the main homeless characters is used constantly to show the metaphor of achieving a dream throughout the story. How about the others? The second act attempts with a song but feels forced. Yes, I am aware the story is about Vivian, but her story is not as strong enough to carry the whole theme.

The show includes some catchy songs with clever lyrics that move the story forward. Mitchell nailed it by bringing back the 90s with top-notch costumes and references from the decade. I honestly, felt like I was back in the 90s, especially during a number where Vivian is learning about the fashion of Rodeo Drive.

The show brings back to the stage Adam Pascal as Edward Lewis who is worth the ticket itself. Pascal’s unique voice helps the score feel like an album from the 90s. He uses his instrument to transport viewers to a rock concert. It’s pretty special. Olivia Valli as Vivian brings down the house with her rich and glorious voice, especially in number “I can’t go back” Although the script is pretty much the same as the film, Valli makes Vivian her own, creating comedic relief moves and showcasing a side of Vivian not in the film.

Pretty Woman isn’t perfect, but it’s a joyful time at the theatre although It lacks change and life lessons. It brings nothing new to its story, making an exact copy of the film and shining another Cinderella Story on the stage. Pretty Woman is fun and will create a fun experience at the theatre.

Pretty Woman is playing until at July 17 at the Segerstrom Center of the Arts. You can buy tickets by clicking on the link below.

https://scfta.org/events/2022/pretty-woman-the-musical