“Pretty Woman” in Milwaukee reviewed by Amy Menzel

[rating=4]Pretty Woman finally opened at the Marcus Performing Arts Center after being rescheduled from November 2020 and, again, last September. I know it’s all because of Covid, but I felt a sense of serendipity watching Tuesday night. This show feels like what we need right now. A good ol’ musical rom-com that takes place, as the playbill notes, “Once Upon a Time in the 1980s.” Ahh, nostalgia.

The New York Times talked about the comforts of nostalgia in its morning newsletter this past weekend. Melissa Kirsch writes, “For the moment, nostalgia is serving a purpose: It provides a retreat, a respite, a way to feel less alone.” It would have been difficult to feel alone among the packed house for opening night, but I also felt a sense of connection – with the woman who regularly “wooed” while applauding behind me and with the burly guy in front of me who visibly shook with laughter. We enjoyed the show collectively, most of us probably reminiscing about Julia Robert’s smile or Richard Gere’s Richard-Gereness in the 1990 film.

The show is billed as a “Big new musical. Big. Huge.” (Clever.) The same words can be used to describe the talents and the voices – especially the voices – in this production. Add to that, “Wow!” (I wrote that exact word multiple times in my notes.) Every single number impresses, as does every single cast member. For me, the number of the night was “Never Give Up on a Dream” in the second act. Jessica Crouch, playing Kit De Luca, is amazing. There is no better “host” for this evening of rom-com fun than Kyle Taylor Parker, who plays Happy Man with seemingly endless energy and enthusiasm. And, while the laughs are not in short supply, it’s Matthew Vincent Taylor who delivers the most as Guilio.

I managed to stay in my seat despite the urge to get up and dance. The show has its share of slow, moving numbers, but it’s the upbeat, driving numbers that I enjoyed most. And I’ll just throw it out there: if a cardio-dance workout video using Guilio’s choreography ever comes out, I’m in.

★★★★

Not only do I highly recommend you go see this show, I highly recommend you make your plans now! Pretty Woman runs through March 6 at Uihlein Hall at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. The box office number is 414-273-7206

website www.marcuscenter.org

Broadway In Milwaukee is yours at the Marcus

Wednesday – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday – 7:30 p.m.
Friday – 8 p.m.
Saturday – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday – 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The show runs 2 hours and 20 minutes with an intermission.

Tickets start at $30.