“Pretty Woman the Musical”

Recommended *** It has been a few years, but “Pretty Woman” is back. This is a show that was written, based on the hit film , “pretty Woman” and had its “pre-Broadway” run here in Chicago. Back then, it was a much larger stage and theater, The Ford-Oriental Theatre ( now known as the James Nederlander Theatre). It was a glitzy show that did make it to Broadway. This show was Garry Marshall’s dream. Many of you know that name from TV shows ( Lavergne and Shirly) and of course, Chicago made, “A League of Their Own”. The book for this show is written by Mr. Marshall along with J.F. Lawton ( the writer of the film) with music and lyrics by Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance. The original show was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell.

The story is about a rich man, Edward Lewis ( Adam Pascal is sharp as a tack and his vocal range has not lost anything over the years) who is all business. On a business trip to Hollywood, due to a slight misjudgment of his driving skills, meets a hooker, Vivian ( a delightful portrayal by Olivia Valli. Their relationship is unusual and changes over the 2 1/2 hours of fun. For those who have never seen the original film, these roles were played by Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Need I say more?

Most of the music is not memorable and if you are expecting to hear the title song, “Pretty Woman”, just relax and roll with the punches. They do tease you a few times and then during the curtain calls, you will get what you wanted and then some. In fact, you will find yourselves on your feet singing along. Why not?

The cast is highly energetic and while small in numbers, they are all able to take on additional roles. Some will appear more often than others and not change enough to  make sense. However that is understandable on a touring show, as to have more actors, would cost more money, and raise the ticket prices. This cast works!

I was very impressed with Jessica Crouch as Kit ( Vivian’s best bud and mentor),Matthew Vincent Taylor as Giulio, the bellboy ( he is a stitch and a solid dancer) and of course, the story-teller/narrator, man of many characters Kyle Taylor Parker. What a dancer/comedian and singer. At one point, in the opera scene he conducts the orchestra. A hoot! Speaking of the opera scene, Amma Osei’s voice will knock your sox off- what a voice

While I was impressed with the show in its start, since that time I have been witness to many other musicals that are much stronger. This one holds its own and people, in particular fans of the film, seem to love it. There are a few songs that can stand on their own like “Never Give Up A Dream”, “Long Way Home”, “Freedom” and of course the  amazing opening number “Welcome To Hollywood”. Let’s face it, this is a love story about two people who have little in common, different backgrounds and what appears to be n future together. But, together they both fill a void in their lives, making this true love story one that allows us all to feel that we can “follow a dream”.

This is a road show touring the country with a short visit back here in Chicago, where it all began.

It will play at CIBC Theatre located at 18 west Monroe Street thru Sunday the 19th,

with performances as follows:

Show Type: Musical

Running Time: 2hrs, 20mins; one intermission

Tickets start at $33.00

For tickets www.broadwayinchicago.com

Parking- special rates  773-436- PARK

Your ticket stub will be your discount voucher

to see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Pretty Woman the Musical”