Broadway Across Canada’s (BAC) production of Pretty Woman: The Musical garnered an enthusiastic response from the audience with its glamour, humour and feel-good charm.
Based on the 1989 romantic comedy film of the same name, Pretty Woman follows Vivian Ward, a sex worker living on the streets of Hollywood, yearning to make a better life for herself. When she meets Edward Lewis, a rich corporate raider who hires her to escort him for the week, Vivian accepts the offer. While she struggles to adjust to Edward’s indulgent lifestyle, Vivian learns to stay true to herself, chase after her dreams and navigate a chance at love.
Directed by Jerry Mitchell with songs by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, the stage adaptation incorporated an upbeat and emotional soundtrack sure to delight new and old fans, while staying true to the film’s storyline and themes.
Jessie Davidson played Vivian with plenty of high-spirited humour, all while donning the character’s signature thigh-high black boots. In “This is My Life,” Davidson sorrowfully conveyed Vivian’s despair as she lamented the hardship of escaping her current life. However, in “I Can’t Go Back,” her attitude changed as she confidently sang about being inspired to chase her dreams and leave her life behind upon meeting Edward.
Vivian’s transformation from the streets to the upper class was a hilarious evolution from start to finish. Most notably, Davidson demonstrated this transition as she flawlessly recreated the film’s famous Rodeo Drive shop scene in which she laughably told off the store’s snobby employees in her new, fancy getup.
Adam Pascal embodied the charm and modesty of the no-nonsense and wealthy Edward. After meeting Vivian, his character begins to see the world in a different light, allowing him to explore his more carefree side by joyfully reciting Shakespearian sonnets and confidently walking in front of other businessmen without shoes on.
In his ballad, “Freedom,” Pascal passionately sang about his desire to let loose and break free from his stoic, upper-class routine. In the Act I closer “You’re Beautiful,” Pascal enthusiastically sang about Vivian’s beauty, raising her spirits as she was getting a makeover.
Pascal and Davidson’s chemistry provided plenty of humorous moments for the audience. Their scenes together showcased the stark differences between their personalities and upbringings, most notably when Vivian explored a luxurious hotel room while Edward treated it like a regular visit.
As Vivian’s best friend and roommate Kit De Luca, Jessica Crouch gave a sassy performance as she encouraged Vivian to set out and enjoy the upper class lifestyle she was being thrust into. In “Rodeo Drive,” Crouch stunned the audience with an impressive whistle note.
Kyle Taylor Parker as Happy Man entertainingly switched between different characters throughout the show. Ranging from playing a street man to Mr. Thompson, the hotel manager, Parker provided many opportunities to show the audience his goofy side. His humorous demeanour was most evident during his ballroom dancing routine in “On a Night Like Tonight” with Giulio the bellboy, played by Trent Soyster.
Set design by David Brockwell transported the audience to 1980s Hollywood, with tall palm trees silhouetted against the vibrant, ombré lighting designed by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg. Different settings included Hollywood Boulevard, accompanied with neon signs of the different shops and clubs, and the hotel penthouse room Vivian and Edward shared with arched windows, flowy curtains and a balcony to round it up.
Costumes by Gregg Barnes mirror the show’s 1980s time period, with characters wearing denim and leather on Hollywood Boulevard, and fancy suits and gowns at the country club. In “Rodeo Drive,” ensemble members strutted the stage in extravagant gowns that sparkled in the stage light.
The audience clapped and sang to Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Woman” along with the cast as they took their final bows. The audience left the theatre with a resonating message that it’s never too late to follow your dreams, no matter where you come from.
Pretty Woman will continue its run at the NAC until Nov. 20. Tickets are available on the NAC’s website.
Featured image by Matthew Murphy.
