MUSICAL THEATRE
Book by Garry Marshall & J.F. Lawton, Music & Lyrics by Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance
At Regent Theatre until 13 Sept 2026
Reviewer: Kate Herbert
Stars: *** (3)
This review is published only on this blog. I’ll present a radio review on Arts Weekly, 3MBS, Sat 1 Aug2026. KH
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| Pretty Woman - Samantha Jade, Ben Hall ,image Daniel Boud |
Some films become so iconic that every stage adaptation arrives carrying the audience's memories with it. Pretty Woman is one of them. Audiences know the story, they know the characters and, thanks to Roy Orbison, they certainly know the title song, which makes its appearance in the finale.
So, can a stage musical recreate the charm and romance of one of Hollywood's most beloved rom-coms?
The musical follows the familiar tale of Vivian Ward, a Hollywood sex worker with dreams beyond her current life, and Edward Lewis, the wealthy corporate raider who hires her as his escort for six days while conducting business in Los Angeles. Their worlds could hardly be further apart, yet each changes the other in unexpected ways.
Samantha Jade makes an appealing Vivian. She has an easy stage presence and a voice that is far bigger than her slight frame suggests. Ben Hall's Edward is every inch the successful businessman, controlled, polished and emotionally buttoned up, and he delivers the score with confidence.
The difficulty lies not with either performer individually, but with the relationship between them. The story relies on an unlikely attraction that gradually develops into genuine intimacy and mutual respect. Here, that chemistry remains elusive. As a result, the emotional transformation that sits at the heart of the musical never quite lands.
The book doesn't entirely help. Long stretches of dialogue tend to be functional rather than revealing, and too often provides exposition rather than illuminating character. The relationship feels more narrated than lived. Much of the emotional development is left to the songs, with varying degrees of success. Some tunes inject the production with genuine energy, but several fade quickly from the memory.
Michelle Brasier is a scene-stealer as Kit De Luca, Vivian's fiercely loyal friend. Funny, earthy and completely believable, she brings the audience to life with Rodeo Drive, delivering the number with rock-concert intensity and powerhouse vocals that deservedly earned one of the evening's biggest ovations.
Tim Omaji is equally impressive in the contrasting roles of the exuberant Happy Man and the impeccably discreet hotel manager, Barnard Thompson. His rich, versatile voice moves effortlessly from rock to funk and Caribbean rhythms, while his dancing and natural charisma make every appearance a pleasure to watch. His Happy Man radiates optimism, while Barnard offers a quietly understated counterpoint.
The production is visually slick, the performances are consistently strong and there are moments when the musical finds its stride. Yet it never quite captures the emotional pull that made the film such a cultural phenomenon. For all its polish, this Pretty Woman entertains more than it enchants.
By Kate Herbert
Cast (Principals)
- Samantha Jade – Vivian Ward
- Ben Hall – Edward Lewis
- Michelle Brasier – Kit De Luca
- Tim Omaji – Happy Man / Mr Thompson
- Nathan O'Keefe – Philip Stuckey
- Drew Weston – Giulio
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Creative Team
- Book: Garry Marshall & J.F. Lawton
- Music & Lyrics: Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance
- Director & Choreographer: Jerry Mitchell
- Australian Recreation: Rusty Mowery
- Scenic Design: David Rockwell
- Costume Design: Tom Rogers (original Broadway costumes by Gregg Barnes)
- Lighting Design: Kenneth Posner & Philip S. Rosenberg
- Sound Design: John Shivers
- Orchestrations: Will Van Dyke
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