PRETTY WOMAN The Musical - Theatre Royal - Sydney

Samantha Jade as Vivian Ward and Ben Hall as Edward Lewis in "Pretty Woman" 

Book by Garry Marshall & J.F. Lawton – Music and Lyrics by Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance

Directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell – Recreated by Rusty Mowery

Resident Director: Liam McIlwain - Musical Director: David Skelton

Music Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations: Will Van Dyke.

 Scenic Design: David Rockwell – Costume Design: Tom Rogers

Lighting Design: Kenneth Posner & Philip S. Rosenberg – Sound Design: John Shivers

Produced by Jones Theatrical, ATG Productions & Gavin Kalin Productions

Theatre Royal, Sydney until 4th April 2026.

Sydney opening night performance on 4^th December 2025 reviewed by BILL STEPHENS.

Ben Hall as Edward Lewis - Samantha Jade as Vivian Ward and company in "Pretty Woman"

You don’t have to be a fan of the film, on which this musical is based, to be charmed by this delightful adaptation. Possibly one of the few souls on earth who missed the film, this reviewer still succumbed to the Broadway panache employed by director and choreographer, Jerry Mitchell, and his collaborators, in transforming this seductive adult fairy-tale into a stylish stage musical.

The casting is impeccable. Samantha Jade is bewitching as the feisty streetwalker, Vivian Ward, who wants to be “Anywhere but Here”.  An accomplished singer, actor and dancer, Jade draws on all those skills to create a character, constantly intriguing, as she traces the trajectory of Vivian’s journey. It is the role which will be remembered as her break-out role, and which stamps her as an exciting new musical theatre leading lady.  

Similarly, Ben Hall, as the ridiculously wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis, who intrigued by “Something About Her” provides Vivian with the opportunity (and money) to become her ‘real’ self. Hall has the look and bearing of a perfect Prince Charming and the voice of a Broadway leading man.

Ben Hall as Edward Lewis and Samantha Jade as Vivian Ward in "Pretty Woman"

Both have the presence, and the acting chops, to convince audiences to forget the improbability of the storyline, (thoughts of Sweet Charity, My Fair Lady, even Cinderella), and put questions of common sense aside to wallow in the lusciousness of their romance.  

But this is where Jerry Mitchell’s brilliance surfaces. Recognising the differences between a successful Hollywood movie and a successful Broadway musical, he has surrounded Vivian and Edward with a milieu of thoroughly delightful supporting characters, stylish settings, glamorous costumes, and clever choreography. Theatrical devices which delight the eye and burnish the storytelling.

Tim Omaji as Happy Man and cast of "Pretty Woman".

Principal among the supporting characters is Tim Omaji, completely lovable as Mr Thompson, the manager of Beverly Wilshire Hotel (Oh, for a hotel manager like this one). Omaji also plays an other-worldly, hippy character, Happy Man, who leads the ensemble through “Don’t Forget to Dance”.

Both roles provide Omaji with the opportunity to exercise the formidable dance skills for which he gained fame as Timomatic. The male dance duo during “On a Night Like Tonight” performed by Mr Thompson and the porter, Giulio, (an effervescent Jordan Tomljenovic), is a real showstopper which had the first night audience screaming with delight.

Another showstopper was the dreamy staging of “You and I”, in which Edward introduces Vivian, gorgeous in the iconic red dress, to opera. Snatches of “La Traviata”, gloriously sung by Rebecca Gulinello as Violetta and Callum Warrender as Alfredo, are threaded through swirling dancers in an intoxicating confection observed by Edward and Vivian from a red velvet opera box.

Michelle Brasier as Kit De Luca and cast in "Pretty Woman".

Michelle Brazier, as Vivian’s hooker friend, Kit De Luca, also gets opportunity to display her well-honed comedic skills and powerful vocals in “Welcome to Hollywood”, “Luckiest Girl in the World” and “Rodeo Drive”.

Good performances abound among the busy ensemble, who each play a variety of roles and execute Mitchell’s demanding choreography with enthusiasm and pizzazz.

So how does “Pretty Woman – The Musical” compare with “Pretty Woman- The Film”?

I’ve no idea, but if the film was half as good as the musical, then it is easy to see why it is a favourite for so many.

However, with the musical, as well as a captivating story, expect upbeat songs, spectacular dances, glamorous costumes and scenery, and a cast brimming with top-flight Australian talent. It might surprise you by becoming your favourite musical.

 

The cast of "Pretty Woman".



Photos by Daniel Boud.