Review: 'Pretty Woman: The Musical' is tailor-made for fans of movie

In “Pretty Woman: The Musical,” a dress gets its own introduction. Yes, a dress. It’s an iconic dress, and it’s undergone a color change, but it’s still so famous that it gets its own intro. When was the last time that happened in a musical, or anywhere?

But “Pretty Woman: The Musical” now playing through Sunday at the Kravis Center, isn’t like other musicals, not even other musicals adapted from movies.

“Pretty Woman: The Musical” is a musical reimagining of the 1990 rom-com that starred Richard Gere and made Julia Roberts a bona fide movie star. Which is to say that except for the songs and choreography, it’s the movie, but with different actors and performed live on stage.

The late Garry Marshall, who directed the film, is credited with the book, along with J. F. Lawton, who wrote the original screenplay. The time period is the same, and the plot, while streamlined, has few discernable updates. Much of the dialogue is taken straight from the movie. The red gown that Julia Roberts wore to the opera in the movie is recreated here. And the dress with its own intro? That’s the polka dot dress Roberts wore in the polo club scene.

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This is a show tailor-made for fans of the beloved movie, and that’s a good thing. The musical retains the frothy, fairy-tale charm of the film while adding a fun and often heartfelt score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and exuberant and sexy choreography by Jerry Mitchell, who also directs.

For those who haven’t seen the movie, the plot goes like this: Vivian Ward is a reluctant prostitute impulsively hired by super-wealthy businessman Edward Lewis to be his date for a week and accompany him to several business functions. Vivian’s brash charm complements Edward’s aloof stuffiness and the two fall in love. But can two people from different worlds get a happily ever after together? Do we even have to ask?

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Jessie Davidson and Adam Pascal have a thrilling chemistry that make their scenes together irresistible. Davidson portrays Vivian with an endearing charm that goes beyond the hooker-with-a-heart-of-gold stereotype. Pascal gives Edward an edgy quality, especially with his rock-star vocals. Travis Ward-Osborne is terrific in his dual roles as Happy Man, who serves as a sort of narrator, and Mr. Thompson, the hotel manager who becomes Vivian’s ersatz fairy godfather. Special kudos to Trent Soyster as the fabulous, scene-stealing bellhop Giulio.

“Pretty Woman: The Musical” is one of the better movie-to-stage adaptations, because it doesn’t tamper with the original winning formula. And if you go, do not duck out early, or you’ll miss out on a finale involving a legendary song from 1964, which, like the show, is pretty terrific.

If You Go

“Pretty Woman: The Musical” runs through Sunday at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.

For tickets and more information, call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Review: 'Pretty Woman: The Musical' is tailor-made for fans of movie