Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre is bringing the classic romantic fairytale, “Pretty Woman: The Musical,” to the stage for the first time.
“Pretty Woman: The Musical” is a stage adaptation of the 1990 film of the same name starring Julia Roberts as a free-spirited Hollywood prostitute, Vivian Ward, and Richard Gere as wealthy businessman Edward Lewis. After a brief misunderstanding on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Edward hires Vivian to keep him company for a week, throughout various business and social functions only to unexpectedly fall in love.
The show premiered at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago in March 2018 before making its Broadway debut in August 2018. Directed by Adam du Plessis with choreography by Kenny Shephard, “Pretty Woman: The Musical” is onstage at Beef and Boards now through April 4.
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The musical is basically the movie copied and pasted onto the stage with the addition of some of the most heartfelt and romantic musical numbers I’ve ever heard, dazzling costumes and stunning, if not a bit whimsical, choreography.
Yes, I know that’s a bit dramatic, but this show truly emulates what theater is all about.
“Pretty Woman: The Musical” doesn’t try to modernize the show or make it fit for a contemporary audience. Instead, it takes an unconventional love story that is well-known and well-loved and makes it seem brand new. The story still takes place in 1980s Beverly Hills and follows the unlikely budding romance between Vivian Ward (Dani Kucera) and Edward Lewis (Charlie Fusari).
Kucera’s Vivian is enigmatic and endearing in an almost youthful way. She’s forthright and strong-willed, but so incredibly likable. Her first solo in the show, “Anywhere but Here,” is a bold, rock-driven ballad showcasing powerful elements of her voice. Fusari’s Edward matches her with his unwavering ambition, charisma, and ultimately very soft heart. His control and vulnerability in “Freedom” toward the end of Act II made it my favorite number of the whole night.
However, one change of note is that Kit de Luca’s (Ariana Valdes) storyline looks a little different in the musical. Her character is given more agency and a happier ending. Rather than disappearing for most of the show only to end up taking beauty classes like in the movie, this Kit has a deeper story arc that emphasizes the importance of never giving up on your dreams — which ultimately leads her to leave a life of sex work behind in pursuit of a position in law enforcement.
Valdes’ Kit is a powerhouse in every way a performer can be. Kit is an excitable but kind, confident, streetwise diva. She’s hilarious and bold, and Valdes’ impressive vocal range in “Rodeo Drive,” “This is My Life” and “Never Give Up on a Dream” paired with raunchy humor and character choices are incredibly well-matched for the role.
“Pretty Woman: The Musical” has also introduced me to two of my new, all-time favorite characters: Mr. Thompson/Happy Man (Darius-Anthony Robinson) and his occasional partner in crime and bellboy, Guilio (Joey Boos). I love a good narrator, and Robinson’s switch between these two roles throughout the show really adds something magical and amusing to an already kinda adorable classic tale.
Boos’ character Giulio is a man of few words, but a few pointed looks and gestures are all it takes to have the audience bubbling over with laughter. There’s a plethora of physical comedy in this role, in addition to some truly delightful choreography that you really have to see for yourself.
There is such a feel-good quality to having characters that represent joy, whimsy and kindness in one’s story; characters you can’t ignore, who help move the story along in such a positive way. I adore that this trope comes through even stronger through the portrayal of these characters in the stage version of “Pretty Woman.”
Oh, but going back to things you have to see for yourself, there is a scene in the show where Edward takes Vivian to the opera to see “La Traviata” — and personally, I don’t think the audience was excited enough about how impressive Jameela Leaundra and Ryan Hurley are as Violetta and Alfredo.
I was nervous this show wouldn’t hold up very well, given, well, everything that’s changed in the world regarding sex work, relationships, class and power dynamics, women’s bodily autonomy, politics, etc., since the movie originally came out, but I was pleasantly surprised. It’s exactly as quirky and romantic as I remember, but somehow better. Bringing this show to the stage, along with original music and choreography, has only elevated the story. “Pretty Woman: The Musical” is more vibrant and alive, filled with so many sweet and hilarious moments. It was truly just enjoyable.
“Pretty Woman: The Musical” is onstage at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Road, for 45 performances now through April 4. The show is rated PG-13.
Tickets start at $59.50 and include a dinner buffet, fruit and salad bar and select beverages. For more information or to view a full performance schedule, visit beefandboards.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
