Few romantic comedies have embedded themselves in popular culture quite like Pretty Woman. More than three decades after Julia Roberts and Richard Gere turned Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis into one of cinema’s most recognisable couples, the 1990 film remains a glossy modern-day Cinderella story.
Featuring a book by the film’s director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton, with music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, Pretty Woman: The Musical retains the characters, memorable moments and fairy-tale appeal that made the film a cultural phenomenon.
Following its 2018 world premiere in Chicago and subsequent Broadway opening, the musical has enjoyed productions around the world, including an extended West End run. It made its Australian premiere in Brisbane in October 2025, before seasons in Sydney, Perth and Adelaide, and now arrives in Melbourne as a polished, high-energy production.
Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell, with the staging recreated in Australia by Rusty Mowery, the production moves with much energy. While some of the film’s sexual politics inevitably feel rooted in another era and may jar with contemporary audiences, Mitchell embraces the story’s fairy-tale heart, delivering the film’s best-loved moments with infectious energy and theatrical confidence.
At its centre is Samantha Jade, who is captivating as Vivian Ward. Bringing warmth, wit and considerable stage presence to the role, Jade makes Vivian her own. Her powerful pop vocals are ideally suited to the Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance score, and she carries the production with confidence and charisma.
Ben Hall is equally impressive as Edward Lewis, bringing suave restraint and genuine warmth to the emotionally guarded businessman. His chemistry with Jade gives the production its romantic heartbeat.
Michelle Brasier is a delight as Kit de Luca, injecting the production with sharp comic timing and infectious energy. Tim Omaji is a scene-stealer in the dual roles of the Happy Man and hotel manager Mr Thompson, combining humour, charm and showmanship, while Douglas Hansell brings an appropriately calculating edge to Philip Stuckey.
The creative elements are particularly impressive. David Rockwell’s original set design moves effortlessly between Hollywood Boulevard, Edward’s luxurious penthouse and the refined world of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
Tom Rogers’ costumes deliver all the glamour audiences could want, while the lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg gives the production a rich, cinematic sheen.
While Adams and Vallance’s rock-infused score may not have produced songs as culturally ubiquitous as the film itself, it proves enormously effective in performance, with the cast and orchestra giving the material plenty of energy.
The production also understands exactly what audiences have come to see, the famous shopping expedition, the red dress, the opera and the fire escape scene are all present. And yes, Roy Orbison’s Oh, Pretty Woman eventually arrives, sending the evening out on exactly the high audiences have been waiting for.
Unashamedly romantic, lavishly staged and performed with enormous heart, Pretty Woman: The Musical is a joyous piece of theatrical escapism. Samantha Jade shines in a role that seems tailor-made for her, surrounded by an accomplished cast and a production that knows exactly how to entertain.
Big, bold and irresistibly fun, Pretty Woman: The Musical delivers exactly what it promises: a glamorous night at the theatre with a familiar fairy tale at its heart.
Pretty Woman: The Musical
Regent Theatre, Collins Street, Melbourne
Performance: Thursday 16 July 2026
Season continues to 13 September 2026
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au
For more information, visit: www.prettywomanthemusical.com.au for details.
Images: The Company of Pretty Woman: The Musical – photo by Daniel Boud | Ben Hall and Samantha Jade in Pretty Woman: The Musical – photo by Daniel Boud | Samantha Jade and Ben Hall in Pretty Woman: The Musical – photo by Daniel Boud | Michelle Brasier as Kit de Luca in Pretty Woman: The Musical – photo by Daniel Boud | Samantha Jade and the Cast of Pretty Woman: The Musical – photo by Daniel Boud
Review: Rohan Shearn