The musical based on the Julia Roberts and Richard Gere-starring hit rom-com will see Samantha Barks and Steve Kazee stepping in the roles of Vivian and the businessman who hires her respectively.
- Sep 26, 2017
AceShowbiz - A "Pretty Woman" musical is heading to Broadway. Producer Paula Wagner has announced that the musical adaptation of the Garry Marshall-directed rom-com will come with an original score by "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" singer Bryan Adams and Adams' longtime songwriting partner Jim Vallance.
"Our director Jerry Mitchell has expanded the narrative and storytelling of this acclaimed romantic comedy," Wagner announced on Monday, September 25. "He brings his unique perspective to the story which illuminates the characters and provides a new and satisfying emotional resonance."
"From the first time I saw this magical movie I felt it cried out to be a musical," Mitchell said in a statement. " 'Pretty Woman' is a classic story with a very contemporary message. I think we all want to fall deeply in love with someone -- it is something you never stop hoping for."
"I got to work with Garry for over a year on this musical adaptation and experienced firsthand his sense of humor, his joy, his uplifting attitude in life, and mostly his love for these characters," he continued. "I want that to infuse what I am doing with 'Pretty Woman: The Musical' as he is the true heart of this story."
In addition to directing, Mitchell will choreograph. "Pretty Woman: The Musical" has scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner & Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke, and casting by Telsey + Company. 101 Productions, Ltd will be the Executive Producer and General Manager.
The musical will play a limited 5-week out-of-town tryout engagement at Chicago's Oriental Theatre in the spring of 2018. Performances there begin on March 13, 2018. No further details including exact Broadway dates and theater are set just yet.
The hit movie "Pretty Woman" was released in 1990. Starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, the film follows the unexpected romance that develops between a prostitute and the businessman who hires her.
In the Broadway musical, Samantha Barks will take on the role of Vivian, played by Roberts in the film. The actress, who had a breakout role as Eponine in 2012 "Les Miserables" film, will make her Broadway debut with the role.
Co-starring Barks in the musical will be Tony winner Steve Kazee. It will mark his return to Broadway for the first time since "Once", the 2012 musical that won him a Tony for Lead Actor in a Musical. He has appeared on the small screen on "Shameless" and "Nashville".
