REVIEW: Pretty Woman – Regent Theatre – Stoke-on-Trent

Rating

Pretty Woman the Musical, currently on tour at the Regent Theatre in Stoke, offers a vibrant stage adaptation of the beloved 1990 film. With its premiere in Chicago in March 2018 and subsequent successful runs on Broadway and in the West End, the musical has garnered a following for its faithful yet fresh retelling of the iconic romance between Vivian, a spirited Hollywood prostitute, and Edward, a wealthy businessman.

Natalie Paris as Kit De Luca is a standout performer in this production. Known for her Olivier-nominated role in SIX, Paris brings a magnetic presence to the stage. Her performance is both dynamic and heartfelt, showcasing her powerful vocals and impeccable timing. However, her role feels underutilized, leaving the audience wanting more from this talented performer.

Oliver Savile’s portrayal of Edward Lewis is another highlight. Savile, with an impressive resume that includes roles in Wicked and The Phantom of the Opera, brings depth and nuance to Edward. His singing is strong and his acting conveys the character’s transformation convincingly, from a detached businessman to a man discovering love.

Rebekah Bryant as the understudy for Vivian Ward starts off somewhat tentatively but finds her stride as the show progresses. Bryant brings a blend of vulnerability and strength to Vivian. Her performance becomes particularly compelling in the second act, where she fully embodies the character’s journey.

Ore Oduba, taking on the dual roles of Happy Man and Mr. Thompson, showcases his versatility. While Mr. Thompson is a better-written and more substantial role, allowing Oduba to shine, he makes the most of the less fleshed-out Happy Man, injecting energy and charm into the character.

Noah Harrison’s portrayal of Giulio, although the character’s inclusion feels somewhat overdone, is commendable. He brings humour and a distinct flair to the role, adding an enjoyable, if slightly eccentric, element to the production.

The set design by David Rockwell is a visual treat, effectively capturing the glitz and glamour of Hollywood alongside the more intimate settings of the story. The transitions between different locations are smooth and well-executed, maintaining the pace and flow of the narrative.

The lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg deserves special mention. The vibrant and dynamic lighting enhances the mood of each scene, from the dazzling lights of Hollywood Boulevard to the softer, romantic hues of more intimate moments. This creative choice significantly adds to the atmosphere and emotional impact of the production.

Jerry Mitchell’s choreography is lively and engaging, making full use of the ensemble to create visually appealing dance numbers. The choreography complements the musical’s tone, bringing energy and movement to the stage and is performed very competently by the ensemble.

Despite the strong performances and impressive creative elements, the musical’s score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance falls short. While the songs are pleasant and performed well, they do not significantly advance the story or deepen the characters. This is a notable weakness, as a stronger, more integrated musical score could have elevated the production to greater heights.

The script also has its weak points, particularly in the characterization and development of secondary roles. Characters like Mr. Happy Man, while energetically portrayed by Oduba, lack the depth needed to make them truly memorable. Similarly, the character of Giulio, designed to pad out the narrative, though entertaining, feels overemphasized, which can distract from the central narrative.

Pretty Woman the Musical at the Regent Theatre offers a delightful and nostalgic evening of entertainment. With standout performances from Natalie Paris and Oliver Savile, and strong creative choices in set and lighting design, it successfully brings the beloved film to the stage. However, the musical score does not quite meet the same standard, leaving the production less impactful than it could be. Despite this, the show remains a heartwarming and enjoyable experience, capturing the essence of the original film while adding its own theatrical charm. Fans of the film and newcomers alike will find much to appreciate in this romantic and spirited production.

Pretty Woman is playing at the Regent Theatre until the 20th July 2024 where it will continue its UK tour.

Photography throughout from Marc Brenner.


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