The red carpet rolled out at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre for the glittering Australian premiere of Pretty Woman: The Musical, and Brisbane audiences were treated to an evening bursting with romance, laughter, and heart. Based on the beloved 1990 film, the musical—directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell—translates the iconic story to the stage with irresistible energy and dazzling spectacle.
With music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and a book by Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton, the production stays true to the film’s charm while giving its characters greater emotional depth and musical voice.
Samantha Jade shines as Vivian Ward, stepping confidently into one of cinema’s most iconic roles. From her first moment under the Hollywood lights, Jade’s Vivian is vibrant, whip-smart, and full of heart. Her powerhouse vocals soar through numbers like “Anywhere But Here” and “This Is My Life,” capturing both vulnerability and strength. She balances the glamour of the fairy-tale transformation with genuine warmth, grounding the story in authenticity.
As Edward Lewis, Ben Hall brings poise, charm, and restraint to the stage. His Edward is not just the suave businessman from the film, but a man learning to open himself up to love and connection. His duet with Samantha, particularly “You and I,” offers a touching, emotionally resonant highlight. Together, their slow-burning chemistry builds beautifully throughout the night.
Michelle Brasier is a scene stealer as Kit De Luca, Vivian’s brash but big-hearted best friend. With razor-sharp comic timing and powerhouse vocals, Brasier injects sass, humour, and real humanity into every line. Her moments with Jade are heartfelt, providing an anchor of friendship that gives the story real texture, especially when she proudly states her character’s iconic line ‘Cinde-f**kin-rella’ from the film.
Multi-role dynamo Tim Omaji dazzles as Happy Man and Mr Thompson. Whether he’s charming the audience with his boundless charisma or serving as a suave hotel concierge, Omaji’s performance is magnetic. His versatility and high-octane presence set the show’s rhythm. He even pops up as a few extra characters throughout the performance, including a sneak in as the conductor at one point.
Douglas Hansell plays Philip Stuckey, Edward’s ruthless lawyer, with slick precision and just the right amount of menace. His portrayal adds tension and contrast, giving the story its stakes and grounding Edward’s moral awakening.
Special mention must also go to Jordan Tomljenovic as Giulio, the cheeky and lovable hotel bellhop whose comedic moments bring down the house. Opera performers Rebecca Gulinello and Callum Warrender elevate the romantic atmosphere in the Beverly Wilshire’s opera scene—a stunning musical and visual highlight.
The ensemble deserves high praise for their seamless transitions, infectious energy, and ability to bring the streets of Hollywood and the glamour of Beverly Hills to vibrant life, particularly in the number ‘Never give up on a dream.’
Visually, Pretty Woman: The Musical is a feast. The sparkling costumes, dynamic lighting, and sleek set design transport audiences between the glitz of Rodeo Drive and the grit of Hollywood Boulevard with cinematic flair. Jerry Mitchell’s choreography is crisp and joyful, infusing each big number with pop sensibility and flair.
The score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance delivers earworms aplenty—uplifting rock ballads, funky showstoppers, and emotional duets that perfectly fit the late-’80s mood. Underneath all the glitz, though, lies a genuine heart. The story’s themes of empowerment, self-worth, and transformation resonate strongly, and this cast ensures those beats are never lost in the spectacle.
Pretty Woman: The Musical is everything a modern musical should be—fun, heartfelt, glamorous, and unapologetically romantic. Samantha Jade and Ben Hall lead a stellar cast who give the classic love story new life on stage, supported by scene-stealing turns from Michelle Brasier and Tim Omaji.
The show offers a joyful escape wrapped in infectious music, big laughs, and moments of sincerity that remind us why we fell in love with Vivian and Edward’s story in the first place.
This Brisbane premiere is, in every sense, a “big, huge” success—one that proves fairy tales still sparkle brightest under the stage lights.
TICKETS
Now Playing until 23 November
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
All images Supplied.
The Fame Reporter 