The classic 1990 film Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere will be adapted into a musical, according to The New York Times. The show is set premiere in the spring of 2018 in Chicago and in the fall at an unspecified Nederlander theatre on Broadway.
Samantha Barks makes her Broadway debut reviving Roberts’ role as Vivian, but is best know for playing Éponine in the film version of the musical Les Misérables.
SO excited for @PrettyWomanBway thank you so much for all your lovely messages!! 😘 https://t.co/kMa96hifcR
— Samantha Barks (@SamanthaBarks) September 27, 2017
Tony-winning Once star Steve Kazee will play Edward Lewis.
https://twitter.com/SteveKazee/status/912886883490951170
Songs will be co-written by Canadian songwriting partners Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. The book for Pretty Woman‘s musical adaptation was written by the film’s director, Garry Marshall, who died last year, and the film’s screenwriter, J.F. Lawton. Jerry Mitchell, who won Tony awards for choreographing La Cage aux Folles and Kinky Boots, will direct and choreograph, and The Heiress‘ Paula Wagner will produce.
In a statement on Rolling Stone, Wagner promised to honor the original film, saying “Pretty Woman: The Musical will have the heart, humor, warmth and joy of the film”; the film was a huge hit after its release in 1990, grossing $463 million worldwide and developing a cult following. However, the musical will see a few updates. “Our director Jerry Mitchell has expanded the narrative and storytelling of this acclaimed romantic comedy,” Wagner said, “provid[ing] a new and satisfying emotional resonance.”
A statement on the website describes the show further:
Vivian and Edward are unlikely soulmates who overcome all odds to find each other… and themselves. Experience the moments you love from the movie — and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way — in this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages. Brought to life by a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood and Broadway, Pretty Woman: The Musical is guaranteed to lift your spirits and light up your heart.
The show is scheduled for a five-week preview engagement at the Oriental Theater in Chicago starting March 13, 2018, and will move onto Broadway in the fall.
