Destination Duluth Artist Profile Series – Jack Rasmussen plays Edward Lewis in Pretty Woman at the DECC on Sunday, February 16.
After its sold-out, “razzle-dazzle” production of the touring company of “Chicago,” the DECC will next be showcasing one of the favorite rom-coms of all time for its second production in their Broadway season, “Pretty Woman.”
The musical’s 2025 tour began in Wichita, Kansas in January before continuing on to play over 50 cities across North America, even including performances in Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico.
Richard Gere and Julia Roberts’ iconic performances in the 1990 film come to life in a new and exciting way as a musical, featuring an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim VALLANCE and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton.
Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which was the inspiration for one of the most beloved comedy films of all time.
The meeting of a strait-laced business mogul who hires a free-spirited call girl to be his companion for a week of business events is the hilarious and heartwarming basis for this improbable Cinderella love story.
Meet Jack Rasmussen
Playing Edward Lewis, Richard Gere’s role in the film, is Jack Rasmussen, who is performing in his first national tour.
Tracing his inspirations for a career in theater, he said, “I grew up in Illinois, west of Chicago. My oldest sibling is five years above me and always had a passion for theater, so I followed that same path and auditioned for my 7th grade musical, a production of Scrooge where I played Bob Cratchit.”
He added, “From there, I really found myself falling in love with the art form and continued through high school before attending NYU where I majored in Musical Theatre, studying at both the Atlantic Acting School and New Studio on Broadway.”
Three theatrical roles stand out as being his favorites. “The first is Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which was the first role that really made me think that I wanted to pursue theater in a legitimate way.”
“The second was Marius in “Les Misérables.” (Fun fact: that production was actually co-directed by Max Cervantes who plays Happy Man in our production of “Pretty Woman.” Small world!). This was the first role that really made me think that I had what it took to pursue theater professionally.”
“The final is this one, Edward Lewis in “Pretty Woman,” because it feels like a true culmination of the work that I’ve done previously,” Rasmussen explained.
He stated about the movie’s legacy and impact on the musical: “Naturally, the whole show is rooted in the film, and we’re lucky to have such a fantastic baseline from which to work. The true iconic lines, costume pieces, and moments that fans of the movie are hoping to see will absolutely be showcased on stage.”
“However, for those less familiar with the film, what you’re coming to see is a love story. Two imperfect people finding each other at just the perfect time, even though they have no idea that’s the case when they first meet.”
The movie and the musical have many iconic moments. “The scene that really jumps out to me is the opera,” said Rasmussen. “The set, the costumes, the lighting all really come together to create one of my favorite stage pictures in the entire production.”
“It is also the scene where I sing my personal favorite song in the show, “You and I.” It’s both a brilliant showcase of the writing of Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and a beautiful moment to share with my co-star Eva Gary, who is our Vivian Ward and has been absolutely wonderful to work with. It is a true joy to sing each time we do the show.”
For actors and the production team in a touring show, moving from place to place to set up a show and perform, often spending just one or two days in any city, is demanding.
“Obviously, what jumps out is the schedule. We have lots of days that we wake up in a city, hours away from the one that we perform in that night, so there’s a challenge to that. But as it stands, I’ve found the whole process to be far more exciting than it is demanding,” he said.
“I’m super excited to bring the show to Duluth,” he concluded. “I grew up in the Midwest, and it’s always nice to be back! I’ll even have a good number of extended family driving in to see this performance, so it’s one that I’ve had circled on the calendar for a while now!”
See a Broadway Tour in Duluth!
“Pretty Woman the Musical”
DECC Symphony Hall
Sunday, February 16 at 6:00 p.m.
A limited number of tickets are still available.
Visit the DECC Ticket Office:
350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802
Wednesday – Friday, 10am – 2pm.
Or call the box office at (218) 727-4344.
For more information, visit www.DECC.org/BROADWAY
Next up: The four-show season continues with “Mean Girls” (April 7); and “Riverdance: The New Generation” (May 17).
