From their first note on Sunday night, the “Pretty Woman The Musical” cast had the DECC’s packed audience ready to laugh, clap, and eventually get to their feet for a thunderous standing ovation.
This second in the DECC’s Broadway four-show series was nothing less than a smash hit, with the audience excitedly buzzing at intermission and at evening’s end on their way out the doors about how enthralled they were about the production.
Set “once upon a time” in the 1990s, this musical version keeps much of the movie’s original dialogue, scenes, and characterizations, while adding a lively score by pop star Bryan Adams and lyricist Jim Vallance. The music was energetic, revelatory of character, and perfect for the cast to show their best 90s style dance moves.
Based on the iconic, feel-good 1990 rom-com, the then relatively unknown 21-year-old Julia Roberts lit up the screen with her mega-watt smile and off-the-charts star power. Roberts’ chemistry with her co-star Richard Gere was also undeniably electric.
The musical’s leads Eva Gary (Vivian Ward) and Jack Rasmussen (Edward Lewis) have the tightrope act of not trying to do direct impersonations of their movie counterparts, and they both succeed spectacularly. They each make these characters their own.
Gary does look like a bit like Roberts, and she wears identical costumes, right down to the iconic red off-the-shoulder evening gown. Gary, however, creates her own quirky persona of the “heart of gold,” provocatively dressed hooker looking for a better life and a world away from her nightly strolls on Hollywood Boulevard.
When she meets the incredibly rich Edward Lewis, looking for directions to Beverly Hills in a “meet cute moment,” her life and his go off the rails in ways neither expects.
Making the transformation from an awkward, unsophisticated hick, to the confident and even elegant woman that she becomes, Gary has the look, personality, and the demeanor of a character who embodies the spirit of Cinderella and “My Fair Lady’s” Eliza Doolittle perfectly.
Gary’s voice was magnificent throughout. Her standout solo vocal moment was in “I Can’t Go Back” where her powerful Broadway belt was front and center.
Rasmussen has the leading man looks and stage presence to play Edward, In a role that could have been merely a stereotype of a ruthless business tycoon. He is convincing in his transformation from a buttoned up “suit” to a free spirit, walking barefoot in the park, reading Shakespeare.
His strong tenor voice was stunning, particularly in his song “Freedom,” and in his duet with Gary, “You and I,” where their voices soar and blend.
Other outstanding performers include Max Cervantes who is terrific as The Happy Man, playing several roles including the narrator, Hollywood tour guide, hotel manager/dance instructor, and, at one point, hilariously even conducting the orchestra.
Scene stealer Cervantes is the charismatic heart and soul of the production who is the Fairy Godfather, reminding the characters and the audience to follow their dreams and never to give up.
Tamara Daly, playing Vivian’s loyal sister of the streets, Kit De Luca, is an undeniable star with some of the most powerful vocals in the show. A bigger than life presence, Daly knows how to take the stage, shining with every opportunity.
In a smaller role, Yamil Rivera is adorable as Giulio, the dancing and comical bellhop, who manages to steal scenes every time he appears.
Grace Hamashima (Violetta) and Jonathan David Steffins (Alfredo) have gorgeous operatic voices, giving an authenticity to the scene from Verdi’s “La Traviata.”
The incredibly talented ensemble is vital to the show’s success. They provide strong vocals, dancing, and characterizations, as they play several different roles throughout. More than “just” a chorus, many of them certainly could play leading roles in this and other shows.
Checking all the technical boxes, “Pretty Woman the Musical” is decidedly on point with sets, lighting, props, and particularly costumes. With a kaleidoscope of colors, every scene enchants with theatrical magic, making the evening fly by.
And, of course, Roy Orbison’s 1964 hit song, “Oh, Pretty Woman” as the show’s curtain call tune, had the audience happily singing along, not wanting the show to be over.
Read more about it: For a profile of Jack Rasmussen (Edward Lewis) go to destinationduluth.org
What’s Up Next?
The DECC is next host to THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE™
February 26 at 7:30 pm
THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE™
(Not part of their Broadway series)
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 decc.org
“THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE™ is making its way across America in a live, interactive stage show. “Come on Down” and be a part of this family friendly stage show (non-televised) offering fans a chance to make dreams come true and relive feelings of nostalgia, while experiencing the same thrilling excitement of winning big, up close, locally and in-person.
THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE™ will be performing at DECC Symphony Hall on Wednesday, February 26, giving randomly selected contestants a chance to play everyone’s favorite games like Plinko™, Cliffhangers™, The Big Wheel™, and even the fabulous Showcase. The show features an array of fantastic prizes, from appliances and electronics to dream vacations and even a brand-new car. Lucky audience members can even win prizes right from their seats.
Special packages will be available for those who consider themselves a Superfan of America’s legendary Game Show, including special gifts, seating, and even the chance to spin The Big Wheel.™
Playing to packed houses for more than twenty years, THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE™ has entertained millions of guests and given away more than 15 million dollars in cash and prizes. If you’re a fan of “The Price Is Right”™ on TV, you’ll no doubt love this exciting, live (non-televised), on-stage version of the show!”
See a Broadway Tour in Duluth!
“Mean Girls”
DECC Symphony Hall
Monday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m.
After hitting two for two with the sold-out successes of the first few shows of their Broadway season, the DECC next brings in Tina Fey’s hit musical “Mean Girls” which became popular as a film, a straight play and finally a musical.
The plot: “Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.” The show was nominated for twelve awards at the 72nd Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
“Mean Girls”
Tickets are still available.
Visit the DECC Ticket Office: 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 5580
Wednesday – Friday, 10am – 2pm.
Or call the box office at (218) 727-4344.
For more information, visit www.DECC.org/BROADWAY
Last Show in the Broadway Season:
“Riverdance: The New Generation” (May 17).
For more information, visit www.DECC.org/BROADWAY
Tickets available now.
“Since RIVERDANCE first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established RIVERDANCE as a global cultural sensation. To celebrate this incredible 30th year milestone, RIVERDANCE will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time RIVERDANCE welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago.”
