Iconic film comes to life in Music Hall show

By Shari Goldstein Stern

In March of 1990, actress Julia Roberts became “America’s Sweetheart” when she starred as Vivian Ward opposite her swoon-worthy co-star Richard Gere as Edward Lewis in a multiple award-winning film, “Pretty Woman.” Roberts was exalted to a Hollywood icon, and her career has been filled with many memorable roles in her fans’ cache of favorites. In 2018 and 2019, “Pretty Woman” played a year on Broadway.

Broadway Dallas (BD) may have hoisted the careers of another couple of young actresses with the invaluable opportunity to wear Vivian’s boots and spike heels for this production. Jessie Davidson is billed as the leading lady, Vivian, in BD’s current production of “Pretty Woman,” with its final performances this weekend. In last Sunday’s matinee, a beautiful Carissa Gaughran stepped into the role of Vivian and slayed it. It was as though the character was written for Gaughran.

The story of the musical follows the film, in which a businessman is traveling to a potentially career-changing meeting. He happens across a hooker, Vivian, with big dreams and a modicum of good sense. Adam Pascal co-stars as Edward, the stressed-out businessman who crosses paths with Vivian, a sexy, gorgeous — if not rough around the edges — hooker. Pascal’s name may sound familiar. The actor portrayed the original Roger Davis in the Off-Broadway and London productions of the Tony-nominated “Rent.”

Although Pascal is not as “swoon-worthy” as Richard Gere, he does a good job of projecting Edward’s vulnerability. His vocals may be whiny with a tad of country nasal mixed in, but he makes up for it in the role. Edward invites Vivian to further their visit for a week. Vivian is reluctant to commit until after some clever negotiations, and they agree on a price. The week is anything but simple as Vivian accustoms herself to the finery and glamor of a suite at the Beverly Hilton.

The show has some outrageous comedic moments. A bell hop who busily dusts the suite to distract a visitor, a colleague of Edward’s, from hearing Vivian enjoying a bath in Edward’s suite, is hilarious. The entire team of bell hops does some award-worthy dance numbers with clever choreography.

Jessica Crouch is a fun, believable Kit De Luca, Vivian’s roommate and mentor. Her sarcasm and playful banter make for a rich performance of a quirky character. Her costumes are racy enough without entirely sacrificing her femininity.

After the finale, the audience was treated to a rousing “Oh, Pretty Woman,” the movie’s theme written by Roy Orbison and Bill Dees. The full cast gathered onstage to dance wildly to the familiar treasure. Patrons were on their feet. For ticket sales and information, visit BroadwayDallas.org.