The Julia Roberts and Richard Gere characters are not the most memorable parts of Pretty Woman: The Musical.
All the pivotal scenes of this modern-day Cinderella story remain – including the jewellery box snap and Rodeo Drive revenge shopping spree – but it’s the supporting cast that steals the show.
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Showstopper alert: On A Night Like Tonight
“Hold your head high, this is who you were meant to be” – On A Night Like Tonight finds Beverly Wilshire Hotel manager Mr Thompson (Tim Omaji) and his bellhop team giving sex worker/hotel guest Vivian Ward (Samantha Jade) some tips on how to conduct herself at a posh dinner dance, which she’s to attend with billionaire businessman Edward Lewis.
This musical’s Cinderella story element – Vivian’s My Fair Lady-like transformation – is super-satisfying. Mr Thompson immediately sees Vivian as the kind-hearted rough diamond that she is and rallies his bellboys to become her cheer squad.
Turns out Mr Thompson is a former ballroom dancer (of course he is), who instructs Vivian by partnering up with featured bellhop Guido for a demonstration. Hilarity ensues and our cheeks hurt from beaming.
Sidenote: Pretty Woman: The Musical’s music and lyrics were written by Bryan Adams (yep, the Summer Of ‘69 guy) and Jim Vallance, and as soon as you know this, you’ll hear slices of Heaven in a couple of this show’s power ballads.
One to watch: Jordan Tomljenovic
As the winsome bellhop Guido, triple threat Jordan Tomljenovic (WAAPA alumni) strikes the perfect balance between cheesiness and heart. Tomljenovic’s animated facial expressions speak volumes as his character eavesdrops, silently forming his own opinions on the evolving relationship between Vivian and Edward. His impressive dance technique is showcased to perfection during this musical’s aforementioned showstopper, On A Night Like Tonight.
Tomljenovic’s talents are utilised in other ensemble parts tonight and we find ourselves searching for him throughout the musical’s duration. We can’t wait to see what’s next for this charismatic performer.
Tim Omaji returns to the Regent
In the dual roles of Happy Man and Mr Thompson, Tim Omaji (aka Timomatic) is another of this production’s scene-stealers.
Particularly while appreciating his hypnotic, fluid movement around the stage, we’re reminded that Omaji made his musical-theatre debut – playing Tyrone Jackson in Fame – on the Regent Theatre stage 16 years ago.
Also a brilliant singer, Omaji brings confidence and ease to his performance, which makes audience members feel safe.
Michelle Brasier makes her musical theatre debut
Playing Vivian’s sex-worker bestie Kit de Luca, Michelle Brasier (a regular Aunty Donna collaborator) is a delight to watch. Jade’s vocal performances are flawless, sure, but so are Brasier’s. Her gutsy, R&B-flavoured timbre elevates Never Give Up On A Dream – Kit’s duet with Happy Man – to become Act II’s highlight.
Curtain-call singalongs
The entire audience is upstanding for a singalong of Roy Orbison’s Oh, Pretty Woman during the cast’s curtain-call. We particularly relished that random “Mercyyyyyy” part, which sounds like Jim Carrey in The Mask.
Pretty Woman: The Musical plays at Regent Theatre until 13 September.
