A winning formula to warm your spirits during the cold Adelaide winter
Presented by: Jones Theatrical, ATG Productions & Gavin Kalin
Reviewed: 3 June, 2026
After much hype and anticipation, Pretty Woman The Musical has finally opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre, and judging by the audience’s enthusiastic reaction on opening night, it is a winner. High energy, fast-paced, and a rocking score all delivered by a brilliant cast. You cannot help but fall in love with this show.
Pretty Woman The Musical is the stage adaptation of the 1990 romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. It is a Cinderella story that follows the central character Vivian from her life working on the streets of Hollywood, through meeting wealthy and work-focused businessman Edward, and then falling in love. You don’t need to be a fan or know the original film to follow the musical. However, it was clear there were many fans of the original source material in the audience on opening night.
Samantha Jade is perfectly cast as Vivian Ward. There are moments in her performance that are clear nods to Julia Roberts in the original film, but Jade pours her own bubbly persona and trademark vocals into the role. She is a gifted performer and knows how to hold the audience in the palm of her hand, especially in the more tender, vulnerable moments of the show. Jade shows great respect for Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance’s original score, never overcomplicating the melody (a common trait amongst pop singers cast in musical theatre), but she lets her powerful voice soar with ease through each number.
As Edward Lewis, Ben Hall ticks all the boxes. Great character development, warming and melting vocals and excellent stage presence. Hall captures the wooden and money-driven nature of Edward Lewis well in the early stages of the show, and we can clearly see the shift in nature as he gets to know the real Vivian. His numbers Something About Herand Freedom were standouts, as too was his duet with Samantha Jade, Long Way Home.
Tim Omaji’s effervescent energy and charismatic smile is infectious. As Happy Man/Mr Thompson Omaji drives the narrative of the show, appearing at the most random moments as a variety of characters. His smooth voice is magical to listen to and he has milked every comical moment throughout the show. His act 1 number, “On A Night Like Tonight,” is incredible, and features some very impressive vocal work from the male ensemble. What a sound!
Michelle Brasier is nothing short of spectacular. Brasier is no stranger to Adelaide audiences, having been a staple part of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival’s programming the last few years. From the moment we first lay eyes on Brasier in the opening number, her energy sets the pace of the show. She pours so much soul into the role of Kit De Luca, Vivian’s best friend. You are naturally drawn to her whenever she is on stage. Vocally, Brasier is exceptional. Her impressive range and brilliant vocal control are in full flight, and boy can she riff!
The ensemble for Pretty Woman is tight both in terms of vocals and choreography. The high-energy dance numbers, originally choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, elevate the performance with their sharp moves and perfectly executed routines. Particular standouts from the ensemble included Rebecca Gulinello’s incredible operatic moments in Act 2 and Jordan Tomljenovic, who was perfectly cast as Giulio the Bellhop. Tomljenovic reveled in this comedic role, often bringing the house down with his exaggerated facial expressions.
Jerry Mitchell’s original direction, recreated by Rusty Mowery, is fast-paced and snappy. Musical director David Skelton has weaved magic across the cast’s vocals. He leads an impressively tight rock band that punches out this high-energy score with precision. John Shivers’ original sound design never comes across as overbearing. The audio levels grow when needed and for what at times is a very wordy score, nothing is missed.
Tom Rogers’ costume design pays homage to the original film. Kenneth Posner and Philip S Rosenberg’s lighting design is impressive, lighting David Rockwell’s simple but effective set design to good effect.
Whether you are a fan of the film, a fan of theatre or just a fan of having a good night out, Pretty Woman The Musical is guaranteed to have you leaving the theatre singing and in an uplifted mood. It is the perfect remedy to warm your spirits during an Adelaide winter.
Reviewed by Ben Stefanoff
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: Until 5 July 2026
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including a 20 minute intermission)
Tickets: From $89 (plus booking fee)
Bookings: https://prettywomanthemusical.com.au/
Photo credit: Daniel Boud
