Review: PRETTY WOMAN at Jacksonville Center For The Performing Arts

The production runs now through February 19th

The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum Will Host Popular Music Series SUMMER SIPS & SOUNDS

Pretty Woman is stoppin' awhile at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Pretty Woman is based on the popular 1990 movie of the same name. Vivian Ward (Jessie Davidson) is a sex worker on Hollywood Boulevard who happens to meet a lost billionaire, Edward Lewis (Adam Pascal), who is willing to pay her $3,000 to be his "girlfriend" while he is in Hollywood for the next 6 days. In 1990 rom-com fashion, the audience watches as the two fall in love over those 6 days. Jacksonville audiences were completely nostalgic for the musical. Audience members could be heard making comments like "it's the same dress!" or "look at them at the opera!" during the show.

Now, whether audiences went crazy for Adam Pascal because of Rent fame or because they knew he would be playing the famed Richard Gere character, audiences were ecstatic the moment Pascal walked on stage! Pascal's character truly makes Vivian Ward (Jessie Davidson) feel truly beautiful and worthy of respect and love. His admiration is best observed in "Something About Her", "You're Beautiful", and "You and I."

Vivian Ward (Jessie Davidson) was incredible! Not only does she show great character growth through the entire musical, but she also has an astounding voice. Every number she performed in was amazing, but the numbers that stood out most were "Anywhere but Here", "This is My Life", and arguably her biggest song "I Can't Go Back."

Aside from the main couple, other characters were quite memorable. The audience loved Travis Ward-Osborne, who played two characters, including Happy Man and Mr. Thompson. Ward-Osborne was incredibly talented as both characters, making the audience laugh every time, like in "Welcome to Hollywood", "Don't Forget to Dance", and "Never Give Up on a Dream." Mr. Thompson's right-hand man, Giulio (Devon McCleskey) was beloved by the audience. McCleskey did not say much, but his physical comedy always left audience members giggling. Audiences also loved Vivian Ward's best friend, Kit de Luca (Mia Gerachis). Gerachis has a beautiful voice, displayed in "Luckiest Girl in the World", "Rodeo Drive", and "Never Give Up on a Dream." Audiences also went crazy for the opera performers, Christian Kidd and Jade Amber.

As previously mentioned, there was much nostalgia behind Pretty Woman. Not only were the costumes on point, like the opening dress and the opera dress, but the lines in the show, such as "Big Mistake. Huge!" It was obvious which scenes struck a chord because the audience would immediately cheer.

Jacksonville loved Pretty Woman opening night. Pretty Woman will be at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts now through February 19th!




RELATED STORIES

1
Photos: First Look at Jessie Davidson as Vivian Ward in PRETTY WOMAN Photo
Photos: First Look at Jessie Davidson as Vivian Ward in PRETTY WOMAN

The producers of the first national tour of PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL have released first look photos of Jessie Davidson as Vivian Ward after her debut performance in Memphis, TN. Check out the photos here!

2
Jessie Davidson to Join PRETTY WOMAN Tour as Vivian Ward Photo
Jessie Davidson to Join PRETTY WOMAN Tour as Vivian Ward

The first national tour of PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will welcome newcomer Jessie Davidson, who will step into the leading role of Vivian Ward beginning the week of October 10 in Memphis, TN.

3
PRETTY WOMAN North American Tour Will Extend to May 2023 Photo
PRETTY WOMAN North American Tour Will Extend to May 2023

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has announced the extension of the tour through May 7, 2023, with the final scheduled engagement taking place in Sacramento, CA. The Equity tour, which launched in October 2021 at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, RI, will have played 61 cities across North America by the end of its run.

4
PRETTY WOMAN Tour Cancels Remaining Chicago Performances Due To Breakthrough COVID-19 Case Photo
PRETTY WOMAN Tour Cancels Remaining Chicago Performances Due To Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases

Due to breakthrough COVID-19 cases in the touring production of Pretty Woman: The Musical, all performances through December 19, 2021, at the CIBC Theatre, have been cancelled.

From This Author - Jordan Higginbotham

Jordan is a graduate student and dietetic intern. Theater is her artistic escape from the world of science and dietetics. Jordan has enjoyed being the Jacksonville Regional Contributor for 2... (read more about this author)

Videos


#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Latest No Wagering Show
Breathing Storytellers (5/04-6/14)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Arcade Games Show
Breathing Storytellers (5/03-5/10)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
Hippodrome Theatre (6/02-7/09)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Little Shop of Horrors
Orange Park Community Theatre (6/02-6/25)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You