If you were alive in the ’90s, chances are Pretty Woman lives somewhere in your cultural DNA — that irresistible mix of streetwise grit, fairytale romance, and the kind of chemistry that could melt a thousand VHS tapes. The movie was part rags-to-riches fantasy, part social commentary, and 100% Richard Gere-in-a-tux swoon fuel. So how does the stage version stack up in its Australian premiere at QPAC Brisbane? In short: it’s frothy, fabulous, and just the kind of neon-lit escapism we could all use right now.
The musical walks a tightrope between nostalgia and reinvention, weaving iconic lines and moments through a parade of brand-new songs. You’ll find yourself grinning at the “Big mistake. Huge!” callback one minute, and bopping along to Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance’s pop-rock score the next. It’s built to be a crowd-pleaser through and through.
In terms of the cast Tim Omaji (yes, that Timomatic!) practically sprinkles magic dust across the stage. Playing multiple roles—from streetwise “maps to the stars” seller to dapper Beverley Wilshire hotel manager to the obsequious boutique owner—he threads the story together as the archetypal mystical, mysterious figure who shows up at just the right moments to give the lead courage and a way forward. His performance gives the a sort of fairy godfather energy that makes you feel Vivian’s got a cosmic cheerleader on her side.
Samantha Jade sparkles as Vivian. She brings a warmth and cheekiness to the role that makes you root for her from the moment she steps on stage, and when she opens her mouth to sing. She hits those big emotional notes with a pop diva’s confidence, effortlessly commanding the room.
And then there’s Michele Brasier, a total pocket rocket as Kit De Luca. She’s all swagger and sparkle, tossing out zingers one minute and belting out rock vocals that could knock the socks off the back row the next.
The cast as a whole delivers powerhouse vocals, with particular kudos going to the magnificent singers in the opera scene; it’s a goosebump-raising reminder that live performance can still knock cinema off its pedestal. And can we talk about Jordan Tomljenovic as Giulio? With only a handful of lines, this scene-stealer manages to wring laughs, warmth, and pure personality out of every second on stage. Someone give that man his own spin-off.
Does Pretty Woman: The Musical reinvent the wheel? Not quite. This isn’t a bold reimagining that transforms the story into something new—and that’s OK. What it does deliver is joyful nostalgia with a modern twinkle, a bubbly glass of musical theatre champagne that goes down easy and leaves you smiling after the final bow.
In a world that’s feeling a little heavy these days, that’s no small feat.
Pretty Woman the Musical, Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Melbourne Street, South Brisbane. Get tickets here.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
