Pretty Woman: The Musical

by | Oct 10, 2025

Reviewer: Nic Conolly

A Fairytale Reimagined with Heart, Humour, and High Heels

A joyous, heart-warming, and unabashedly feel-good evening that leaves you smiling from ear to ear.

The morning after Pretty Woman: The Musical, the glitter and warmth of last night’s performance still linger. Before attending, I was not entirely certain what to expect from this 1990 romantic comedy turned stage sensation, but I was all Gere-d up to find out.

What followed was a joyous, heart-warming, and unabashedly feel-good evening that left the audience smiling from ear to ear. This all-Australian production delivers exactly what it promises: glamour, charm, and the nostalgic thrill of revisiting a beloved story through song. From the opening notes to the final reprise, Pretty Woman offers the perfect balance of sentiment and sparkle- a night that feels like a hug in musical form.

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Visually, the production is slick and seamless.

Set transitions glide effortlessly between Beverly Hills luxury and Hollywood Boulevard grit. The costumes are detailed yet restrained, keeping focus where it belongs- on the characters and their journeys.

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A subtle artistic touch stood out: alternating yellow and black mattress skirts that mirrored Ben Hall’s trousers in each scene. Whether intentional or coincidental, it drew the eye naturally toward Samantha Jade’s luminous presence beside him.

A minor microphone mishap briefly interrupted Act I but was swiftly resolved, showcasing the professionalism of the entire team.

Samantha Jade exudes the charm of someone who’s there to rescue you right back. Samantha Jade delivers a career-defining performance as Vivian Ward. Her calm yet commanding presence fills every inch of the QPAC Lyric Theatre, blending innocence, humour, and strength. Her comedic timing sparkles: especially during the Polo Club scene, where she lands the Groucho Marx line, “I don’t want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member,” with effortless wit. Vocally, Jade soars; emotionally, she radiates sincerity.

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Ben Hall as Edward Lewis matches her with poise and depth. He transforms Edward from a cold executive into a man capable of genuine vulnerability. By the time he “arrives with the white horse”- a playful wink to the film- the audience is entirely won over. His crystal-clear vocals and quiet magnetism anchor the romance beautifully.
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Michelle Brasier’s Kit De Luca is pure fire- witty, raw, and irresistibly funny. Her explosive “Cinde-fucking-rella!” earns one of the night’s loudest ovations. Alongside her, Tim Omaji shines in his dual roles as Happy Man and Mr Thompson, exuding warmth and vitality.
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Then there’s Jordan Tomijenovic as Giulio as light as his dance steps and as bright as the Hollywood sign. His exuberance and comedic flair elevate every moment he appears.

Every step feels like part of the story.

The choreography bursts with energy and precision. Ensemble numbers are tight, lively, and perfectly tuned to the show’s upbeat rhythm. Tomijenovic’s athletic grace brings Giulio to life, while the full company dances with purpose, never excess. Each movement amplifies emotion rather than distracting from it.

The opera scene alone is worth the price of admission. In one of the evening’s most transcendent sequences, Violetta, portrayed by Rebecca Gulinello, stole the show- and rightfully so. Her powerhouse vocals rocked the theatre, intertwining the gentle awe of Vivian’s first opera experience with the emotional tempest of La Traviata. The opera- a tale of a courtesan who dares to love a man above her station mirrors Vivian’s own journey with breathtaking resonance. Gulinello’s performance bridged two art forms, turning a musical moment into pure theatre magic.
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The pacing across both acts is smooth and confident. Transitions between comedy, romance, and reflection are well-timed, ensuring there is never a lull. The creative team strikes a perfect balance between spectacle and sincerity, allowing the story to breathe when it needs to, and to burst into song when emotion demands it.

A production that wears its heart on its sequinned sleeve, the show’s greatest strength lies in its ensemble chemistry and the clarity of its creative vision. Every performer contributes to a cohesive world where humour and heart coexist.

Minor refinements such as sound balance during ensemble pieces would polish an already confident production to perfection. But make no mistake: this is a show bursting with life, laughter, and love.

The atmosphere was pure joy; a love letter to laughter, music, and second chances. From curtain-up to final bow, the audience was fully invested. Laughter rippled through the theatre, applause came often and unprompted, and by the finale, half the room was humming “Pretty Woman.” Few musicals can boast such wholehearted connection.

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It’s the kind of show that leaves you walking taller, smiling wider, and believing in fairytales again.

Pretty Woman: The Musical at QPAC is a glittering, heart-on-its-sleeve production that perfectly balances nostalgia and contemporary flair. Anchored by a charismatic cast and a refreshing Australian energy, it reaffirms that some stories- and some songs- never go out of style.

A joyous, sparkling night at the theatre-filled with laughter, love, and a reminder that everyone deserves their own happily ever after.

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Pretty Woman the Musical is now playing at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).
For more information and tickets: https://prettywomanthemusical.com.au/

Photo Credit: Daniel Boud

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