Legitimate Theater Bonus: #6. Pretty Woman (2018)

Pretty Woman

Welcome to Legitimate Theater: a column dedicated to movie-based stage musicals. The goal of this series is to explore those stories that originated in films and eventually worked their way onto Broadway and beyond. By the end of each entry, there will hopefully be a better understanding of this odd but rampant trend in modern entertainment. Are these stories really worth telling through song and dance? How can it even compare to the technical prowess of a camera and seamless editing? Join me on this quest as I explore the highs and lows of this trend on the third Wednesday of every month and hopefully answer what makes this Legitimate Theater.

Opening

In 1990, everyone fell in love with Julia Roberts thanks to her Oscar-winning role in Pretty Woman. What was it about this romantic comedy that drew people in? It was likely the fantasy of a commoner joining the ranks of rich people and living a life of luxury. It could be that Roberts herself was a charming force of nature. Whatever it may be, the film has left an indelible mark on pop culture and serves as one of Garry Marshall's best works as a filmmaker. So, what could possibly be brought to the stage? Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance come forward with a bit of a throwback of sorts that updates the material to a modern sensibility, keeping the wit in tact. But the question is if it's going to be any good. Odds are that if it's anything like the film version, there's at least going to be some charm left in its system. 

A Quick Background

Tony Wins: N/A

Based on: Pretty Woman (1990)

Music: Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance

Lyrics: Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance

Book: Garry Marshall & J.F. Lawton

Prominent Actors: Samantha Barks, Andy Karl, Orfeh, Eric Anderson

Soundtrack

1. "Welcome to Hollywood"
2. "Anywhere But Here"
3. "Something About Her (Preamble)"
4. "Something About Her"
5. "Luckiest Girl in the World"
6. "Rodeo Drive"
7. "Anywhere But Here (Reprise)"
8. "On a Night Like Tonight"
9. "Don't Forget to Dance"
10. "Freedom"
11. "You're Beautiful"
12. "Welcome to Our World (More Champagne"
13. "This is My Life"
14. "Never Give Up on a Dream"
15. "You and I"
16. "I Can't Go Back"
17. "Freedom (Reprise)"
18. "Long Way Home"
19. "Together Forever"
20. "You and I (Edit)"

Note: Listen to the music here

Song Exploration

Opening Song:
"Welcome to Hollywood"

The film was written as a Hollywood fairy tale of sorts, combining My Fair Lady with Cinderella, so it makes sense that the opening song would create a sense of enchantment even as it introduces the characters in various states of their life. Some are trying to pay the rent, others just trying to get to their destination. Considering how comedic the film was, it makes sense that this zips through each character and moment with a rich personality that does an effective job in introducing Hollywood as this world of endless potential, even feeling like it's being advertised within song. As far as openers go, it's an effective way to begin the show by covering all of its bases as briskly and effectively as possible. 

Carryovers

In terms of music, there aren't any that's necessarily on the soundtrack. There are some music cues in the film that one could hope will be in the show - such as listening to Prince in the bathtub. However, there's little here besides plot that is reminiscent of the original film. Sure, it has the same wraparound of people advertising Hollywood as a land of dreams, but that's more of a dialogue motif than a song, so it doesn't really count. Still, there's not much here that is the same, if anything what was there has been improved upon in some significant ways.

High Point:

"Long Way Home"

With a couple of strong contenders, this musical has a strong songbook to its credit. However, there's little to compare to the magic that is the late second act song about finding a place to call home. It isn't just that Samantha Barks and Andy Karl have a solid chemistry when singing, but that the emotions are delivered with a power that overwhelm the sometimes kitschy rock guitar style that the soundtrack seems to be going for. It also helps that it has some of the biggest moments in the soundtrack, having ensembles sing so passionately as they try to find a purpose in their lives. In this one second, it's almost like they all don't realize the community that they already exist within, and there's heartbreak and strength in hoping that they realize that potential. 

Low Point:

"You and I"

The mileage may vary depending on listener, but this is very much a Bryan Adams composition, and he embodies rock ballads of the early 90's so well that it's almost embarrassing. In one sense, he's perfect for Pretty Woman since the original film came out about the same time. However, this is one song that feels directly pulled from his pile of rejected songs, given a little rock guitar, and played like a stadium anthem. There's nothing wrong with it, but there's not as much exciting in the execution of the song as everything else here. Lyrically, it's fine and captures the longing for each other that the plot needs. However, it melodically drags on in a way that's kind of goofy and self-indulgent. It's a slow point that actually feels slow, and that's a bit unfortunate.

What Does It Bring to the Story?

For what it's worth, the original Pretty Woman was a film more about 80's indulgence than romance. Here, it gets mixed up a bit and feels like it is given a deeper purpose, especially in fleshing out the characters into more empathetic performances as people with unrealized dreams. It helps that the actors can sing, but Barks in particular has a stronger character this time around - exploring the realms of hookers through a 21st century feminist lens that is at times refreshing and improves upon the sometimes shallow nature of the original. It also helps that the story gives time to similar supporting characters, and thus making the whole idea of Hollywood as a dream feel more crucial to the plot than a simple bookend gimmick.

Was This Necessary?

Yes

To be honest, there's a lot to like about this soundtrack in spite of mostly being fine. It bubbles with personality and even has a few catchy numbers that elevate the material to something more exciting and personal. However, it's hard to really imagine Pretty Woman needing the stage version, except to comment on feminism in 2018. With that said, the only real downside is that the music is driven by a 90's rock style, which is to be expected from Bryan Adams, and it sometimes borders on gimmickry. Still, this is a delightful take on the show and one that probably will play better on stage and give the theatrical nature more of a purpose. For now, it's just another movie-to-stage musical adaptation. Luckily, it's one that finds a purpose beyond a quick cash in. Will we see it at the Tony's next year? Who knows, though I won't be mad if it does.