MarQuee 56th Season- Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts Presents: PRETTY WOMAN THE MUSICAL, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union-BROADWAY In JACKSONVILLE presented by: FSCJ | ARTIST SERIES
WHEN: February 15-19, 2023
WHERE: Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
TICKETS: fscjartistseries.org / Tickets available at fscjartistseries.org. / or 904-632-5000
PRETTY WOMAN THE MUSICAL, one of Hollywood’s many beloved classics, has made its way to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. I must say, I was not disappointed.
Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. Brought to the stage by lead Producer: Paula Wagner. Starring Jesse Davidson as Vivian Ward and Adam Pascal as Edward Lewis.
I would describe this musical in three words: New York meets Hollywood. Lit with a 14-member cast. You heard it right. From live music, leading roles, ceiling fall props, and set changes to supporting roles. Every Role was important. Every detail made sense.
There was no person on set that I could say was “an extra”.
Sometimes I go to musicals and the musical doesn’t line up with the movie it’s based on, but this performance; from Day One, I was impressed. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
Culturally, it gave undertones of 80s Rock, Ballroom, and a hint of Salsa that meets this Awkwardly, Charismatic “Pretty Woman”. I said this before, but I’d like to zoom in and appreciate the way the production team canceled out the “small role vs big role” in totality.
Even though there were main characters, they made sure that the interaction between characters was essentially ergonomic, where roles and the change of props would flow almost effortlessly. They made it look easy, but you can visually see that the amount of work and attention to detail would be the reason behind this great performance.
It was comical, sensual, and quirky.
I laughed. I giggled. I sighed. I wiggled in my seat. I even had just a little hint of arousal and I appreciate that it was just enough to capture the fullness of the movie it was based on.
Though I would say children are welcome; I would also say this is a relaxed yet suffocated event for the younger and older crowd to enjoy.
If I want to enjoy myself on a night out, but I don’t want to go to the club, and I’m tired of going to the movies; If I’m an introvert and I want to “extrovert”; If my friends are busy or if I have no friends at all; If I’m a loner or in the beginning phase of finding “my tribe”,
…this musical is a perfect solution for stepping into a “New Chapter”.
Just a suggestion, leave 15 minutes early if you plan on finding a spot on the street, or just pay anywhere from $5-15 to not stress about finding a spot. Bring some cash or a card. There was at least one station that took apple pay from my own personal experience.
They have alcoholic beverages available, ice cream, snacks, etc. For first-timers, the show is about 3hrs long with an “intermission”, but you are welcome to get up and get refreshments whenever. Some people dressed to impress and some dressed business casual. I, on the other hand, had 15mins to get ready and dressed comfortable in an earthy pink jogging suit to go with my cheetah print fashionable sneakers (crossed legs occasionally).
** Side note, there are no cup holders, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the show.
Review by Araya Knight @ BCN Media