By: Diana Brang-Scott
Based on the 1990 smash hit film starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts you can now see your favorite moments and charters come to life in the stage adaptation of this romantic comedy. Pretty Woman the Musical, features an original score by Grammy Award-winner Bryan, Adams and his long time songwriting partner Jim Valance. This beloved story is brought to life by an incredible creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell. The musical also features the international hit song “Oh Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison and Bill Dee.
Broadway superstar and Tony Award®-nominee Adam Pascal (Rent, AIDA, Something Rotten!) will once again step into the well-heeled shoes of Edward Lewis after thrilling audiences on Broadway for a limited set of performances in 2019. He will be joined by rising star Olivia Valli (Jersey Boys, Wicked) as the charming and charismatic Vivian Ward.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Em Hadick a Michigan native, who grew up just outside of the Lansing area in the city of Holt. Em began taking dance classes at the tender age of two and was enrolled in community theater by age six. So, it was no surprise to their family that they decided to pursue a career in musical theatre. They went on to graduate from Oakland University and just made their theatrical debut! Em has the role of Swing, u/s Violetta for the show. (For those of you not familiar with the term, a swing refers to a member of the company who understudies several ensemble roles) I asked them how they prepare for being a Swing? Em said, “It is my first time swinging for a show and I have been reading this book about swinging, they laughed and said, there is a quote in the book that says, ‘Nothing prepares you for being shot out of a cannon, like being shot out of a cannon.’ They said, we have some dedicated rehearsals where part of the cast is there and we can run through part of the show, but its not with all the costumes, or full sound. I will rehearse a lot in my dressing room during the show, and I have very detailed notes, but when it comes down to it, you have to be confident in knowing what you’re doing.”
I asked Em how this musical is both similar and different from the well-known film version? They said, “For those who love the movie they will hear a lot of their favorite lines reflected, they will see all their favorite characters recreated there is a really great nostalgia of the movie. Then add the costumes, sets and this great rock score by Bryan Adams and Jim Valance that adds this pop rock feeling, and it really adds to the story. It becomes a really fun night at the theatre.” Speaking of the incredible score, do you have a favorite number I asked? Em said, “Yes, I do its ‘I Can’t Go Back’ it’s one of Vivian’s big songs in the 2nd act, its her 11:00 number. She does such a great job with it and its really a powerful moment in the show.”
I asked Em what attracted them to this musical? They said, “I have always been a huge fan of Jerry Mitchell’s work for as long as I can remember. Kinky Boots was the first show I had ever seen on Broadway, and it’s very special to me, so when I saw that he was the Detector /Choreographer I was very excited for the opportunity.”
I look forward to seeing Em and the entire cast of Pretty Woman the Musical on stage at Detroit’s own Fisher Theatre running November 2-14, 2021, and “If I forget to tell you, I had a really good time tonight.”
Tickets for PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL are now on sale. They can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-982-2787, and in person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office
Following the lead of Broadway and concert venues across the country, Broadway In Detroit theatre patrons will be required to show proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours of the performance date or proof of full Covid-19 vaccination before they will be admitted into the venue. Additionally, all patrons will be required to wear a mask while inside the theatre regardless of one’s vaccination status.
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