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Orfeh stars in Pretty Woman: The Musical on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre
Orfeh stars in Pretty Woman: The Musical on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre

Pretty Woman Breaks Box Office Records

Pretty Woman: The Musical, poised to open on Broadway on August 16, 2018, has shattered box office records at the Nederlander Theatre. Based on an eight-performance week, the new musical with a score by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Bryan Adams and his longtime songwriting partner Jim Vallance grossed $1,142,989 for the week ending August 12, 2018. This proved to be the best week in the Nederlander Theatre’s 97-year history.

Pretty Woman is adapted from the popular 1990 film of the same name by screenwriter J.F. Lawton, with direction by the late Garry Marshall who, together, are responsible for the stage production’s book. Director-choreographer Jerry Mitchell helms the production that stars Samantha Barks, Andy Karl, Orfeh, Jason Danieley, Eric Anderson, and Ezra Knight.

The company for Pretty Woman is composed of Allison Blackwell, Tommy Bracco, Brian Calì, Robby Clater, Jessica Crouch, Nico DeJesus, Anna Eilinsfeld, Matt Farcher, Lauren Lim Jackson, Renée Marino, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Jillian Mueller, Jake Odmark, Jennifer Sanchez, Matthew Stocke, Alex Michael Stoll, Alan Wiggins, Jesse Wildman Foster, and Darius Wright.

“Based on one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time, this modern spin on Cinderella is the story of Vivian, a spirited diamond in the rough who dreams of a better life.  A star-crossed meeting with Edward, a shrewd corporate raider from New York who is lost in Hollywood, turns a simple business deal into a week of romance and a journey of self-discovery for both Vivian and Edward. This contemporary theatrical take on the iconic love story will sweep a new generation off their feet and make them believe in the power of “Happily Ever After.”

The musical, which received its world premiere at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre this last March, features scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg. Sound design is provided by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, and music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke.

On August 2, 2018, Garry Marshall’s legacy was honored at a preview performance of Pretty Woman.  Garry Marshall died on July 19, 2016, at the age of 81. The star of the original film version of Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts, was on-hand with other Hollywood glitterati for the celebration.

Pretty Woman: The Musical is produced by Paula Wagner, Nice Productions, LPO, New Regency Productions, Caiola Productions & Co., James L. Nederlander, Roy Furman, Hunter Arnold, Graham Burke, Edward Walson, deRoy Kierstead, Michael Cassel Group, Stage Entertainment, Ambassador Theatre Group and John Gore Organization. Wendy Orshan and Jeff Wilson are the Executive Producers and 101 Productions, Ltd is the General Manager.

Mark Robinson is the author of the two-volume encyclopedia The World of Musicals, The Disney Song Encyclopedia, and The Encyclopedia of Television Theme Songs. He maintains a theater and entertainment blog at markrobinsonwrites.com.

Learn More About Pretty Woman: The Musical