New names have joined the Australian production of “Pretty Woman: The Musical”, including Timomatic, as rehearsals begin for its Australian debut.
Premiering at QPAC in Brisbane this October before moving to Theatre Royal Sydney in November, the musical follows a wealthy but lonely businessman who hires a spirited Hollywood prostitute to be his companion for a week, leading to an unexpected romance and personal transformation for both as they fall in love and challenge societal expectations.
In July, Samantha Jade was named as the star of the upcoming production, taking on the iconic role of Vivian made famous by Julia Roberts in the beloved film. It represents a significant milestone in her already impressive career: “This is a dream role for me. Such a beloved film that is a favourite of so many worldwide and I’m delighted to be able to originate the role for Australian audiences.”
She will be joined by Ben Hall, playing the role of Edward Lewis, made famous by Richard Gere. Best known for his series regular role as Ned Willis on “Neighbours”, and his part in Robbie Williams’ biopic “Better Man”, Hall has built his credits with the recent tour on stage as Sam Phillips in “Elvis: A Musical Revolution”, as well as parts in “Les Misérables” and the beloved Australian production “Only Heaven Knows”.
Also added to the bill are Michelle Brasier and Tim ‘Timomatic’ Omaji.
Brasier is a favourite of the global comedy scene. Her one-woman shows continue to sell out across Melbourne, Sydney, London, New York, and more, while her screen acting credits including “Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell”, several Aunty Donna shows, Disney’s “Koala Man”, “Thank God You’re Here”, “Drunk History Australia”, and HBO Max’s “YOLO”.
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Meanwhile Omaji is best known for his stage name Timomatic. The Nigerian-born Australian singer-songwriter gained international attention after releasing a string of multi-platinum songs including “Set It Off”. His transition into actor has included roles in “TINA: The Tina Turner Musical”, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”, and “Fame The Musical”, among others.
They will be joined by Douglas Hansell as Philip Stuckey and ensemble cast members including Artemis Alfonzetti, Caitlin Spears, Callum Warrender, Chiara Assetta, Clay Hill, Daniel Erbacher, Fabian Andrés, Glenn Hill, Jordan Angelides, Jordan Tomljenovic, Lauren Jimmieson, Lucy Fraser, Matt Douglass, Matthew Prime, Phoebe Coupe, Rebecca Gulinello, Romina Villafranca, Sasha-Lee Saunders, and William Motunuu.
“Pretty Woman: The Musical” features music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, with direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell. The production has already enjoyed successful runs on Broadway, in London’s West End and across Europe, breaking box office records at the Nederlander Theatre during its 2018 Broadway debut.
The musical adaptation of the 1990 romantic comedy tells the story of Vivian and Edward’s unexpected romance, promising to bring the beloved characters to life in a fresh, theatrical experience. With its rock score featuring the talents of Adams and Vallance, and a book by the original film’s director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton, the production combines the best of music, Hollywood and Broadway.