Familiar territory: 'Pretty Woman: The Musical' brings a new dimension to nostalgic story

Jan. 26—"Welcome to Hollywood! What's your dream?"

As soon as those iconic words were spoken — the ride began.

On Thursday night, the national touring show of "Pretty Woman: The Musical" debuted on the Popejoy Hall stage.

The tour will have five more performances through Sunday, Jan. 28.

On opening night, the entire cast was off to a fast start and never let up.

The musical is based on the 1990 film "Pretty Woman" starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

The musical centers around Vivian Ward, a free spirited Hollywood prostitute who lives with her sarcastic wisecracking Greek American best friend and roommate Kit De Luca.

Kit taught Vivian the prostitute trade.

Vivian is hired by Edward Lewis, a handsome wealthy businessman, to be his escort for several business and social functions, and their developing relationship over the course of her week-long stay with him.

The musical features an original score by Grammy winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and a book by the movie's legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton.

Leading the tour as Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis are Ellie Baker and Chase Wolfe.

Many are familiar with the 1990 film, but seeing both Baker and Wolfe on stage bringing to life the well-known characters is a treat.

First of all, each performer breathes new life into the roles.

Wolfe spends most of his time on stage dressed to the nines in a fitted suit, exuding the powerful stature of Lewis.

But there's one thing Gere never got to do in the original film.

"Richard Gere never got to sing and dance,' Wolfe says in an interview. "That's where the magic happens."

Wolfe's not wrong.

It's the songs that tie together this story of finding oneself.

Wolfe does some amazing vocal acrobatics throughout the journey hitting all the right marks with the songs, "Something About Her" and "Freedom."

Yet it's magical when Wolfe and Baker are taking turns harmonizing through "Long Way Home."

By this time in the journey, we're still rooting for the two and want that fairytale ending.

One must not forget that a musical of this magnitude and caliber is not a two-man show.

Rae Davenport as Kit De Luca gives some gospel vibes to the entire show. Davenport brings the house down with engaging power.

Then there's Adam Du Plessis as Happy Man, who becomes chameleon-like in the many facets of characters he plays on stage.

Liam Searcy takes the role of Philip Stuckey — Edward's money hungry lawyer. Searcy gives a wonderful performance on how to be bad.

Rounding out the company is Matthew Blum, Brianna Clark, Kerry D'Jovanni, Vincent DiPeri, Lauren Esser, Charlie Fusari, Steven Gagliano, Justin Glass, Christian Maxwell Henry, Alexandra Kinsley, Joshua Kring, Bethany McDonald, Robert Miller, Hank Santos, Taylor M. Sheppard, Devyn Trondson, Elana Valastro, Sarah Wang, and Channing Weir.

Going into Popejoy Hall on Thursday night, there was no expectation other than the love of the 1990 film.

The story and iconic lines are familiar and take one back to a place of comfort.

After the more than two-hour performance, there were changes that moved the story forward — adding a new dimension to a classic story.

Each character is on a journey of finding oneself — which is something that can't be ignored.

There's plenty of laughter, some moments for tears and many opportunities for smiling.

Though the road is familiar, the cast of "Pretty Woman: The Musical" takes audiences on a journey not to be missed, as it reminds audiences to keep chasing their dreams.