The Gateway's "Pretty Woman: The Musical" is Summer's Hottest Ticket!

Everyone loves a good Cinderella story, and The Gateway's latest production is all that and so much more! "Pretty Woman: The Musical" is a stage adaptation of the beloved 1990 movie starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The film's screenwriter, J.F. Lawton, and director, Garry Marshall, wrote the book for the musical, and Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance composed the score. This romantic musical comedy premiered in Chicago in March 2018, debuted on Broadway five months later, and opened in London's West End in 2020.

The plot is simple: Once upon a time in the late 1980s, Vivian, a sex worker with a heart of gold, and Edward, a seemingly heartless billionaire, meet on Hollywood Boulevard. Over the course of a whirlwind week, what started as a simple business transaction developed into a passionate love affair, and they all lived happily ever after.

This two-act musical explores complex themes, including the importance of never giving up on a dream, discovering self-worth, the transformative power of love, finding redemption, and the deceptive nature of appearances.

Playing the romantic leads, Leah Platt as Vivian Ward and Broadway veteran Sean Seamus Thompson as Edward Lewis both delivered award-worthy performances. The intense onstage chemistry between these two superstars was one of the show's high points. Platt showcased her stellar vocals throughout the production and rocked her three solos, "Anywhere But Here," "This Is My Life," and "I Can't Go Back." Thompson delivered a heartrending rendition of the beautiful ballad "Freedom," and Platt and Thompson's powerful duet, "Long Way Home," was an absolute crowd-pleaser!

The show-stopping rock ballad "You and I" takes place at the opera where Vivian and Edward attend "La Traviata." In English, "La Traviata" translates to "The Fallen Woman," and this timeless opera tells the tragic tale of a Parisian courtesan who attempts to escape her oppressive life in search of true love. Verdi's masterful opera delves into the harsh judgment women face when they deviate from societal norms. "La Traviata's" plot and theme aptly fit the musical's narrative, and in this stirring scene, Violetta (Sarah Wang) sings an aria to her beloved Alfredo (Ryan Hurley), while Edward pours out his heart, revealing his true feelings for Vivian.

Fatima El-Bashir aced the role of Kit De Luca, another sex worker, and Vivian's best friend and confidante. El-Bashir is a powerhouse performer and natural-born comedian who executes her lines with the right amount of sassiness and precision, perfect timing. Her spot-on delivery of the high-voltage pop song "Rodeo Drive" was one of the show's highlights.

With his cocky mannerisms and body language, Daniel Robert Sullivan delivered a standout performance as the despicable Philip Stuckey, Edward's greedy and ruthless lawyer. Jalon Matthews excelled in his multiple roles, and he stole the show with his brilliant portrayal of the reserved Beverly Wilshire Hotel manager, Mr. Thompson, who rips loose during the tango number, "On a Night Like Tonight." The audience roared with laughter as Giulio, the bellhop with pizzazz, played to perfection by the charismatic and charming Anthony DaSilva, jumped in to join the fun.

The top-notch ensemble delivered stellar performances, and a big round of applause goes out to Jordan Cyr, Anthony Dasilva; Audrey Taylor Floyd Ryan Hurley, Lance Jewett, Ashley Klinger, Kelly MacMillan, Michael Prescott McClure, Bethany Novotny, Rodolfo Santamarina, Errol Service Jr, Sarah Wang, and Caitlin Zuckerman.

The outstanding creative team includes Director and Choreographer Keith Andrews, Associate Choreographer Kelly MacMillan, Intimacy Director Ashley Klinger, Musical Director Anthony Brindisi, Lighting Designer José Santiago, Sound Designer Ben Takitch, Costume Designer Gregg Barnes, Wig, Hair, and Makeup Designer Dustin Lawson, and Tour Scenic Designer Christine Peters.

The theater was packed for the opening Saturday night performance, and the audience was already up on their feet, giving a rousing standing ovation when the cast belted out "Oh, Pretty Woman." The audience spontaneously clapped, sang, and danced along to Billy Dees and Roy Orbison's smash hit, the inspiration for the movie.

Provocative, passionate, and poignant, this spectacular summer show runs through July 13, 2025. To purchase tickets, contact the Box Office at 631-286-1133 or visit www.TheGateway.org.

Content Warning: This show contains mature themes and language and may not be appropriate for all audiences.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Connecticut and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of "Grant Me a Higher Love," "Why Good People Can't Leave Bad Relationships," and "Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic." Her full-length Music Drama, "Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music," is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.