Pretty Woman: The Musical opens in Cape Town this March

The musical is based on the 1990 romantic comedy Pretty Woman, which starred Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. After debuting on Broadway in 2018, the stage production has since been staged in the West End and toured across North America and Europe.

The Cape Town run is scheduled to continue until 19 April before the production moves to Teatro at Montecasino, where performances will begin on 24 April.

The South African production features an all-local cast. Leah Mari will portray Vivian Ward, while Christopher Jaftha takes on the role of Edward Lewis. Daniel Conradie appears as Philip Stuckey.

Several cast members have also received nominations at the Naledi Theatre Awards for performances in other productions. Mari has been nominated for Best Lead Performance in a Musical Theatre Production (Female) for her role in My Fair Lady, while Jaftha is shortlisted for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical Theatre Production. Conradie has been nominated in the Best Breakthrough Performance in a Musical Theatre Production category.

Producer Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management said the production team was preparing for the opening. “The wait is almost over and our brilliant company is ready to bring this amazing show to South African audiences,” Feldman said. “I’m so excited to see how Cape Town and Johannesburg musical theatre fans will react – it’s going to be so special to watch.”

Showtime Management’s recent productions have also received recognition at the Naledi Theatre Awards. The South African stage debut of Dear Evan Hansen received eight nominations, including Best Production of a Musical, while a revival of Chicago received five nominations, including Best Production of a Musical and Best Ensemble in a Musical Theatre Production.

The musical’s score was written by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, while the book is by Garry Marshall and J. F. Lawton, the creators of the original film. Direction and choreography for the original production were by Jerry Mitchell.

The international creative team supporting the South African staging includes associate director and choreographer Rusty Mowery and musical supervisor Will van Dyke. The local creative team includes resident director and choreographer Darren Greeff, technical director Alistair Kilbee, sound designer David Classen, lighting designer Kieran McGregor and musical director Daniel Butcher-Geddes.

Produced by Showtime Management in association with Crossroads Live North America, the musical tells the story of the relationship between Vivian, a Hollywood sex worker, and businessman Edward Lewis.

The production has been given a PG rating of 12+, with parental guidance advised. Discounted ticket offers, including group bookings and weekday promotions, are available for selected performances.