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By Steven Lieberman
Observer Reporter 

Oh, Pretty Woman won't you come and watch my musical, Oh Pretty woman watch awhile

 

You know that if a relative of Frankie Valli is involved in a performance, good things are probably going to happen.

And that's exactly what occurred as Valli's granddaughter, Olivia Valli, lit up the stage as the lead role of Vivian Ward in the Los Angeles premier of Pretty Woman: The Musical which opened on Friday at The Dolby Theatre for a three week run.

Frankie was also sitting in the audience which helped to channel his greatness to his granddaughter's performance.

Adam Pascal (Edward Lewis) as the co-star is also very talented with his acting skills and singing voice. The music and lyrics by Bryan Adams ("Summer of '69, "Heaven") and Jim Valliance perfectly suited Pascal's voice. When fans realized that Adams was writing the music, this was added incentive to attend...to hear the spirit of his musical style.

It didn't hurt that Pascal also received a Tony nomination for his role of Roger in the Tony Award winning production of "Rent."

The musical is based on the movie. The story of a prostitute who meets a wealthy businessman when he stops her on Hollywood Boulevard to ask for directions to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Not only does she give him directions, but she also offers to escort him there for a fee. He ends up being intrigued by her and books her for an entire week to be his companion. And the story progresses to see them both interested in moving past their "business" relationship to feel genuine love for each other.

The entire cast is uber-talented. Especially Vivian's best friend, Kit, played by Jessica Crouch, who has a resonating, rock-star voice and good acting skills. Kyle Taylor Parker, playing various roles, but especially as the Happy Man, was also larger-than-life on stage, a bright spot of the production.

Director/Choreographer, Jerry Mitchell, created an upbeat experience between all of the lead characters and the ensemble.

At the conclusion of the performance, Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman" helped the audience members dance their way through the exit doors.

Pretty Woman is running through July 3 at The Dolby Theatre and then will also be playing the Segerstrom Center for the Arts July 5 to the 17th.

For more information and to buy tickets, go to: BroadwayHollywood.com and SCFTA.org.

 

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