Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre welcomes sell-out crowds for “Pretty Woman: The Musical”
By: Kevin Vickery
Of course we are all familiar with the 1990 romantic-comedy film, “Pretty Woman” starring Richard Gere as wealthy corporate businessman, Edward Lewis and Julia Roberts as free-spirited Hollywood escort, Vivian Ward, hired to accompany him on several business and social functions, as their relationship develops during her week-long stay with him.
The film was directed by Garry Marshall and written by J. F. Lawton and its title title “Pretty Woman” is based on the 1964 song “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison.
What you may not know (at least I didn’t) was that Lawton and Marshall wrote a book of the story that along with music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, which would become the on-stage musical version premiered in Chicago and then on Broadway in 2018. The stage adaptation has been touring the United Stares and overseas ever since the show’s inception.
The original on-screen version of the story “Pretty Woman” catapulted Roberts to superstardom, earning her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in addition to her first nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress and the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. The film itself also received nominations for the BAFTA Award for Best Film and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture.
The stage play has earned Audience Awards for Andy Karl as Favorite Leading Actor in a Musical, and a co-nomination along with Samantha Barks for Best In-Stage Pair as well as Best Breakout Performance.
The cast featured at Beef & Boards includes national tour veterans Dani Kucera and Charlie Fusari, who play lead couple Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis respectively under the direction of Adam du Plessis, as well as supporting roles by Ariana Valdes, (Kit DeLuca), dance captain Joey Boos, (bellboy Giulio), Darius-Anthony Robinson, (Happy Man/Mr. Thompson/Mr. Hollister) and Logan Moore (Phillip Stuckey).
“Pretty Woman: The Musical” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theate International (MTI) who invite you to, “Fall in love all over again with one of the most popular romances of all time. – Experience the moments you love from the movie and get to know the iconic characters and unlikely soulmates Vivian and Edward in a whole new way! “
It should be noted the the original “Pretty Woman” movie upon release was the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time but the on- stage adaptation has been toned down to a PG-13 rating which has given it some negative criticism with critics from “The Guardian”and “Variety” taking issue with the show’s glossiness and what they perceived as an attempt to make a “G-rated family show from the source material”.
I should also admit that this was only the second time I’ve attended a show at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis despite the fact that they’ve been open for business nearly my entire life. I decided that the February 19 – April 4th running of “Pretty Woman the Musical” would be the perfect opportunity to return to the venue for another night of dinner theatre. After all, an earlier review of the show’s opening night by Kate Clontz of The Courier Times was headlined, “If you don’t go see “Pretty Woman: The Musical’, it will big a “Big mistake. Big. Huge!” Who am I to argue with a clever headline that features one of the film’s most popular quotes?
Additionally, Becca Green of “The Greensburg Daily News” declared, “I’ve seen a lot of performances at Beef & Boards over the past 15 years or so and I’m putting, “Pretty Woman: The Musical” in my top five all-time favorites”. It seemed obvious that I needed to go see what all the hype was about.
I again found the show and the entire Beef & Boards Dinner Theater experience to be both entertaining and delicious. The in-the-round and tiered level seating means there’s not a bad seat in the house. The set designs were relatively simple but still brought the several different locations like, Hollywood Boulevard, the shops of Rodeo Drive, the lobby and the penthouse of the Beverly Wilshire were cleverly represented and brought to life through the extendable stage, and a few well executed set changes.
Of course, no good musical would be complete without singing and dancing. In addition to Kucera and Fusari, the music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance were also wonderfully brought to life by Jameelah Leaundra, Matt Branic and Ryan Hurley while being set to motion by the graceful dancing of Alexandra Kinsley and the ensemble cast. Personally, I believe Joey Boos as Gullio, the bellboy and Darius-Anthony Robinson in his three different roles, both collectively stole the show.
Since a ticket to a show at Beef & Boards also includes dinner, it should be noted that their delicious buffet with several entree and side dish options open two hours prior to the show and closes 30 minutes prior to the show’s opening.
The theater, located at 9301 Michigan Road in Indianapolis is now in its 53rd season and has a diverse line up in 2026 including, “Singin’ in the Rain”, “Cinderella”, “Cash: Ring of Fire”, “Cats”, and “A Christmas Carol” among others.
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre will continue running “Pretty Woman: The Musical” through April 4th with tickets still available for some shows.
For more information about upcoming events at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, visit their website at beefandboards.com
To learn more about Music Theate International (MTI) visit their website at www.mtishows.com
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