Adrian Barich: what an evening at Pretty Woman: The Musical gave me that watching the western derby could not
Last Sunday, I was whisked away from the big Western Derby at Optus Stadium to Pretty Woman: The Musical at Crown Theater Perth.
After watching the movie Pretty Woman, I (like most people on this planet) knew at least one thing about the second show: It was going to end well.
Earlier that night, I brushed aside what I thought was a reasonable question: What would be the bigger story, the Eagles winning the derby or a working girl marrying a billionaire? Having already tipped the Dockers to win the premiership in 2026, I was leaning towards Hollywood.
I’ll probably get some stick for this, but I really enjoyed the musical. Once I got used to the fact that the Vivian on stage was not the same majestic presence that Julia Roberts immortalized in the film, I settled in. Perth’s Samantha Jade holds her own very much, bringing a charm and energy that carries the show. I was there when the celebrity stepped out in the red dress.
He’s not the only local talent in the program. There is a strong local flavor in the production. Ben Hall, who plays Richard Gere’s character Edward, has that flamboyant, confident quality you’d expect, and the chemistry between the two makes everything go smoothly. It’s a modern take with a few tweaks here and there, so it feels a little more 2026 than 1990 – but the essence of it hasn’t changed.
I’m no theater critic and I’m sure I don’t belong to the traditional group of music lovers, but I know what appeals to me. And for whatever reason, I thought the guy who played the bellboy was extraordinary.
His name is Jordan Tomljenovic; she’s another Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) graduate and she killed it.
Comic timing, energy, poise: he had it all. I even briefly considered attending the after-party on Sunday night just to tell her. Then I thought, determinedly. The last thing he needs is a random football head wandering around like a long lost friend. He’d think I took Micky.
It’s like when I once met Bear Grylls: You elevate these people, then suddenly you’re trying to look normal in person. It’s not easy.
What the show does cleverly is lean into the moments we all remember. The necklace scene, for example: Arguably the greatest unscripted movie moment of all time, it was still mesmerizing on the theatrical stage.
The shopping scene on Rodeo Drive is still met with laughter (and probably a silent cheer from anyone who’s ever been judged when entering a store): “‘You work on commission, right? Big mistake. Big. Huge.”
Then there is this change; The moment Richard Gere/Ben Hall/Edward Lewis really sees Vivian, sees her fully, and everything changes.
And of course the kiss on the lips. Fairytale ending, wrapped with care. No discussion, no review, no argument about what went wrong on Monday morning.
That’s probably why it’s such a welcome change of pace in football.
Because sports does not give you this guarantee. For a moment you show up hoping for something to talk about all week, but there’s no script. At the right time, the music does not swell. There is no guarantee that everything will come together.
It’s not bad to sit back every once in a while and let a story take you away. No stress, no second guessing, just a few hours where everything falls exactly where it should.
Even though it’s a bit of a long shot. OK, it’s a long shot.
Everything is going well for your football club.
Still, we continue to participate in both, just in case they get a happy ending.
