From pop princess to Rodeo Drive: Samantha Jade lands iconic Pretty Woman role

It’s a role with big heels to fill but Samantha Jade is ready to lead musical version of this all-time classic as makes its glamorous Aussie debut … and it seems it was meant to be the moment she checked in to this famous LA hotel.

Samantha Jade will perform the lead role in the stage adaptation of Pretty Woman. Picture: Lachie Millard

ARIA Award-winning star Samantha Jade has been announced as the leading lady in the Australian premiere of Pretty Woman: The Musical, with the Broadway smash hit set to open at Brisbane’s QPAC in October before heading to Sydney’s Theatre Royal from November.

Jade will step into the heels of Vivian Ward, the beloved role made iconic by Julia Roberts in the original 1990 film, and said she’s relishing the opportunity to bring the character to life on stage.

“Vivian is such a strong, bold character, and I’m honoured to be bringing her to life in a way that’s both nostalgic and new,” Jade said.

“I watched the film with my mum growing up, I’ve seen it religiously, I love it, so taking a bit of that and also how I would portray her is going to be really fun — challenging, but really fun.”

Fittingly, Jade learned she’d landed the role while staying at none other than the Beverly Wilshire Hotel — the same iconic setting from the film.

“I had just checked out and was walking through the lobby when I got the call,” she said. “I turned to my husband and said, ‘You’re never going to believe what just happened.’ It felt so surreal — like the universe aligned.”

Samantha Jade learned she’d landed the role while staying at none other than the Beverly Wilshire Hotel — the same iconic setting from the film. Picture Lachie Millard

The musical adaptation features a blazing rock score by Grammy winners Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and choreography by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell.

Jade, whose career spans chart-topping singles, prime-time television and national tours, admitted the role pushes her into exciting new territory.

“I’ve never done all three — singing, acting, dancing — together at once. It feels like that’s quite nerve-racking for theatre,” she said.

“I personally think it’s the hardest art form, because you’re doing it all live. But I’m also so excited for the challenge. I think when you get to, like, my age, you don’t get chances like that often, you’re put in a box, so this is going to be great.”

The X Factor winner, 2024 Dancing With The Stars runner-up and INXS miniseries star also revealed she was most excited for the show’s iconic looks.

“I got to wear the red dress for some promo photos and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I already feel more like Vivian!’” she said.

“The costume, the wig — it really allows you to become the character.”

Pretty Woman: The Musical opens at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre from October 5, with new Brisbane performances added from November 5–9 due to overwhelming demand.

A Sydney season, officially announced on Tuesday, will follow from November 30 at Theatre Royal Sydney.

Additional casting details are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.