Samantha Jade to play Julia Roberts' role in Pretty Woman the Musical showing in Brisbane and Sydney
The 38-year-old singer and actress will star as Vivian (Roberts' character) in the upcoming Broadway and West End musical, which makes its debut in Brisbane and Sydney later this year.
The show will play at Queensland Performing Arts Centre from October 5 and at the Theatre Royal, Sydney from November.
'This is a dream role for me. Such a beloved film that is a favourite of so many worldwide, and I'm delighted to be able to originate the role for Australian audiences,' the Perth-born star said.
'I never thought I would do a musical because I dance and sing, and act, but all separately, not at the same time and this is a big challenge.
'I love this movie so much, and the music in this is next level.'
Jade told Sunrise she was in LA checking out of a one-night stay at the Beverly Wilshire, the famous hotel from the film, when she found out she got the role.
The 1990 film sees rich businessman Edward (played by Richard Gere) hire Vivan, a prostitute, to join him at several social events; however, things soon get tricky when he begins to fall in love with someone from a very different world.
Now, fans of the characters will get to know them in a whole new way with a dazzling theatrical take on a love story for the ages.
Jade said the film was her 'comfort movie' that she used to watch with her mum, who sadly died in 2014 after a battle with cancer.
'It was one of our four favourites and last year was the 10th anniversary of her passing, so I was watching it a lot, weirdly, and then I got a call to audition and I was like 'Oh my god' this just seems perfect,' she said.
As for who is playing her lover, all Jade could share was that the actor was 'someone Australian and someone great.'
'We couldn't get Richard, but we've got the next best thing.'
Suzanne Jones of Jones Theatrical Group said the group knew if they didn't offer Jade the role, they would immediately regret it.
'We knew from the first time Samantha auditioned that not offering her the role of Vivian would be a big mistake. Big. Huge! Her voice perfectly suits Bryan Adams' iconic score, and I know Australian audiences will fall in love with her when she makes her debut at QPAC in October,' she said.
No stranger to a live audience, Jade won Channel 7's X Factor in 2012 and has since amassed a collective 91 million streams and 2.3 million sales worldwide, released the song Shake That with Pitbull and released her album NINE in 2015, which hit number two on the ARIA charts.
Our homegrown talent has been a regular fixture on Australian TV, starring as Kylie Minogue in the miniseries INXS: Never Tear Us Apart, as well as an ongoing guest-starring role in Home and Away.
Her screen credits don't end there; in 2023, she joined the cast of the second season of Celebrity Apprentice, and last year was the runner-up of Channel 7's Dancing With The Stars.
Jade has continued with her music career of late, releasing her EP Love. Sick. Vol 2 in August.
Pretty Woman: The Musical features a rock score from GRAMMY winners Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (Summer of '69, Heaven), direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray) and a book by the original movie's director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton.
The musical made its Broadway debut at the Nederlander Theatre in 2018 and has played in Spain, Italy, Poland and Germany as well as an extended West End season.
Further casting announcements are set to be made in the coming weeks.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
Valance in line for major settlement after billionaire split
Australian singer and former Neighbours star Holly Valance is in line for a major financial windfall following her split from British billionaire property developer Nick Candy, after 13 years of marriage. Despite reportedly signing a prenuptial agreement, legal experts say Valance, 42, could still be entitled to a substantial share of Candy's estimated £1.4 billion ($A2.93 billion) fortune. 'Certainly when we do prenups in Australia we tend to take into account all future circumstances,' Sydney family lawyer Fran Edwards told the Herald Sun. 'They would generally try to take into account the growth in assets … in our jurisdiction the document would also generally take into account any future needs including spouse maintenance,' she said.'It can say pretty much anything that the party's agree on … but I would've thought he would have been advised to err on the side of a bit of generosity towards her … to keep any potential separation and property settlement private and avoid any suggestion the deal is not equitable.' Holly Valance rose to fame for her breakout role as Felicity 'Flick' Scully on the Australian soap opera Neighbours, which she joined at age 16 and played from 1999 to 2002, quickly becoming a household name and fan favourite If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. She later launched a successful music career, with her 2002 debut single 'Kiss Kiss' reaching the top of the charts in several countries and establishing her as a pop star. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Holly Valance and Nick Candy first met in London in the early 2000s through mutual friends, sparking a relationship that eventually led to their marriage in 2012, and two daughters. Elanor Lau, a partner at Lander and Rogers, added, 'Where one party comes into the relationship with significantly more wealth, typically parties want a prenup'. 'Once a financial agreement is signed it doesn't guarantee it will never be set aside by a court … it's always a possibility,' Ms Lau said. Nick Candy's property empire is among the most enviable in the world. His crown jewel is a two-storey penthouse in the landmark One Hyde Park development in Knightsbridge, London, which he co-developed with his brother Christian. The five-bedroom, 18,000-square-foot duplex features a private spa, cinema, cocktail bar, and panoramic views of Hyde Park. The property, which has been on the market for four years, is listed at an eye-watering £175 million ($A340 million), making it Britain's most expensive apartment ever. Despite its luxury, Candy and Valance reportedly spent only about 20 days a year at the penthouse, preferring to reside in their $142 million Chelsea mansion. This extraordinary home, Gordon House, was gifted to Nick by his brother Christian in 2014 and stands next to the Royal London Hospital. The Chelsea property merges three heritage buildings and boasts a 426-square-metre basement, swimming pool, and private IMAX cinema. The couple's real estate portfolio extends far beyond London. It includes a $100 million mansion in Los Angeles' exclusive Holmby Hills, which features 10 bedrooms, 18 bathrooms, a guesthouse, gym, spa, and even a playroom with a children's slide and ball pit. Their Oxfordshire estate, acquired for £8.5 million ($A18 million), offers a more rural retreat, while a six-floor Mayfair office building purchased for $27 million in 2015 adds to Candy's commercial holdings. In 2015, Candy famously gifted Valance a $54 million Benetti superyacht, named 11:11 after their daughter Luka's birthday. Despite Valance's chronic seasickness—so severe she sought help from hypnotist Paul McKenna—the couple sold the vessel in 2023. Candy's taste for luxury extends to his car collection, which has included a Rolls-Royce Phantom, Mercedes SLR McLaren, Ferraris, and more. His business interests are equally diverse, with stakes in an interior design company and a venture capital firm investing in everything from fintech startups to Nicaraguan mines. It reportedly remains unclear whether Valance will receive a share of Candy Capital, his private family office, which recently entered a joint venture with an Abu Dhabi-based developer The couple, who have two daughters, married in a lavish $6.3 million Beverly Hills ceremony in 2012. A family friend told The Sun, 'This has been a very difficult period for both Nick and Holly, and they are keeping things private out of respect for their family. The joint parenting of their two amazing daughters remains their top priority'. While the exact details of the divorce settlement remain confidential, Valance's future financial security seems assured—whether or not the prenup holds up in court. It was just over a year ago in February 2024 that Valance went viral for her political views, saying 'everyone starts off as a leftie and then wakes up at some point after making money, working, trying to run a business, trying to buy a home, then realises what crap ideas they all are.' If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. She then did an interview in March 2024, with GB News' Political Podcast hosted by Chris Hope, nothing was off the table for discussion, from controversial climate activist Greta Thurnberg to Australia's 'wokeness' and COVID hard borders to praising Donald Trump. See Holly Valance's viral interview here.
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Mitch Tambo brightens day for sick children at John Hunter Hospital school
CHILDREN at John Hunter Hospital were treated to a special performance in a visit from didgeridoo player, traditional Indigenous dancer and singer Mitch Tambo. The Australian artist and Gamilaraay man, known for his appearance on the TV show Australia's Got Talent, made a stop in Newcastle on Tuesday, July 1, with his I am Me tour. Kids in the School Room Ward watched Tambo use music, storytelling, his personal experiences and a yarning circle to highlight cultural connection with a focus on youth wellbeing and mental health. "I get to share and celebrate my story through the music and break down the stories behind the music while also just spreading a message of inclusivity and celebrating one another regardless of our differences," he said. "I'm really looking to come here to John Hunter Hospital and give back to some kids doing it tough." His performance featured songs in the Gamilaraay language. "The kids have an amazing time; they're so excited to dance and sing along, creating a truly joyful atmosphere," Tambo said. In his visit, he also touched on the important issue of bullying. "With tragic stories of students taking their own lives due to bullying, both in person and online, I believe it's vital to open up these conversations and provide a safe space for children to feel heard," he said. John Hunter Hospital School principal Amy Kurtz said Tambo's visit was about raising cultural awareness and celebrating NAIDOC week. "We like to think outside the box and offer educational experiences for our students that may sometimes miss out on things like this when not attending regular school," she said. "This helps keep them connected." CHILDREN at John Hunter Hospital were treated to a special performance in a visit from didgeridoo player, traditional Indigenous dancer and singer Mitch Tambo. The Australian artist and Gamilaraay man, known for his appearance on the TV show Australia's Got Talent, made a stop in Newcastle on Tuesday, July 1, with his I am Me tour. Kids in the School Room Ward watched Tambo use music, storytelling, his personal experiences and a yarning circle to highlight cultural connection with a focus on youth wellbeing and mental health. "I get to share and celebrate my story through the music and break down the stories behind the music while also just spreading a message of inclusivity and celebrating one another regardless of our differences," he said. "I'm really looking to come here to John Hunter Hospital and give back to some kids doing it tough." His performance featured songs in the Gamilaraay language. "The kids have an amazing time; they're so excited to dance and sing along, creating a truly joyful atmosphere," Tambo said. In his visit, he also touched on the important issue of bullying. "With tragic stories of students taking their own lives due to bullying, both in person and online, I believe it's vital to open up these conversations and provide a safe space for children to feel heard," he said. John Hunter Hospital School principal Amy Kurtz said Tambo's visit was about raising cultural awareness and celebrating NAIDOC week. "We like to think outside the box and offer educational experiences for our students that may sometimes miss out on things like this when not attending regular school," she said. "This helps keep them connected." CHILDREN at John Hunter Hospital were treated to a special performance in a visit from didgeridoo player, traditional Indigenous dancer and singer Mitch Tambo. The Australian artist and Gamilaraay man, known for his appearance on the TV show Australia's Got Talent, made a stop in Newcastle on Tuesday, July 1, with his I am Me tour. Kids in the School Room Ward watched Tambo use music, storytelling, his personal experiences and a yarning circle to highlight cultural connection with a focus on youth wellbeing and mental health. "I get to share and celebrate my story through the music and break down the stories behind the music while also just spreading a message of inclusivity and celebrating one another regardless of our differences," he said. "I'm really looking to come here to John Hunter Hospital and give back to some kids doing it tough." His performance featured songs in the Gamilaraay language. "The kids have an amazing time; they're so excited to dance and sing along, creating a truly joyful atmosphere," Tambo said. In his visit, he also touched on the important issue of bullying. "With tragic stories of students taking their own lives due to bullying, both in person and online, I believe it's vital to open up these conversations and provide a safe space for children to feel heard," he said. John Hunter Hospital School principal Amy Kurtz said Tambo's visit was about raising cultural awareness and celebrating NAIDOC week. "We like to think outside the box and offer educational experiences for our students that may sometimes miss out on things like this when not attending regular school," she said. "This helps keep them connected." CHILDREN at John Hunter Hospital were treated to a special performance in a visit from didgeridoo player, traditional Indigenous dancer and singer Mitch Tambo. The Australian artist and Gamilaraay man, known for his appearance on the TV show Australia's Got Talent, made a stop in Newcastle on Tuesday, July 1, with his I am Me tour. Kids in the School Room Ward watched Tambo use music, storytelling, his personal experiences and a yarning circle to highlight cultural connection with a focus on youth wellbeing and mental health. "I get to share and celebrate my story through the music and break down the stories behind the music while also just spreading a message of inclusivity and celebrating one another regardless of our differences," he said. "I'm really looking to come here to John Hunter Hospital and give back to some kids doing it tough." His performance featured songs in the Gamilaraay language. "The kids have an amazing time; they're so excited to dance and sing along, creating a truly joyful atmosphere," Tambo said. In his visit, he also touched on the important issue of bullying. "With tragic stories of students taking their own lives due to bullying, both in person and online, I believe it's vital to open up these conversations and provide a safe space for children to feel heard," he said. John Hunter Hospital School principal Amy Kurtz said Tambo's visit was about raising cultural awareness and celebrating NAIDOC week. "We like to think outside the box and offer educational experiences for our students that may sometimes miss out on things like this when not attending regular school," she said. "This helps keep them connected."
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Keith Urban 'didn't hang up' on racy interview question
Keith Urban has appeared to abruptly end a radio interview after being asked a personal question about his wife Nicole Kidman's intimate career moments, but sources say the singer did not hang up. The Australian country music star was speaking on Mix 102.3 on Tuesday when hosts Max Burford and Hayley Pearson introduced a game called Wall of Truth, and reports claimed after Keith abruptly ended the chat when asked about his wife Nicole Kidman's latest raunchy sex scenes. "Keith did not hang up, period," a source told People. "He doesn't host his Zoom interviews. This is a complete nothing burger." Pearson described the supposedly controversial chat show section that allegedly prompted Urban to hang up as a segment where they ask guests "a very tricky" and "deeply personal" question. Burford began it by asking Urban: "When I was coming up with something to ask you, Keith Urban, if you happen to play this game, the first thing I thought of, with your beautiful wife Nicole Kidman being on so many great movies, TV shows all the time ... I watched a movie with her and Zac Efron recently, A Family Affair." Urban replied politely: "Oh yeah, that's a good one." Burford then asked: "And I thought, 'What does Keith Urban think when he sees his beautiful wife with beautiful younger men like Zac Efron having these beautiful love scenes on TV and radio?'" Shortly after the question, Urban disappeared from the call. Another voice on the show said he'd been "disconnected from Zoom". Burton suggested: "I think his team hung up on us because they didn't want us to ask that question," adding Urban "doesn't like the personal stuff." The source told People that Urban is a "very easygoing" interviewee and was not personally offended by the question. A representative for Urban declined to comment on the incident. Nicole Kidman stars alongside Zac Efron in A Family Affair, released in June 2024. In the film, the actor plays a widowed writer who begins dating Efron's character, a self-absorbed actor employing her daughter as a personal assistant. Kidman told People last year: "It's really helpful when you're doing this sort of work together that you've already got a history together, because it's easy. You're not working to create a history. So I'm not like, 'Can I touch you?' I feel incredibly trusting of Zac." Urban and Kidman married in 2006 and celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary in June. Keith Urban has appeared to abruptly end a radio interview after being asked a personal question about his wife Nicole Kidman's intimate career moments, but sources say the singer did not hang up. The Australian country music star was speaking on Mix 102.3 on Tuesday when hosts Max Burford and Hayley Pearson introduced a game called Wall of Truth, and reports claimed after Keith abruptly ended the chat when asked about his wife Nicole Kidman's latest raunchy sex scenes. "Keith did not hang up, period," a source told People. "He doesn't host his Zoom interviews. This is a complete nothing burger." Pearson described the supposedly controversial chat show section that allegedly prompted Urban to hang up as a segment where they ask guests "a very tricky" and "deeply personal" question. Burford began it by asking Urban: "When I was coming up with something to ask you, Keith Urban, if you happen to play this game, the first thing I thought of, with your beautiful wife Nicole Kidman being on so many great movies, TV shows all the time ... I watched a movie with her and Zac Efron recently, A Family Affair." Urban replied politely: "Oh yeah, that's a good one." Burford then asked: "And I thought, 'What does Keith Urban think when he sees his beautiful wife with beautiful younger men like Zac Efron having these beautiful love scenes on TV and radio?'" Shortly after the question, Urban disappeared from the call. Another voice on the show said he'd been "disconnected from Zoom". Burton suggested: "I think his team hung up on us because they didn't want us to ask that question," adding Urban "doesn't like the personal stuff." The source told People that Urban is a "very easygoing" interviewee and was not personally offended by the question. A representative for Urban declined to comment on the incident. Nicole Kidman stars alongside Zac Efron in A Family Affair, released in June 2024. In the film, the actor plays a widowed writer who begins dating Efron's character, a self-absorbed actor employing her daughter as a personal assistant. Kidman told People last year: "It's really helpful when you're doing this sort of work together that you've already got a history together, because it's easy. You're not working to create a history. So I'm not like, 'Can I touch you?' I feel incredibly trusting of Zac." Urban and Kidman married in 2006 and celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary in June. Keith Urban has appeared to abruptly end a radio interview after being asked a personal question about his wife Nicole Kidman's intimate career moments, but sources say the singer did not hang up. The Australian country music star was speaking on Mix 102.3 on Tuesday when hosts Max Burford and Hayley Pearson introduced a game called Wall of Truth, and reports claimed after Keith abruptly ended the chat when asked about his wife Nicole Kidman's latest raunchy sex scenes. "Keith did not hang up, period," a source told People. "He doesn't host his Zoom interviews. This is a complete nothing burger." Pearson described the supposedly controversial chat show section that allegedly prompted Urban to hang up as a segment where they ask guests "a very tricky" and "deeply personal" question. Burford began it by asking Urban: "When I was coming up with something to ask you, Keith Urban, if you happen to play this game, the first thing I thought of, with your beautiful wife Nicole Kidman being on so many great movies, TV shows all the time ... I watched a movie with her and Zac Efron recently, A Family Affair." Urban replied politely: "Oh yeah, that's a good one." Burford then asked: "And I thought, 'What does Keith Urban think when he sees his beautiful wife with beautiful younger men like Zac Efron having these beautiful love scenes on TV and radio?'" Shortly after the question, Urban disappeared from the call. Another voice on the show said he'd been "disconnected from Zoom". Burton suggested: "I think his team hung up on us because they didn't want us to ask that question," adding Urban "doesn't like the personal stuff." The source told People that Urban is a "very easygoing" interviewee and was not personally offended by the question. A representative for Urban declined to comment on the incident. Nicole Kidman stars alongside Zac Efron in A Family Affair, released in June 2024. In the film, the actor plays a widowed writer who begins dating Efron's character, a self-absorbed actor employing her daughter as a personal assistant. Kidman told People last year: "It's really helpful when you're doing this sort of work together that you've already got a history together, because it's easy. You're not working to create a history. So I'm not like, 'Can I touch you?' I feel incredibly trusting of Zac." Urban and Kidman married in 2006 and celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary in June.
