Hollywood’s favourite love story, Pretty Woman, The Musical, is coming to the South African stage in 2026. Pretty Woman: The Musical will make its highly anticipated local debut at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town from 18 March 2026, followed by a Johannesburg season at Montecasino’s Teatro from 24 April 2026.
Tickets are now on sale at showtime.co.za and ticketmaster.co.za.
Based on the iconic 1990 film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, this stage adaptation brings romance, nostalgia and chart-topping music together in one of Broadway’s most beloved modern musicals.
A Broadway Hit Comes to South Africa
Pretty Woman: The Musical premiered on Broadway in 2018 and has since enjoyed successful runs in London’s West End, North America and Europe.
The musical features:
- A book by Garry Marshall and J. F. Lawton, the creators of the original film
- Music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance
- The global hit “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison and Bill Dees
- Direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell
The story follows the unlikely romance between street-smart Vivian Ward and wealthy businessman Edward Lewis — a tale of transformation, vulnerability and love that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
South African Cast Announced
The South African production features an all-local company of more than 50 performers, musicians, crew and creatives.
Lead Roles
- Vivian Ward: Leah Mari
Known for The Sound of Music (2023/24), My Fair Lady (Fleur du Cap Award winner for Best Lead Actress in a Musical) and CHICAGO The Musical. - Edward Lewis: Christopher Jaftha
Recently seen in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and nominated for an NFTA Best Actor award for Khaki Fever. - Kit De Luca: Thuto Lesedi Gaasenwe
- Happy Man / Hotel Manager: Tiaan Rautenbach
- Philip Stuckey: Daniel Conradie
The ensemble includes a wide range of established and emerging South African theatre talent, reinforcing the scale and ambition of this production.
Production Team
The show is produced by Showtime Management in association with Crossroads Live North America.
The combined South African and international creative team includes:
- Rusty Mowery (Associate Director and Associate Choreographer)
- Will van Dyke (Musical Supervisor)
- Darren Greeff (Resident Director and Choreographer)
- Daniel Geddes (Musical Director)
Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management says the production is a proud moment for local theatre:
“We’re so proud to be able to produce the debut South African run of this wonderful modern musical, and to do so with an all-South African cast, crew and band.”
Venue Details and Dates
Cape Town
Artscape Theatre
From 18 March 2026
Johannesburg
Montecasino Teatro
From 24 April 2026
The production carries a PG 12+ age restriction due to adult themes. Parental guidance is advised.
Special offers include:
- Terrific Tuesday discounts (Ts and Cs apply)
- 20% block booking discount for groups of 20+ on selected performances (contact [email protected])
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
With its blend of nostalgia, high-energy choreography, powerful vocals and a timeless love story, Pretty Woman: The Musical promises to be one of South Africa’s biggest theatre events of 2026.
To miss it would be a mistake. Big. Huge. Mistake.
Book now at ticketmaster.co.za.
