Photos provided by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade

The pre-Broadway premiere of “Pretty Woman: The Musical” had its fair share of kinks to work out, but after it officially debuted in the Big Apple and is now swinging back through the CIBC Theatre on a national tour, the book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall (“Happy Days,” “Beaches,” “The Princess Diaries”) and screenwriter J. F. Lawton (“Under Siege,” “V.I.P.”) seems to have hit its stride.

Of course, the story of a woman who winds up in the world’s oldest profession that gets paid a hefty sum to escort a wealthy businessman isn’t for everyone, but to those wanting a live action adaptation of the 1990 box office bonanza starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, it certainly scratches that itch.

Much of the credit can be given to all-star leads Adam Pascal (from the original “Rent”) as Edward and Olivia Valli (Frankie’s granddaughter, who also starred in “Jersey Boys”) as Vivian, whose chemistry is readily apparent from the moment they accidently run into one another.

Once they do, it’s a non-stop shopping spree and clash of classes, filled with both the refined and free spirited characters learning quite a bit from one another, in spite of the comical friction that inevitably arises.

Throughout it all, the scenes and songs seemed to have tightened up considerably, the latter of which come from the pens of Grammy-winner Bryan Adams and his longtime collaborator Jim Vallance.

Though it would’ve been nice if they made room for Roxette’s classic “It Must Have Been Love,” Go West’s “King Of Wishful Thinking” or David Bowie’s “Fame 90,” at least they kept Roy Orbison’s titular track and wrote within the previous soundtrack’s slick pop lane, most notably, the ballad “You And I” (hearkening back to Adams’ own “Heaven”).

An opera excursion also astounds, while the dancing is always delectable, especially as the unlikely couple finds their footing at a slew of fancy events in this glamour-packed production.

Amidst these glossy looks and listens, “Pretty Woman: The Musical” gets to the heart of its extremely opposite subjects, suggesting that stereotypes are made to be broken and true love can prevail in even the strangest of circumstances.

“Pretty Woman: The Musical” continues at the CIBC Theatre through Sunday, December 19. For additional details, visit PrettyWomanTheMusical.com and BroadwayInChicago.com.

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