The empowerment of women is the theme of the blockbuster Pretty Woman musical which headlines Salle Wilfred-Pelletier from March 5 to 10.
Based on the Hollywood rom-com, the North American touring production of Pretty Woman The Musical features direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde), original music and lyrics by Grammy-winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton.
Leading the tour as Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis are Ellie Baker and Chase Wolfe who are joined by a young ensemble cast that includes triple-threat sensation Christian Maxwell Henry.
We caught up with Christian on tour for a fun and candid Q&A.
Did you always want to be in musical theatre?
When I was six years old I saw the 1999 remake of Annie the movie starring Audra McDonaldm, Kathy Bates, Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming. I was a kid, so I didn’t know incredible those performers were. But I was completely enthralled and obsessed with this film, and I decided, “That’s what I want to do.”
How did you audition for this production?
I got an Eco Cast appointment on Actors Access which is one of the main audition platforms for most jobs in theatre and film. The casting director posted a breakdown and I saw a role that I thought I’d be great for. So I submitted myself. A few days later, they said, “Great, we would like to see you in person for Alfredo in Pretty Woman.” Then I went to Ripley-Grier Studios in New York City to sing that aria. A week later they asked me back to dance. That week I went through their entire audition process before they offered me the job. It was very exciting but also very scary because I had been working as a personal trainer in New York for a year. I had a thriving business and now had to change course, which I did for my dream career, for the life that I truly want.
In your bio you state you are “mixed-race and a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I work to be an ally to those who are affected by racism and systemic oppression.” Has being out affected your career in any way?
My uniqueness is one of the reasons why people want to work with me – but it also does stop me from getting seen for certain roles. There aren’t that many roles written for young queer people, while there are a lot of roles written for young, straight, white people. But I’ve gotten calls out of the blue to do incredible roles specifically for mixed queer people. So I feel I still get to do work that is really fulfilling.
What is it like for you to be on your first National Tour?
It’s been a rollercoaster! Once I really started being on the road, I had to rely on my co-workers for support, really open up and start to build deep relationships with my co-workers who are now my friends. I’m also very fortunate I have family scattered all throughout the country. So I’ve been able to reconnect with grandparents, great aunts, cousins, and siblings while on tour. This has brought me closer to family members whom I haven’t seen in a long time. What better way to reconnect than by sharing my artistry with them? Overall, this has been a fantastic experience.
What is the camaraderie like amongst your ensemble cast traveling on the road?
We all go through similar experiences, some are absolutely lovely and enthralling, and then some others are not so pleasant. You know, sometimes we have to drive eight hours, then do a show immediately afterwards. That’s not the most exciting thing to do. But we support each other and I’ve met some pretty great people who will be my friends for a long time.
What is your favorite number in Pretty Woman that you like to perform?
My favorite song to perform is the bellhop number On A Night Like Tonight. It’s one of the purest musical theatre moments in the show.
Pretty Woman is such a feel-good story. Why is it an especially good time now to see this production?
While the show can be escapist and feel-good, it tells the story of a woman who becomes more and more empowered. Actually, every character in this show grows and changes for the better through love. And we all need a lot of love to create a world that is new and safer for everyone.
Pretty Woman The Musical headlines Salle Wilfred-Pelletier from March 5 to 10. Click here for tickets or visit PrettyWomanTheMusical.com.
Performance schedule:
- Tuesday, March 5 at 8 pm (Opening night)
- Wednesday, March 6 at 8 pm
- Thursday, March 7 at 8 pm
- Friday, March 8 at 8 pm
- Saturday, March 9 at 2 pm and 8 pm
- Sunday, March 10 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm
