Kip chats with Pretty Woman’s Kerry D’Jovanni (he/him/Beyoncé)
Pretty
Woman: The Musical is
currently playing in Birmingham and just received a rave review there from
BroadwayWorld:
“Brace
yourself for an enchanting production of ‘Pretty Woman: The Musical’ in
Birmingham. With all the glitz and glamor of the iconic film, this adaptation
is a triumphant celebration of love, laughter, and fashion.”
“Whether
you’re a die-hard fan or new to this romantic tale, ‘Pretty Woman: The Musical’
delivers a dazzling night at the theater. Get ready to reignite your
belief in fairy tale endings.”
I’ve
always loved the movie Pretty Woman, but I hadn’t seen the stage show before. So,
I was extra excited to get “the skinny” from Kerry D’Jovanni over the phone
from his hotel room in Birmingham. Kerry plays David Morse and various ensemble
in this National Tour.
Let’s
just get right to it. What was your journey with Pretty Woman: The Musical?
I had
been working as a performer in various capacities: Kinky Boots, Holland America
Cruise lines, an international tour of Dreamgirls, etc. But I’d also taken some
time off to sharpen some of the skills I had learned from minoring in
advertising and public relations in college. Because if 2020 taught us
anything, it’s that it can all go away in the blink of an eye, like theater and
Broadway did for 18 months. But the opportunity came up to audition for this
Pretty Woman tour, so I jumped at it. All the stars aligned, and I booked it.
We started rehearsing in August and eight months later I’m still out on tour
and loving it.
Is there
anything you would say to Huntsville audiences about why they should come and
see Pretty Woman?
This show
is relatable in so many ways. And everyone identifies with a different
character. There’s the Vivian & Edward relationship (which is a complicated
fairy tale to say the least), the wise-cracking best friend with a heart of
gold Kit De Luca and the fairy godfather figure known as Happy Man, to name a
few. Someone up there on stage causes a spark in you and then you just fall in
love with that character.
If you love
the movie you need to come see this show. The musical version is basically the
movie brought to life but in a more modern and contemporary way.
We have a
big student outreach program at BTL. I have the privilege of working with many
of the high school theater students from multiple schools in the area. Which I
love! What advice do you have for these young actors who dream of one day being
up there doing what you’re doing right now?
I would
say the biggest thing to focus on is yourself. As actors we are always being
compared to others, which ultimately leads to us comparing ourselves to others.
Which isn’t productive. So just hone in on your skill set. Do not try to
emulate other actors. Be yourself.
Do you
have a favorite role you’ve played and/or a favorite show?
My
favorite role is definitely Lola in Kinky Boots. And I absolutely adore Songs
for a New World (circa 1995) by Jason Robert Brown. My favorite newer show I’ve
seen is MJ the Musical on Broadway.
Do you
have a dream role you hope to play in the future?
Lola in
Kinky Boots! Haha. But since I’ve played that role, I’m going to say, Kerry D’Jovanni:
“Future” Tony-Award winner.
To quote
the character of Happy Man: “Welcome to Hollywood! What’s your dream?”
My dream
is to make a lasting impact with everything I do!
I couldn’t
agree more Kerry. Leaving a lasting impact as an actor is very special. But
what’s more special is leaving an impact from all of the other parts of you too
and the things you did with this life. Well said.
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