4.0 out of 5 star rating
In the 2006 movie “The Devil Wears Prada,” Meryl Streep’s character made a well-known statement: “No one can do what I do.” However, regrettably, it seems that assertion may not hold true anymore.
Since the person who stepped onto the stage last night, clad entirely in stunning ruby red high fashion attire – and who even managed to trigger a 90-second standing ovation – it was evident: A new Miranda Priestly has arrived.
The role of the revamped Miranda Priestly has been assumed by none other than Vanessa Williams, known for her appearances on Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty. She doesn’t just portray every freezing ounce of the legendary ice queen; she revels in it.
Strutting around with grace, adorned in glittering capes and a sleek updo, this performer sings at an impressive pace, clearly reveling in her performance. It’s easy to understand why – playing this character is a dream role that countless individuals would be ecstatic to have.
That revelling translates perfectly into her sleek performance as, quite possibly for the first time since Lady Macbeth, she gives us a woman who knows, owns and enjoys her power – how refreshing! But, enough gushing, there’s a whole musical to talk about.
Jerry Mitchell and Kate Wetherhead have brought the “The Devil Wears Prada” Musical to stage, with its music and lyrics penned by none other than the legendary Sir Elton John and the talented Shaina Taub.
Similar to the original film, this series chronicles the journey of Andrea “Andy” Sachs, a down-to-earth aspiring journalist who lands a position at the most prestigious fashion magazine globally: Runway. Initially assigned as the second assistant to the Editor-in-Chief, Andy struggles to adapt to the glamorous environment and finds it hard to keep up with her boss’s high expectations. However, over time, Andy becomes increasingly entangled in the world she once scorned, eventually losing sight of who she truly is. As a movie critic, I find this narrative both captivating and relatable.
As a fresh newcomer on the West End stage, I’m Georgie Buckland, eagerly diving into this challenging lead role with a spirited and lively enthusiasm that echoes Anne Hathaway before me. Balancing career aspirations against personal principles is no easy feat, but just as Hathaway did, I aim to portray Andy’s journey with deftness and conviction. My character remains endearing and fun throughout the storyline, yet she succumbs, realistically, to the strong gravitational force of Miranda Priestly and her fashion empire.
next to her stood Amy Di Bartolomeo as Emily, whose wit and humor were unmatched and beautifully timed, while also demonstrating her impressive vocal prowess during the song “Runway.” Previously known for her role as Catherine of Aragon in Six, she truly shone here. Additionally, Matt Henry, a West End legend and Olivier-award winner, played Nigel with an unbridled joy that surpassed Tucci’s portrayal. In the second act, he moved us to tears of pure blue with his soulful rendition of “Seen.
Lastly, but just as important, Rhys Whitfield’s portrayal of Nate deserves recognition. In an interesting twist from the original movie, the whiny, insecure boyfriend has been replaced by a sensitive, supportive figure who evokes genuine empathy as Andy starts to mistreat him and disregard his worries about her actions – Well done for transforming a character I’ve loathed for nearly two decades into someone I care about.
Regardless of whether the actors faltered, The Devil Wears Prada would still be a stunning experience due to its unique element – grandeur. Unlike many other movie-musicals, it’s filled with extravagance, as evidenced by its massive sets, lighting, and costumes. In essence, from start to finish, the production is nothing short of a visual spectacle and a feast for the eyes.
In the opening act, you’re drawn into the competitive and rapid pace of New York’s magazine world, complete with photo shoots, hurried employees, and a flash of the famous Harry Potter manuscript whizzing by in a burst of silk. The setting is not only thrilling but also wittily self-referential, culminating in Williams, adorned in red sequins and mimicking the Met Gala glamour (with its theme still intact), singing the Devil Wears Prada’s song. This scene embodies the absurdity of meta-theater at its finest.
Next, instead of the first act, there’s a change to the dreamy, captivating environment of Paris Fashion Week in the second act, where models glide among the audience in breathtaking outfits, and photographers gather around like bees to nectar, even Andy herself being no exception. The James Holt fashion show, in particular, is a spectacle to witness as mirrors lower on the stage, making you feel like you’re seated on a real runway.
It was expected that Pamella Roland and Gregg Barnes’ costumes would be successful, but they certainly deserve just as much recognition. During the show, hundreds of costumes grace your vision, ranging from nostalgic pencil skirts reminiscent of the noughties to dazzling ball gowns that outshine many celebrities, not forgetting Williams’ seven custom Miranda looks designed especially for her.
In essence, although the show featured fantastic performances and catchy tunes, some of the songs seemed to lack distinctiveness, blending together too much. Consequently, while I was thoroughly entertained during the performance, I must admit that none of the songs have stayed with me since leaving the venue.
Frankly speaking, that’s irrelevant when you think about how amazing and trendy this spectacle of a show truly is. Just like Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada, this production knows exactly who it is and what it desires, and it’s not going to let anyone get in its path.
When and where can I see The Devil Wears Prada at the West End?
The Devil Wears Prada is running until 28th October 2025, with shows every Monday to Saturday.
The performance takes place at the Dominion Theatre, situated right across from Tottenham Court Road underground station. Therefore, it’s most convenient to travel using the Central, Northern, or Elizabeth train lines.
How much do The Devil Wears Prada tickets cost?
As a follower, I’d like to share that tickets for “The Devil Wears Prada” event commence at an affordable £25, while the premium seats in the stalls max out at £152.
How to get tickets to The Devil Wears Prada musical 2024
As a passionate moviegoer, I’m thrilled to share that tickets are currently available for purchase at numerous UK theatres, such as TodayTix and London Theatre Direct. However, be mindful that the upcoming December slots are filling up quickly, so if you wish to secure your seat, I recommend booking tickets for 2025 to ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting event!
Read More
- Invincible Season 4: What We Know About Release Date and Plot Speculation!
- ONT PREDICTION. ONT cryptocurrency
- ZK PREDICTION. ZK cryptocurrency
- MNT PREDICTION. MNT cryptocurrency
- HBAR PREDICTION. HBAR cryptocurrency
- INJ PREDICTION. INJ cryptocurrency
- NYM PREDICTION. NYM cryptocurrency
- TRB PREDICTION. TRB cryptocurrency
- DGB PREDICTION. DGB cryptocurrency
- FIL PREDICTION. FIL cryptocurrency
2024-12-06 15:04