Andy Karl will play the leading role of Edward in “Pretty Woman: The Musical” on Broadway, taking over the part from Steve Kazee.
Kazee, who played the role in the show’s Chicago run, is departing the production for family reasons. Karl will star opposite Samantha Barks, who plays Vivian, as well as his wife, Orfeh, who plays Kit, the friend of Vivian.
“I always figured I’d be playing the part of ‘audience member’ for Pretty Woman,” said Andy Karl. “When Paula Wagner and my longtime friend, Jerry Mitchell, asked if I would take over the role of ‘Edward’ it was a total surprise.”
The musical had its world premiere in Chicago from March 13 to April 15, 2018.
Kazee set up a GoFundMe page earlier this month for his father, whose home in Kentucky recently burned down.
The Broadway musical, which is produced by Paula Wagner, begins previews July 20 at the Nederlander Theatre, with an opening night Aug. 16.
“Andy Karl is one of the funniest and most heartwarming actors I have had the pleasure of directing,” said director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell. “He is an actor of great integrity and finds the humanity in the characters he portrays, plus he has an incredible voice.
In addition to Mitchell, the show’s creative team features music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, a book by Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton.
