Devil Wears Prada

Dominion Theatre

I'm sorry do you have some prior commitment? Cancel it. This is THE show. This musical embodies the glamour, energy and drama of the 2006 film.

Chick-flick musical? Yes please. Vanessa Williams slays the role of 'Miranda'... and she leaves no crumbs. If you told me the story would make a fantastic musical; I would not believe you. Music by the legend that is Elton john, we don't need to go through his previous work, because you know and lyrics by Shania Taub and Mark Sonnenblick. The music embodies the high stress, judgmental atmosphere of working at Runway, the desperation of the employees wanting to make their place in the fashion world and win recognition from the queen of fashion herself, Miranda Priestly. If the music does not blow you away; then the costumes will, you're in the fashion world for the evening girl and you have first-class seats for this wild ride. Get some champagne, a red dress and your best pal, because you know this is the musical for you!

Three-time Tony award winner Director/Choreographer Jerry Michell, who has previously choreographed/directed the 'Pretty Woman' musical, worked on Legally Blonde and Hairspray. It's safe to say that Michell knows how to bring a chick-flick musical to life through his choreography/directing. The show opens with the stunning Amy Di Bartolomeo as 'Emily' telling the audience the rules of being a respectful audience and setting the scene for a big opening. If you don't know the story innocent and ambitious Andy has the dream of writing for a magazine and covering important stories. She bags a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly, at the best fashion magazine, and one thing she lacks is any interest in the fashion world. The story follows Andy as she clutches on to her role trying to prove to the fashion demons that she has what it takes to make her place in this magazine and she molds herself into a fashion clone. Her job takes over her life, day in and day out she is doing the most ridiculous tasks for Miranda and all she says she wants to do is leave. It changes her life. Michell has brought the fashion world to the Dominion stage and brought Runway to life. Catwalks, stunning outfits and killer heels.

One strong element of the piece is the set, it captures the essence of a busy New York city. For instance, a beautiful NYC skyline is the backdrop throughout, showing the city by day and displaying it's beauty by night. The lights of all the buildings show how busy the city is, as it is always awake and working. Just like Andy. Another imperative moment in showing how Miranda expects her assistant to move heaven and earth for her is the scene where Miranda can't fly home, because of the weather and she wants Andy to find a way to get her home. The set shows a window behind Miranda showing the intense rainfall showering the glass and the sound reflects the heavy storm. Whilst Vanessa Williams, as Miranda downplays the storm to Andy, telling her it's just a bit of rain.

Miranda Priestly is the perfect role for Vanessa Williams, she was made for the empowered, cold hearted and firm boss who's job absorbs her life. She plays Miranda with many layers and as the show goes on the audience get to unpeel her character layer by layer to recognise how she's given her life to her job and will do anything to ensure the magazine is successful. The role is similar to her role as the iconic character 'Wilhelmina Slater' in the 2006 series 'Ugly Betty', in which Williams won an Emmy for her performance. Her performance of Miranda shows how her character knows her place in the fashion industry, and she wears it with a pride that does not fade, even in the hardest of times and her voice, moments and presence is so strong, when she is on stage the audience roars with appreciation. Andy, played by Georgie Buckland presents an endearing character who starts off as a naive girl, who is grafting for her dream and then her character development grabs the audience as she slowly morphs into a self-confident and driven woman. She loses the people pleasing side and becomes surer of herself. It is a fantastic performance, and she isn't the same character she started as. Buckland has clearly understood the assignment and fully embodied Andy.

All of the characters in the show have been given such attention to detail by the actors, you will be blown away by their clear hard work and talent. However, the show is given it's high quality by the fantastic ensemble, who give Jerry Michell's choreography it's glory. The ensemble reflect the atmosphere and beauty of the fashion industry. Their place in this show is imperative; they play the employees of runway, Andy's peers and the models. Each member also wears a range of the most stunning costumes; designed by Gregg Barnes and each design brings something different, but is perfect for each member. Brilliant energy, commitment, dance range and vocal range from the ensemble and they give this show its high quality.

This review could go on forever, because there is an abundance of marvellous moments in this musical and it has met the expectations that I personally have held for the whole year that I've been waiting for this show. It has clear attention to detail in every aspect, gives the essence of this fantastic story and has brought New York to the Dominion Stage. The music is beautiful and an ear worm, you will not get the 'House of Miranda' out of your head. There are some slight alterations to the story, which are beautiful touches and give the story more power! The Devil Wears Prada is the Birkin of musicals, so dress your way up to this musical of dreams.

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