The Devil Wears Prada - The Musical

Starting a review by saying it's a must-see and this production is what a genuine Broadway show is all about kind of kills the need to read the rest of the review. However, The Devil Wears Prada the Musical is a witty magnificent musical you don't want to miss. So if you haven't already purchased your tickets, do it now, or you will surely miss this grand performance.

The James M. Nederlander Theatre presents the World Premiere Event of The Devil Wears Prada the Musical. Based on the 2006 American comedy-drama film, made famous by Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly, a powerful fashion magazine editor, and Anne Hathaway as Andrea "Andy" Sachs, a college graduate, the musical follows the fictional Runway Magazine, run by a ruthless tyrant. Miranda, the prominent authority of the high-fashion world, ran through assistants like water. Still, working for Runway was the fashion dream job others would kill to have; yet, Andy Sachs worked as Miranda's assistant only to pay her bills.

So, against her better judgment, Miranda hires the frumpy, unstylish dresser, Andy, because others couldn't handle the Runway's legendary brutal demeanor and demanding expectations. Nevertheless, as the job was about to destroy another throw-away assistant, Andy ultimately finds her way but, in the process, losses the meaning of true friendship and her happiness.

The Devil Wears Prada was Haute Couture and Prêt-à-Porter with high-end fashion from the Runway Magazine, to the Runway Ball, to Fashion Week in Paris. In addition, the musical highlights how fame and the desire to be famous can quickly derail us from discovering ourselves and the things that matter most. And, just as glamourous as a job in the fashion industry, the transformation of Andy was mesmerizing to watch.

Under the incredible direction of Tony winner Anna D. Shapiro, with lyrics written by Shaina Taub, Taub is super elated to have iconic legend Elton John, a musical genius, as a part of this production. And who wouldn't be happy to have an Academy, Grammy, Oscar, Globe, and Tony award winner working with them? The Devil had around 20 musical numbers, "When a Legend Is Born, Dress Your Way Up and the stunning final number in act one, featuring the main song, The Devil Wears Prada.

Meryl Streep was excellent in this role, so anyone playing this role on Broadway has pretty big shoes to fill. Casting Tony winner Beth Leavel, who played Broadway's diva Dee Dee Allen in The Prom, as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, was an excellent choice. Leavel owned this role and was superb.

Many may have considered Taylor Iman Jones as Andy Sachs, who debuted in Broadway's Groundhog Day after only being in New York for a few months, as a risky move; nevertheless, she nailed this role. Unfortunately, the pandemic caused Jones to miss out on being a part of the Hamilton production and almost miss her chance in The Devil Wears Prada; however, Jones was sensational as Andy. She wowed and lit up on stage with her acting and vocals.

There were other outstanding performances, like "In the Heights" and the 2015 musical Hamilton, performer Javier Muñoz played the role of Nigel Owens. This role was played masterfully by Emmy Award winner Stanley Tucci, and he would have been proud of Muñoz's performance as Nigel. And the performance of "Dress Your Way Up, featuring Muñoz, was fierce.

"Wicked, Mean Girls and The King and I, Megan Masako Haley dazzled the audience as Emily Charlton and the trio of Michael Tacconi (Nate), Tiffany Mann (Kayla), and Christiana Cole (Lauren) completed a night of great performances. And can you believe they exactly have a person named Christian Thompson playing the role of Christian Thompson in The Devil Wears Prada? Thompson, maybe still pinching myself performing this role in the world premiere of this musical. The scenic design transformation was just as immaculately glamorous.

But all of these great performances wouldn't have shined as bright if it wasn't for the fantastic work of the creative team stars like music supervisor Nadia DiGiallonardo, choreographer James Alsop, who worked with Beyoncé during the "Run the World tour, costume designer Arianne Phillips, scenic and media designers Christine Jones, Brett Banakis, lighting designer Paule Constable, and sound designer Nevin Steinberg. In addition, the audience was in awe of the transformation from New York to Paris, brilliantly reconstructing the stage with a steal frame version of the Eiffel Tower.

Devil's professional adventure where goals are not met and betrayal teach us that life is made of choices, even with beautiful clothes! In the end, the audience hears of the many trials and tribulations the cast experience with Covid, telling the audience how important it is to have a professional and dedicated ensemble cast working during the production.

The Devil Wears Prada has that enticing and enchanting Broadway pizzazz that makes this production a theatrical masterpiece.

From song to set, this musical is a hit!

Let's Play 'Highly recommends' The Devil Wears Prada the Musical.

Nederlander Theatre

The Devil Wears Prada the Musical

Music by Elton John

Lyrics by Shaina Taub

Book by Kate Wetherhead

Directed by Anna D. Shapiro

Now Playing - August 21, 2022