“I think audiences everywhere love it because they know when they're going into the show, they kind of know what to expect," Davidson said. "There's that nostalgic, amazing feeling of this Garry Marshall film.”

In taking in the responsibility of playing the iconic role, Davison has mixed her own acting chops with the blueprint Julia Roberts created when she originated the character.

“It's been so exciting to have the inspiration from such an incredible actress like Julia Roberts and this movie that I've known and loved my whole life, but then also to be able to take it on and give it a new spin and give it a feel that I bring to the table," Davidson said.

Davidson said that the director was adamant on seeing the story take on its own life separate of the film, which allowed Davidson to take the character past a regular romcom trope with her own vision of Ward.

“In the musical, there's more room to be this really strong, determined female lead, just based on some of the adaptations they made," Davidson said. "There's room for me to take on this empowered female character who won't settle for less than what she wants. I also think I bring a lot of my own personal goofiness to this role. I've had some friends come to the show and be like ‘That's you. We know that girl.’”

While the audience is used to the idea of the movie, Davidson said she felt the audience wished to see the story as a musical. 

“I think from the minute the show starts, the audience is in a trance," Davidson said. "They are brought into this beautiful world of a musical instead of a movie. They're already on board from the minute we start singing and music starts.”

The music takes many forms, starting with a mix of 80s rock and musical theater ballads. However, the show also pulls from soul themes with songs notated as gospel brunch with southern feelings.

The story takes on different plots compared to the movie, Davidson said. In the beginning, the audience meets Vivian when she realizes she will not settle for less in her life and follows her dreams. Her best friend, Kyla, also takes on a bigger role in the story.

"Pretty Woman The Musical" also adopts magical elements to the show, with the addition of the character The Happy Man who works as a fairy godfather to Vivian. He sports magic dust to help the character find her way in life. Davidson said that it adds an aspect of a "Cinderella" story to the plot.

“I think that something great that this show does is it focuses on dreams," Davidson said. "I think every college kid is trying to find their way to their dreams and figuring out what those dreams really are and solidifying them. I think it would be inspirational to kids at that point in their life to fight for what they want.”

It could be a good escape to see the show during Finals Week, Davidson said, a mental respite to think about true love instead of their busy schedule.

While the show is about love, Davidson also emphasizes the importance of femininity and friendship.

“We have a female friendship where the women truly support each other," Davidson said. "They will do anything for each other and they can be honest with each other. I think it's so nice to see that.”

Davidson said that these friendships continue backstage with the cast members, who are truly a group of friends. She hopes the audience sees that connection when they get on stage to tell the story.

“It just feels like such an empowering moment and in a moment where I get to really live in the world of the show," Davidson said.

All these empowering moments of strong female will as well as moments of love and optimism will be depicted on stage in "Pretty Woman: The Musical" at the Wharton Center.