Cyndi Lauper wants to have more than just fun with the ‘Working Girl’ musical

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In the 1988 film “Working Girl,” a secretary takes advantage of her boss being away to spend time in her luxurious apartment. She and her friend admire the expensive surroundings and even try on a $6,000 dress.

This musical adaptation of the classic film brings a famous scene to life with nine women. They arrive in stylish, yet practical outfits – big permed hair, power blazers, and sneakers for their commute – and excitedly examine luxurious clothes like Chanel suits, Versace robes, and Hermes scarves. They quickly change into dazzling metallic dresses, and with clever lighting and screens, the bedroom becomes a vibrant fashion show. The women sing and dance, celebrating their femininity. That unforgettable dress from the scene now costs $7,000.

This production, opening Tuesday at La Jolla Playhouse, captures the spirit of the original movie by amplifying its most iconic moments for the stage. The result is a joyful and energetic tribute to women, the power of theater, and the vibrant style of the 1980s, all spearheaded by the iconic Cyndi Lauper, who perfectly captures the era’s essence.

Cyndi Lauper wants the show to really connect with audiences, making them laugh, cry, and feel empowered. The show, which now runs through December 7th, isn’t about literally copying someone’s style, but capturing the energy of being creative and bold in 1980s New York City.

This feel-good comedy follows Tess, a hardworking secretary at a Wall Street firm, who discovers her boss stole her idea. When her boss is injured on a ski trip, Tess seizes the opportunity to present the proposal herself, pretending to be her boss and partnering with a seasoned investment broker named Jack (played by Harrison Ford) to impress the company’s leaders.

Mike Nichols directed “Working Girl,” which received six Academy Award nominations. The film showcased strong performances from Melanie Griffith, Sigourney Weaver as the sharp and competitive Katharine, and Joan Cusack as Tess’ supportive friend, Cyn. Sheila Benson, a film critic for The Times, particularly praised the film for its respectful and understanding portrayal of characters like Cyn and Tess, calling it one of Nichols’ most heartwarming works.

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Los Angeles and other cities boast incredibly creative theaters that help actors hone their skills. You might even spot famous performers like Tom Hanks and Annette Bening treading the boards there.

Because the story of “Working Girl” is so tied to the 1980s—director Christopher Ashley quipped that trying to pretend to be an executive today would quickly be exposed by a simple Google search—the musical fully leans into the style of the era. This is visible in the costumes, dance numbers, and especially the music. Cyndi Lauper, a New York native who once worked as an office assistant herself, remembers the ‘80s as a time of unique and innovative sounds. In fact, her agent once suggested she try out for the role of Tess in the original movie.

I remember when MTV launched, and it felt like a total shift – it was the first time we were actually watching music, you know? I’ll never forget seeing Annie Lennox in that suit, sitting at a boardroom table, looking right into the camera and singing ‘Sweet Dreams are Made of This.’ It just stopped you in your tracks! It wasn’t just her incredible androgynous style or her amazing hair, but it felt like we were finally getting a glimpse of the real her. Music videos gave artists that creative control, and it was so exciting. There was just so much happening creatively back then, and we really wanted to capture all of that energy in the show.

Carly Lauper, known for her successful Broadway debut “Kinky Boots” which won six Tony Awards (including for its music), has been developing songs for the “Working Girl” musical for ten years. To capture the diverse musical landscape of the 1980s – incorporating sounds like electronic, hip-hop, and hair metal – she collaborated with Rob Hyman (who co-wrote her hit “Time After Time”), Cheryl James from Salt-N-Pepa, and Sammy James Jr., a co-writer of the song from the movie “School of Rock.” The musical will not include Carly Simon’s Academy Award-winning song “Let the River Run.”

The movie “Working Girl” is the newest popular film to be adapted into a stage musical, joining others like “9 to 5,” “Big,” “Beetlejuice,” “Footloose,” “Tootsie,” and “Back to the Future.” However, not all of these adaptations have been successful with critics or audiences.

I really appreciate how our show isn’t trying to be a carbon copy of the movie. Ashley explained it perfectly – we were given the go-ahead by the original screenwriter, Kevin Wade, to use what worked from the film and change anything that needed updating or improving. It’s such a gift to have that freedom!

Joanna “JoJo” Levesque, who plays Tess in the production, describes her character as somewhat gritty and authentic. The show emphasizes Tess’s working-class roots to explore themes of social class and inequality – a topic Levesque feels is particularly relevant today. And don’t worry, Tess still delivers her famous line: “I’ve got a head for business and a bod for sin.”

Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, who stars alongside Levesque, hinted that her portrayal of Katharine will be delightfully chaotic and energetic – a style she’s known for. However, she also emphasized that her character will maintain the same imposing and ruthless presence as Sigourney Weaver’s original performance. Kritzer, a veteran of musical adaptations like “Legally Blonde” and “Beetlejuice,” explained that with each new role, the challenge is to offer a fresh take while still satisfying fans’ expectations.

Despite being rivals on stage, veteran actor Kritzer has taken on a mentoring role for Levesque, the pop star who recently debuted on Broadway in “Moulin Rouge!” and is creating a role for the first time. During rehearsals, they support each other by drawing inspiration from iconic vocalists like Annie Lennox, Pat Benatar, Roxette, Joan Jett, Patti Smith, Blondie, and Cyndi Lauper. This collaborative spirit extends to their performances, where their characters embody a message of women supporting women, which could be very empowering for young female audience members.

Playwright Theresa Rebeck highlighted the inspiring message in Cyndi Lauper’s songwriting, particularly its focus on ambitious dreams and the power of hope. The musical reflects the economic climate of the 1980s, where companies were often bought out and broken up, but it ultimately champions the spirit of striving for opportunity and collaboration to create something fresh – a message that resonates just as strongly today.

Will this resonate with modern young women? Cyndi Lauper shared, “I’ve noticed a lot of younger people enjoy the music of the ’80s, and I’m always amazed by how many are at my concerts.”

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2025-10-28 13:33