Working Girl musical premieres at La Jolla Playhouse! Cyndi Lauper's 80s score, big hair & power suits transport you back. Experience Tess McGill's corporate...
- December 7, 2025
AceShowbiz - The highly anticipated stage adaptation of the beloved 1988 film, Working Girl, has officially premiered at the La Jolla Playhouse, immersing audiences in a vibrant wave of 1980s nostalgia. This musical reimagining, based on Mike Nichols' original cinematic hit, features an all-new score from pop icon Cyndi Lauper, whose retro-sounding compositions perfectly capture the era's distinctive spirit. The production promises to transport theatergoers back to a time of big hair, power suits, and even bigger dreams, all set against the backdrop of a fiercely competitive corporate world.
The original movie captivated audiences with the story of Tess McGill, an ambitious secretary from Staten Island, brilliantly portrayed by Melanie Griffith. Tess, armed with intelligence and an unwavering drive, believed her new boss, Katharine Parker (played by Sigourney Weaver), would be an ally in a male-dominated industry. However, Parker's betrayal underscored the harsh realities of ambition and corporate backstabbing. The stage production of Working Girl is tasked with bringing this compelling narrative to life, exploring themes of gender inequality, professional ambition, and the pursuit of success against all odds, now amplified by Lauper's distinctive musical voice.
With Cyndi Lauper at the helm of the musical score, the production leans heavily into the decade's sonic landscape, offering songs that evoke the energetic and often flamboyant sounds of the 80s. This strategic investment in nostalgia is not merely superficial; it serves to enrich the story's emotional core, allowing the audience to connect with Tess's journey through a familiar and cherished cultural lens. The La Jolla Playhouse's commitment to this adaptation suggests a belief in the enduring relevance of Working Girl's message, especially its portrayal of a woman striving to break barriers and prove her worth in a world not always ready to acknowledge her talent.