I first saw My Fair Lady as a child. It was one of my favorite movies and definitely my favorite musical. It held a special place in my heart which until tonight I would have thought impossible to fill. I was happily mistaken. The Roxy Regional Theatre premiered their production of this timeless classic. Staring John Olive and Elizabeth Durham as Professor Higgins and Liza Doolittle. A matching made in theatrical bliss.
John's Olive's manages to assume the arrogance and hubris of Professor Higgins like a second skin. He is anything but off the stage.
I love a good English accent and Liza's cockney accent caressed the ear. Her natural beauty was highlighted by the gorgeous costumes. Her lilting voice exhibited a power and flexibility during her many numbers in the show especially the song "Show me".
I grew to love Elizabeth Carlton's singing voice during the highly successful run of "Miss Saigon", in My Fair Lady it was her facial expressions in response to Professor Higgins's song "Why can't a woman be more like a man" They had the audience giggling with glee.
Kevin Pierson played Col Pickering and was the consummate actor and gentleman on stage and off. I can't wait to see him in the upcoming production of Frankenstein.
John McDonald is a unforgettable stage presence. I have greatly enjoyed the shows in which he has appeared. He was why Alfred P. Doolittle a "common dustman" was anything but common! I loved it!
Ah, Justin Barnum what can I say but he is a heart breaker. Handsome and not a bit conceited He has great looks and a personality to match. That is very rare. "On the street where you live" Was his signature solo and he poured his heart into it.
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Where would the story be without the supporting cast to help shape it. They filled many roles, the undeserving poor, Lords and Ladies at Ascot, and finally a fed up house staff during the servants chorus. I salute each one of them for a oft under appreciated role.
The costumes all around were well done and they fit the story flawlessly. I do want to especially highlight the Ascot Gavotte ones in particular they were heavenly. The suits for the men and the evening gowns for the ladies. Each one the very model of elegance and sophistication.
The sets were the canvas on which the story was painted. They are some of the best I have yet seen during my short time at the Roxy. Curves, furniture, colors, and above all the tireless effort expended all went in to making a amazing set.
Both the cast and the crew put for an epic amount of work and effort to ensure that the audience experienced a memorable production. During the week before My fair lady premiered I was fortunate enough to be allowed to help out in a very small way. Doing so gave me a glimpse into the life of the theatre beyond the curtains. Set work was underway each day when I arrived at 9am each day and went on for many more hours. Both of the directors not only attended the rehearsals but were tireless in ensuring that everything was ready when the curtains officially went up for the first show. The actors and actresses all clearly showed that it is not as easy as it looks when they are on stage. Justin for example spent many an hour in practice to ensure his dance steps were done correctly. During the performance all that work payed off as he executed each step with a graceful ease.
It is such a shame this show only runs for two weeks
Oh well I will get to see it at least two or three more times
PS: I want to thank the cast for inviting me to the after show celebration and express my deep regret for my inability to attend that night. I had to get up to go to work early the next day after my 5 days off. Otherwise I would have been there. I hope you will consider inviting me again in the future as I would love to come.
