My Fair Lady - Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner
- Music by Frederick Loewe
- Directed by Trevor Nunn and Choreographed by Matthew Bourne
- Produced by Cameron Mackintosh/National Theatre of Great Britain at The Kennedy Center
- Reviewed by Steven McKnight
In an era when plastic surgery is routinely used to sculpt face and body, it seems positively quaint that a young woman’s primary dream of self-improvement would involve elocution lessons. Yet the plight of the flower girl Eliza Doolittle at the hands of her mentor/tormentor Henry Higgins possesses timeless charms that are beautifully displayed by the current My Fair Lady revival now playing at the Kennedy Center.
It takes a big show to succeed in the cavernous Kennedy Center Opera House. This My Fair Lady touring production, directed by Trevor Nunn, is up to the challenge. It features a large and talented cast, impressive sets, and a pit orchestra that does full justice to one of the most beloved scores in musical theatre history (yes, live music does make a difference). This My Fair Lady revival is certain to be one of the biggest local theatre events of the year and may ultimately wind up on Broadway where it belongs.
Most theatre lovers have seen at least one live production of My Fair Lady during their lives. While you may have seen a staging in a more intimate setting, it is doubtful you have seen a show that approaches the technical near-perfection of this production.
It is no slight to the show’s leads to observe that many of the lasting memories involve the large cast production numbers. The evening’s high point was the performance of “With a Little Bit of Luck” that builds in size to a crowd-pleasing dance number using garbage can lids and other implements in the style of the show Stomp. The number is led by Tim Jerome as Eliza’s father, a rogue and a charmer who amps up the show’s energy at every appearance. He also leads an amazing group production of “Get Me to the Church on Time” that moves through several evolving scenes.
Watching how Nunn and Choreographer Matthew Bourne maneuver the cast through numbers like “Ascot Gavotte” and “The Embassy Waltz” is like attending a master class in theatre. The beautifully costumed and lighted cast conveys an idealized vision of upper class society through their graceful movements. Later, Eliza’s song of independence, “Show Me,” is merged with a street demonstration for women’s suffrage that underscores the meaning of her new determination.
Turning to our protagonist, Lisa O’Hare makes a nearly ideal Eliza Doolittle. She is persuasive as the lowly London flower girl (unlike Audrey Hepburn in the movie version), but transforms into a lovely vision before the evening ends. She possesses a sweet and melodic soprano that, although not powerful in the current theatre vogue, is more than sufficient to do justice to sublimely beautiful songs such as “I Could Have Danced All Night.”
Ms. O’Hare (who will occasionally be spelled by Dana DeLisa during the run) truly shines when her feelings are allowed to burst forth. Her performance of “The Rain in Spain” is fully of exhilarating joy as Eliza realizes her breakthrough. As she dances about the stage, this trained ballerina complements her facial delight with a subtle yet expressive physical performance.
Similarly, when Eliza wonders what will become of her following the Professor’s success at passing her off as an aristocrat at the ball, she shows a convincing emotional turmoil. She impressively conveys her anger at him in Act II while still underscoring her hurt with a touch of affection.
Professor Henry Higgins is played by Christopher Cazenove, a highly-regarded British stage star (although American TV fans may remember his role as Ben Carrington on Dynasty). Mr. Cazenove has an impressive stage presence. While he excels as a blustering bully, he mixes in enough spoiled childishness to his portrayal that the audience can still like his character.
Most of the supporting cast is strong. Broadway veteran Walter Charles (who has also been seen previously at the Kennedy Center and Arena Stage) is a charming Colonel Pickering who warmly milks his comic moments. Sally Ann Howes (who succeeded Julie Andrews as Eliza in the original Broadway production) is a wonderfully dry and arch Mrs. Higgins.
The only weak link in the cast is Justin Bohon as Freddie, the young man infatuated with Eliza. His Freddie is especially callow and his longing has little romantic weight, diminishing the dramatic force of “The Street Where She Lives,” one of the show’s many signature numbers.
This production of My Fair Lady hits almost every note perfectly. It mixes in some darker elements, but those provide a contrast that accentuates the humor and real joy conveyed by the energetic cast. When combined with the technical excellence of the show, the result is an exemplary performance of an enduring classic of musical theatre.
- Running Time: 2:55 with 1 intermission
- Where: Opera House at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- When: Now thru Jan. 20, 2008
- Tickets: $25-$150 at the Kennedy Center Box Office
- Contact Info: Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Toll-free call at (800) 444-1324 or consult the website.
