Great Lakes Theater’s production of ‘My Fair Lady’ is loverly
There is always a huge risk when a company takes on a well known musical work, especially if it has had a phenomenal Tony Award winning Broadway run and has been made into an Academy Award winning motion picture. It is even truer when the show in question has been dubbed “the perfect musical” with songs that practically everyone can sing from start to finish. I am of course talking about the Great Lakes production of Allan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s “My Fair Lady” now on stage at the Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square. Rather than try to mimic the originals, the cast of GLT manage to put their own distinct stamp on the various characters.
Eliza Doolittle is a Cockney flower girl who makes an honest living in the theater district of London. As the theaters lets out one rainy evening a young man bumps into her spilling her flower basket. As she admonishes the youth her friends point out that there is an older man in the shadows taking down everything she is saying in a small notebook. When confronted, he explains that he is Professor Henry Higgins. Upon hearing the man’s name, another person of means introduces himself as Colonel Pickering (an expert in Indian dialects) who is in town specifically to meet Professor Higgins. In the course of their conversation, Higgins boasts that he could train Eliza in linguistics and in six months pass her off as a member of the nobility.
The men leave for the professor’s abode after Higgins pays for the spoiled flowers with a handful of coins. The next day, Eliza appears at the Professor’s house wishing to be taught “to speak proppa.” Pickering challenges Higgins to do just that, promising to pay for all the expenses associated with the “experiment.” Thus begins a rigorous journey for the three of them as they attempt to make silk out of hemp. The show is a send up of the British upper class and their various social practices that are hammered into them from birth.
As for the Great Lakes Theater’s production it is a true delight. Tom Ford as Professor Henry Higgins brings his own mirthful style to the role without trying to imitate Rex Harrison’s portrayal. He plays the bombastic confirmed bachelor like a violin giving subtle peeks into the soft heart that lies within. He even sings. Jillian Kates as Eliza has the most challenging role of all as she morphs from street tough flower girl into a cultured woman of apparent means. M.A. Taylor is the perfect pick as Alfred P. Doolittle the ne’re do well father of Eliza who undergoes major changes when saddled with money from an American benefactor. Aled Davies gives a wonderful performance as Colonel Pickering with little comic tweaks that are sure to delight. The ensemble does a splendid job as they double duty between Eliza’s street chums and Professor Higgins’ house staff.
The seven piece live orchestra adds to the magic of the evening and the singing is top notch. GLT veteran Victoria Bussert takes the helm as Director and does a splendid job. The set by Jeff Herrmann consists of three revolving panels each with three faces that are rotated to represent a London street, Higgins’ study, Ascot and an Embassy Ballroom. Various props are expertly put into place with little disruption of the proceedings. The lighting by Paul Miller fills the stage without overwhelming it and the all important sound level is carefully maintained by David Gotwald. Special mention also goes to Costume Designer Charlotte M. Yetman for her designs ranging from street folks to the most elegantly dressed of England’s upper class.
This is a delightful family friendly show that everyone will love. Bring the entire clan for this one. As is the tradition of GLT the production values are of the highest standards.
No matter how many times you have seen the movie or the Broadway musical or touring performances, Great Lakes Theater’s production of “My Fair Lady” should not be missed. It is a perfect rendition of “the perfect musical” and should not be missed.
“My Fair Lady” will run concurrent through October 29, 2016 to Great Lakes Theater’s production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” at the intimate Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square. Tickets are priced from $15 to $80 and may be purchased by phone by calling (216)241-6000, by stopping by the Playhouse Square Box Office located in the outer lobby of the State Theatre or online by going by clicking HERE.