My Fair Lady is one of the classics of the musical stage. A large show, it is not frequently revived, especially at theaters in Connecticut. Undaunted by the hurdles the musical can present, Ivoryton Playhouse’s scaled-down production, which features just two pianos, works like a charm. There are a few hiccups along the way, but nothing to diminish the overall appeal and enchantment of this Golden Age musical.
The show is based on the George Bernard Shaw play, Pygmalion. It concerns Eliza Doolittle, a flower girl with a thick Cockney accent, who becomes the center of a bet between Professor Henry Higgins, an expert in phonetics and Colonel Pickering, a rich, retired army officer. The bet? Can the self-centered Higgins teach Ms. Doolittle proper English to pass her off as a lady at an embassy ball.
The book by Alan Jay Lerner closely follows the original story. The scenes, adeptly directed by Brian Feehan, meld effortlessly from one segment to another and are alive with the indelible characters audiences have come to love. Mr. Feehan makes judicious use of the stage and the incorporation of the ensemble players to give the musical the illusion of a larger production. Doubling as choreographer, his dance numbers enlivens such scenes as the Embassy ball and within the song “You Did It.”
The music and lyrics, by Mr. Lerner and his long-time collaborator, Frederick Loewe, are one of the most tuneful and melodic of all-time. Every song – and when can you say that about a musical – is a perfect gem. Here are just a few of the enchanting numbers – “Why Can’t the English,” “Wouldn’t It Be Lovely,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “I Could Have Danced All Night.” While it would be blissful to have a fully-fledged pit orchestra to enhance each musical selection, the dual pianos (David Marottolo and Musical Director Jill Brunelle) works well enough. The combination of the absorbing libretto and the extraordinary score make the run time of over two and one-half hours fly by.
The cast, in both their acting ability and vocal proficiency, is of a high caliber, which is necessary, and expected, of such a show. Trevor Martin is ideal as the egocentric, yet brilliant, Henry Higgins. While he brings the requisite fussiness and utter lack of manners to the role, he also shades his performance with nuance and vulnerability. Evan Bertram, who stepped in for the actress Claire Marie Spencer, is a truly lovely Eliza Dolittle. She has the accent down perfectly and brings a sassy independence, tenderness, and melancholy to the role. Her singing voice is divine. Joe Dellger provides an enjoyable sparkle to the role of the genial, well-meaning Colonel Pickering. Scott Mikita, who has graced many Connecticut productions over the years, enlivens the stage as the cheeky, carefree Alfred P. Doolittle. He delivers two of the most lively songs in the musical – “With a Little Bit of Luck” and “Get Me to the Church on Time” - with spirit and flair. Stacia Fernandez and Ben S. Daniel provide solid support as, respectively, Mrs. Higgins and Freddy Eynsford-Hill.
Elizabeth Saylor’s Costume Designs splendidly, and accurately, range from lower class Victorian garb to the elegant ware for the Ascot Races and Embassy Ball. Cully Long’s Scenic Design consists, primarily, of a stenciled bookcase that is curiously lit throughout the show with a changing pallet of bold colors by Lighting Designer Marcus Abbot.
My Fair Lady, playing at the Ivoryton Playhouse through September 7. Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.
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