‘My Fair Lady’ captivates anew
By Juliet Schoen / Staff Writer
Forget about the previous stage and movie versions of “My Fair Lady.” Forget about comparisons with other Henry Higginses and other Eliza Doolittles. The musical playing at the Ahmanson Theater through April 27 stands on its own. Every element of the production is first rate, including the sets, the costumes and the cast. This is a musical that just can’t miss-and it doesn’t.
“My Fair Lady” has a marvelous provenance, starting with the myth about Pygmalion, whose love for a statue turns it into a living woman. George Bernard Shaw ran with the story and made it into a brilliant play. The comedy was turned into a Broadway musical with the beautiful melodies of Frederick Loewe and the witty lyrics of Alan Jay Lerner. It ran forever and this revival proves it to be timeless.
The sets must have been designed by a prestidigitator because they change so seamlessly from scene to scene. Seedy Covent Garden suddenly becomes the elegant book-lined study of Professor Higgins. Soon we are whirled away to the Ascot racecourse, the Embassy ballroom, a garden conservancy. Naturally one expects the outré costumes of the era and we are not disappointed. The “ladies” are gowned ostentatiously with huge, cheeky hats, while the gentlemen are dressed in impeccable formalwear.
The others in the large cast, from flower girl to maid, from dustman to butler, all are suitably attired.
Ah, but what about the leading actors who have the daunting task of following some notable professors and flower girls. Not to worry. Professor Henry Higgins is in the capable hands of Christopher Cazenove, who knows how to mix vitriol with charm. He is delightful as he sing-songs those famous anti-woman songs, “I’m an Ordinary Man” and “Hymn to Him.”
Lisa O’Hare shines as Eliza and needs no help with her singing. She has a believable Cockney accent and slides very beautifully into her new station as a lady. Along the way she manages to elicit a few laughs. She holds her own with Cazenove and their sparring is a delight.
Tim Jerome is a manic Alfred P. Doolittle, stealing the show in the jazzy production numbers of “With a Little Bit of Luck” and “Get Me to the Church on Time.” A boisterous character, he hams it up shamelessly.
There must be a fine Colonel Pickering, and Walter Charles is the epitome of the English gentleman, newly arrived from India. Barbara Martineau is a stiffly upright Mrs. Pearce, the housekeeper, and Justin Bohon moons over Eliza on the street where she lives. Ironically, Marni Nixon, who is famous for her movie voice-overs, plays Mrs. Higgins but never sings.
Much credit must go to Shaun Kerrison, who redirected after the original Trevor Nunn; Anthony Ward, the designer; Matthew Bourne for the choreography; and Christine Rowland, the costume design associate. James Lowe conducted an excellent orchestra with aplomb.
Those who have never seen this musical are in for a rare treat. Those who have seen it several times, like me, will still be entranced. “Fair” is not the word for this Lady. “Excellent” is more like it.