My Fair Lady at Shaw Festival Theatre is a smashing sensation of a show. The musical boasts classic songs including “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “The Rain in Spain” as it tells the story of a young Cockney flower seller and an arrogant, determined Professor of linguistics attempting to transform the girl into his idea of a proper lady. The question is who has really been transformed here?
Tom Rooney as Henry Higgins, Kristi Frank as Eliza Doolittle and members of the cast of Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady (Shaw Festival, 2024). Photo by David Cooper.
The Basics: Presented by the Shaw Festival Theatre at 10 Queen’s Parade, Box 774, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada. Playing until December 22, 2024 (check website for dates and times). Call 1-800-511-SHAW or click for tickets here: https://www.shawfest.com/playbill/my-fair-lady/ Age Recommendation: 9+
Thumbnail Sketch: It’s the story of Eliza Doolittle, a cockney flower girl caught in the middle of a bet between the pompous Professor Henry Higgins and his colleague, Colonel Pickering, both linguists. The bet? Can Higgins turn Eliza into a passable “proper lady” in high society? Eliza agrees to take speech lessons from Higgins to improve her job prospects. Higgins and Eliza clash constantly, but then form an unlikely bond, one that is threatened by an aristocratic suitor named Freddie. Throw in the practical housekeeper Mrs. Pearce, Henry’s stately yet kind mother, Mrs. Higgins, and Alfred P. Doolittle, Eliza’s scallywag of a father, and you have a recipe for a successful musical.
Runtime: 3 hours including one intermission
David Alan Anderson as Colonel Pickering and Tom Rooney as Henry Higgins in Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady (Shaw Festival, 2024). Photo by Michael Cooper.
The Players, the Play, and the Production: My Fair Lady can be considered outdated due to its portrayal of gender roles and class structure. It may be very easy to dismiss this piece as an ancient relic from times gone by, but its themes of social mobility and personal transformation remain relevant.
My love affair with Eliza Doolittle and My Fair Lady began in 1977 on a rainy Saturday afternoon. My sister and I were cooped up in the house, and after occupying ourselves with board games and toys, Mom declared that a movie was coming on at 2:00 pm. She was going to make grilled cheese and tomato soup, and we would watch it together.
For those of you who are not familiar with My Fair Lady, it’s a classic American musical-comedy-drama film adapted from the 1956 Lerner and Loewe stage musical, which is based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 stage play Pygmalion. I was glued to the screen and mesmerized by Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle. What a stunning creature! Later I discovered that Marni Nixon sang the Eliza role, not Audrey, but Ms. Hepburn was still breathtaking to me and sheer perfection. My Mom bought me the Original Broadway Cast (OBC) soundtrack with Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison (Henry Higgins) who reprised his role in the film. I remember playing it often on my little record player in between spins of Donna Summer, The Bee Gees & Cher records.
The first stage production I was able to see was in 1993 on Broadway with the lovely Melissa Errico as Eliza and Richard Chamberlain as Higgins. It was a wonderful production, but even more dazzling was the 2001 London version with British pop star Martine McCutcheon and Jonathan Price. Ms. McCutcheon won an Olivier Award for her performance as Eliza; she was absolutely exquisite. Notably, Joanna Riding successfully replaced McCutcheon, winning raves as well as her predecessor Laura Michelle Kelly. I was fortunate to see all three.
In 2007, I was treated to a most delightful New York Philharmonic concert version that starred an excellent Kelsey Grammer as Higgins (he seemed destined to play this role and was perfect), equally perfect Kelli O’Hara as Eliza, Brian Dennehy as Eliza’s Father Alfred, and Marni Nixon herself as Mrs. Higgins, Henry’s Mother. My Fair Lady found its way back to Broadway in 2018. This Bartlett Sher-helmed production starring a less-than-brilliant Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under) as Eliza with a regal Dame Diana Rigg as Mrs. Higgins and a gleeful Norbert Leo Butz as Alfred was somewhat successful. I liked the production, but if the Eliza isn’t cast right, it can bring the show down. Thankfully, the amazing Tony Award-winning Laura Benanti (Melania Trump on SNL) replaced Ambrose. It was like a fresh coat of paint to brighten up a room as Laura breathed new life into this Lincoln Center staging. I went back several times to see the effortless and beautiful Ms. Benati as well as stage legend, Rosemary Harris as Mrs. Higgins.
Kristi Frank as Eliza Doolittle with (l to r) JJ Gerber, Gryphyn Karimloo, Allan Louis, Graeme Kitagawa and members of the cast in Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady (Shaw Festival, 2024). Photo by David Cooper.
I am very happy to report that My Fair Lady at the Shaw Festival is in very good hands, co-directed by Tim Carroll and Kimberley Rampersad. Its sweeping score was lovingly executed by music director Paul Sportelli.
This show is not necessarily known for its full-tilt dance numbers; however, Ms. Rampersad, the co-director, also choreographed the show and made use of this multi-talented cast with some minimal elegant movement as well as some rip-roaring dance numbers. She seamlessly weaved the choreography with the music and flow of the story. I loved the sweeping waltz and then the juxtaposition of a very energetic number, “Get Me to the Church on Time.”
David Adams as Alfred P. Doolittle with the cast of Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady (Shaw Festival, 2024). Photo by David Cooper.
The set design by Lorenzo Savoini was transportive, and when combined with the winning and gorgeous lighting design by Mikael Kangas, it equaled heaven on stage. The costumes were truly a triumph, designed with great attention to detail by Joyce Padua. Ms. Padua helped Eliza (Kristi Frank) transform from the streets of England as a lowly flower girl or “gutter snipe” as Higgins refers to her, to a radiant young woman presenting as the epitome of class and elegance. The reveal of Eliza into high society was not only thrilling but emotional.
Kristi Frank as Eliza Doolittle is nothing short of divine.
Kristi Frank as Eliza Doolittle in Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady (Shaw Festival, 2024). Photo by David Cooper.
She is the perfect mix of vulnerability and strength. Her stunning voice matches her brilliant acting, and she truly shines in this role. I was lucky enough to see her in Shaw’s productions of Gypsy as well as Brigadoon. She is the type of performer that draws you in instantly. The giddy glee of her take on “I Could Have Danced All Night” was infectious. Kristi as Eliza really makes you root for her. Ms. Frank is the real deal, a true triple threat and is Broadway caliber talent. I think that Shaw is lucky to have such a versatile leading lady in its company.
Kristi Frank as Eliza Doolittle and Tom Rooney as Henry Higgins in Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady (Shaw Festival, 2024). Photo by David Cooper.
Tom Rooney as Professor Henry Higgins was gruff and somewhat cold, every once in a while he had a twinkle in his eye, although brief, he made it easier to believe moments when the character expressed compassion. Colonel Pickering was played by David Alan Anderson; he was likable but lacked the warmth and charm needed for the role. David Adams was Alfred Doolittle, Eliza’s shifty Father, and he was superb. Mr. Adams does possess charm in spades, and he is great fun to watch through all of Alfred’s drunken tomfoolery. Taurian Teelucksingh plays Freddie Eynsford-Hill, a young suitor that is head over heels for Eliza. Taurian is a very tall, dark, good-looking man who plays Freddie in a very endearing, heartfelt way. He is gawky and awkward, which you don’t really expect from a hunk like Mr. Teelucksingh. His rendition of “On the Street Where You Live” was certainly one of the highlights of the show.
David Alan Anderson as Colonel Pickering and Tom Rooney as Henry Higgins in Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady (Shaw Festival, 2024). Photo by Michael Cooper.
The main characters are supported by an outstanding, hardworking ensemble cast that feels much bigger than it actually is. JJ Gerber, Elodie Gillett, and Tama Martin stood out from the talented bunch to me, as well as, and especially, the fantastic Jacqueline Thair, the smashing Drew Plummer, gorgeous Gabriella Sundar Singh, and adorably handsome Gryphyn Karimloo. Jacqueline, Tama, Drew, Gabriella, and Gryphyn were all performing lead roles in The Secret Garden on the same day’s matinee show. Doing two completely different shows in one day is truly impressive and makes this reviewer appreciate this troupe even more.
This is a smashing sensation of a show.
Kristi Frank as Eliza Doolittle and Tom Rooney as Henry Higgins in Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady (Shaw Festival, 2024). Photo by David Cooper.
It’s glorious music with a live orchestra, will carry you away in this beautifully sung and acted show. Again, the language is dated, and it may make some audience members wince, but My Fair Lady is a full flower cart of joy and worthy of loads of appreciation and applause.
My Fair Lady at Shaw Festival runs through December 22, 2024. With the holidays coming, and this would be a great purchase of theatrical heaven to gift any friends or family to enjoy.
Kristi Frank as Eliza Doolittle and Tom Rooney as Henry Higgins in Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady (Shaw Festival, 2024). Photo by David Cooper.
The cast of Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady (Shaw Festival, 2024). Photo by David Cooper.
Kristi Frank as Eliza Doolittle in Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady (Shaw Festival, 2024). Photo by David Cooper.
Sharry Flett as Mrs. Higgins, Tom Rooney as Henry Higgins and Kristi Frank as Eliza Doolittle in Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady (Shaw Festival, 2024). Photo by David Cooper.
David Adams as Alfred P. Doolittle and Kristi Frank as Eliza Doolittle in Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady (Shaw Festival, 2024). Photo by David Cooper.
HERD OF BUFFALO RATING SYSTEM
FIVE BUFFALO: Universal Appeal! This production is pure theatrical magic – a crowd-pleaser. No prior theatre experience is necessary. Whether it’s a laugh-out-loud comedy or a heartwarming drama, this show offers an unforgettable shared experience. You’ll laugh, be touched, or amazed (depending on the genre). Grab your tickets before they disappear!
FOUR BUFFALO: Highly Recommended! This production delivers high-quality entertainment. It may have a strong script and stellar performances. While it might not be for everyone, theatre fans and those interested in the style, themes, or genre are sure to be delighted. Gather your friends or grab a date – you won’t be disappointed you went!
THREE BUFFALO: A Solid Night Out! This solid production and enjoyable evening at the theater. It’s a strong choice for a night out. Roam over and check it out if you can!
TWO BUFFALO: Intriguing! This production may not appeal to all tastes. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to blaze your own theatrical trail, this production offers a unique experience. While it may have some minor imperfections, if the genre, themes, and style align with your interests you should defintely attend!
ONE BUFFALO: If you love Theatre…Although it won’t resonate with everyone, it offers a challenging and stimulating experience. Traditional theatergoers might find it difficult to follow. While it will undoubtedly spark conversation, consider the genre, themes, and style before attending.
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