MY FAIR LADY -- "POWERFULLY ACTED!"

COURTESY PHOTO SF PLAYHOUSE

THE STARS: LUKE CHAPMAN & MONIQUE HAFEN

MY FAIR LADY – MEGA, MEGA ENTRANCING!

MY FAIR LADY (the musical) is based on George Bernard Shaw’s ‘Pygmalion’ with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. The story whirls around Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who reluctantly takes speech lessons from professor Henry Higgins, a phoneticist. He is trying to pass Eliza off as a well-born lady.

The musical’s 1956 Broadway production certainly stirred up the show as it hit the record for the longest run of any musical theatre production in history. Then it was followed by the hit London production. That was followed by the film version, and numerous revivals. And ever since – it has been called ‘the perfect musical”.

Presented on the Tiny Stage at the SF Playhouse – I was getting ready to wonder if a lavish show like this show would capture the brilliance of former fame. But, you know what? The Cast was full of energy. They gave the impact, the fullness of the story and the full glory of the music. 

This “Lady” gives us another impressionable evening of watching Eliza’s blooming into a proper ‘Lady). The magnificent songs are brilliantly performed. So real – so enticing. I love musicals and “ My Fair Lady” is one of the best. The lyrics shine all the way to the races. When Eliza finally makes a break through with proper English in Act Two – Higgins, Pickering, Mrs. Pearce and the Servants jubilantly sing the rousing – “You Did it” – referring to the miracle that Eliza no longer sounds like a waif on the streets. And you know the famous song – “On the Street Where You Live” (sung by Freddy) who slowly falls in love. Whether he likes it our not. 

The musical is just wonderful. It’s a ride that starts out wild on the streets, and accelerates from there - then it is Fun, Fun, and Fun - in this richly clever entertainment. Oh, by the way -- the set is a spectacular wonder.

THE CAST IS BRILLANT. HERE THEY ARE: Johnny Moreno (Henry Higgins) – Luke Chapman (Freddy) – Charles Dean (Alfred P. Doolittle) – Richard Frederick (Colonel Pickering) – Monique Hafen (Eliza Doolittle) – Karen Hirst (Mrs Higgins) and Justin Gilman, Mandy Khohnevisan – Kenneth McPherson- Randy Nazarian – and Corinne Proctor. Thanks to this Cast – this is a musical that you will never forger. A love story --for all time! You can’t get anymore powerful acting than in this gorgeous romantic tale.

RATING: Four glasses of Champagne!!!! (highest rating) – trademarked-

NOW PLAYING AT THE SF PLAYHOUSE ON SUTTER (near Powell) 

MORE GOOD NEWS! SAVE THE DATE! Tenth Anniversary Season Opening Celebration! At the New Venue @ 450 Post Street! 

Name of playhouse will remain as: SF Playhouse at new location. The Opening show will be on Saturday, October 13th, 2012 - 8pm . The show: "Bloody, Bloody, Andrew Jackson. Director: Jon Tracy. See you there.