One of the most popular musicals of all time, My Fair Lady, gets a stunning, first-rate production by Milwaukee’s Skylight Music Theater. Just in time for the holidays, My Fair Ladyoffers a dazzling cast and opulent costumes, not to mention such musical standards as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “With a Little Bit of Luck” and “Get Me to the Church on Time.”
Some 60 years after its Broadway debut, the show must be given liberties in terms of how it addresses social issues, such as class distinctions (still far more prevalent in England, where the play is set, than in America), men’s views of women, etc. Thankfully, the world in which My Fair Lady exists is so completely removed from reality that one can easily follow its lead. (Besides, the creative team wisely included a few scenes that thumb their noses at the upper-class.) People who recall the tale of a low-class flower girl that is transformed into a swan only by recalling the famous 1964 film are missing the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of a live performance. This cast gives it their all, with enough energy (to the fabulous dance moves by Pam Kriger) to rival WE Energies, the area’s utility for gas and electric power. At its core, My Fair Lady the love story between a lower-class Cockney lass and an older linguistics professor who takes her under his wing. The professor, Henry Higgins, vows that he can do this by training her speech and movements to reflect those of the upper class. Director Chris March has made an ideal match in selecting long-time Milwaukee actor Norman Moses and Natalie Ford for the roles of Prof. Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle. They seem to share a natural affection that grows through the evening. Ford reminds one more of a spunky Julie Andrews or Mary Martin than the elegant Audrey Hepburn, who played Eliza in the film. In any case, Eliza brings liveliness and chaos into the well-ordered world preferred by Henry Higgins. Moses plays Higgins as someone who occasionally shows empathy for his pupil. He softens Henry Higgins to a point that is tender without dissolving him into mush. Both of the leads have fine singing voices, which are essential to creating a worthy My Fair Lady. Supporting players are equally fine. Although there are too many to list, one must take note of the following: Joel Kopischke as a cross between Santa and Jackie Gleason as Alfred P. Doolittle; Rick Richter as Higgins’ friend and companion, Col. Pickering; And Diane Lane as the elderly Mrs. Higgins. It is Lane who demonstrates the benevolent side of the upper classes. Gradually, she falls under Eliza’s spell (as do Col. Pickering and a young, would-be suitor). It is no surprise that Eliza goes to Mrs. Higgins when she leaves the professor’s household, wondering what to do next. Eliza’s sudden absence from the Higgins household is the spark that Prof. Higgins needs to recognize how much she has added to his life. Norman Moses gives a superior performance of the tune, “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face,” in which it dawns on Higgins that Eliza means more to him than he ever realized. The musical’s relatively large, 14-piece orchestra needs a bit of tweaking from the sound department. Although the musicians perform beautifully both individually and as an orchestra, they don’t seem able to convey the rich, full sound that these classic tunes deserve. In Skylight’s press materials, much has been made of capturing the talents of Chris March, the director. A finalist in two versions of TV’s “Project Runway,” as well as a double Drama Desk nominee for his costumes, March delivers the necessary, over-the-top outfits (particularly the fanciful hats) for the show’s Ascot sequence. But a trained eye can spot his skill in every outfit, even those worn by the “lower classes.” For example, the maids’ starched, white aprons display gorgeous ruffles and layers of beautifully sewn tiers above the hem. March proved to be a good choice for recreating the detailed, fitted costumes that also include the men’s suits and tuxedos. For those seeking G-rated musical fare that’s as likely to please granny as well as pre-teen grandchildren, look no farther than Skylight’s My Fair Lady.
