"My Fair Lady" tour

[junglered]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 4:53pm

I saw "My Fair Lady" at Atlanta's Fox Theatre last night as it kicked off it's initial week before touring to 8 additional US cities. I must say that this production is excellent. The cast is led by Marla Schaffel (Tony nominated for "Jane Eyre") who plays Eliza Doolittle and John Vickery (who originated the role of 'Scar' in "The Lion King") who plays Professor Henry Higgins. Schaffel has a beautiful soprano voice and seemed effortless in transforming from 'loverly' Cockney flower girl to elegant English lady. Vickery channeled Rex Harrison last night in his banter, accent, and mannerisms. "My Fair Lady" is a show that REQUIRES outstanding leads - or else the whole show will flounder for the three hour running time. Fortunately, Schaffel and Vickery are spot-on in this production.

Veteran character actor James Valentine (The Importance of Being Earnest, Moon Over Buffalo) was terrific as a foppish Colonel Pickering. Rob Donohue (1776) was amusing as Eliza's father and had a lot of fun with his two big songs - "With a Little Bit of Luck" and "Get Me to the Church". The weak link in the cast is Jim Weitzer ("Little Women", "Phantom of The Opera")who displays his beautiful voice on "The Street Where You Live", but doesn't come close to being a believable potential love interest to Eliza. The lighting and costumes in this production are terrific and the Lerner and Loewe score is well...timeless. If this production comes to your town and you are in the mood for a classic musical, I would recommend it.

[YessicaB]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 5:51pm

thanks. but this is hard for me now, I'm really broke but it sounds great so I guess I'll *have* to see it.....lol.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:47pm

Some info:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/showinfo.cfm?showid=839

Glad you enjoyed it!