As the production prepares to officially open at the London Coliseum, Emma Clarendon explains her five reasons why you should go and see this revival of the musical.
Hearing the English National Opera Orchestra performing Frederick Loewe’s gorgeous score: My Fair Lady has one of my favourite musical theatre scores in it and to hear it being performed so exquisitely by the English National Opera Orchestra is a pure delight, particularly in the grand surroundings of the London Coliseum. I really recommend that you listen, enjoy and appreciate not only the songs themselves but the overture and the beautiful music of ‘The Embassy Waltz’ – a truly rich sound emerges that is captivating.
Catherine Zuber’s costume designs: having created the costume designs for shows such as Moulin Rouge and The King and I, you can be sure that Catherine Zuber’s designs are filled with lavish detail that truly capture the era that the show is set in. My Fair Lady is no different, with a dazzling array of costumes on display throughout – but oh my goodness Eliza’s are truly exquisite in the way in which they help to capture her transformation. The hats as well are equally spectacular.
Michel Yeargan’s set designs: given the number of locations, it does require quite an amount of creativity in terms of set design. The show does really well in this regard to navigating this – but I particularly adored the way in which Henry Higgins’s home is beautifully recreated as though it is a doll’s house. I loved the way in which the ‘Poor Professor Higgins’ sequence is staged really is cleverly done considering the difficulty in the constantly changing of locations round the home at that point. But I also loved the simplicity in of certain scenes as well such as ‘I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face’ .
Stephen K Amos as Alfred P. Dolittle: all of the cast are wonderful in making their own mark on the characters in this production, but for me Stephen K Amos delivers such a joyful performance as the roguish but somehow likeable Alfred P.Doolittle that makes his a real stand out performance. He has charm and wit that really puts a smile on the face of the audience whenever he appears. He gets the character just spot on!
It is simply a classy and elegant revival: Bartlett Sher’s production really captures the spirit and joy of this classic musical. It really embraces the musical numbers as well as the characters and story that makes it impressive viewing. Some night find it a long show – but my goodness the time flies by as you are swept away by everything about this production.
My Fair Lady will run at the London Coliseum until the 27th August. To book tickets click here or visit: From the Box Office, Last Minute.com, London Theatre Direct, Theatre Tickets Direct or Love Theatre.com.