'My Fair Lady' sparkles
Anyone who thinks "My Fair Lady" is dated obviously hasn't been watching reality TV lately. The Cinderella makeover is a cultural constant, be it on vapid TV makeover shows or in Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe's 1956 musical based on George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion."
The national tour now at Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre is based upon the spiffy 2001 revival of "My Fair Lady" co-produced by London's Royal National Theatre and producer Cameron Mackintosh ("Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera").
"My Fair Lady" boasts a powerful performance by visiting Brit Lisa O'Hare as Eliza Doolitte (American Dana DeLisa alternates for matinees). Not only do O'Hare's contrasting Cockney and posh accents sound correct, she's no slouch vocally or dramatically as she transforms from an aspiring flower seller to a refined, if rudderless, woman.
More Coverage Video , class="mediaItem">Clips from 'My Fair Lady'
British actor Christopher Cazenove plays Prof. Henry Higgins with the right amount of pompous condescension, though he cuts more of a fatherly figure than a romantic one. Cazenove also could improve his singing diction (several lyrics were lost in "I'm an Ordinary Man").
Other strong ensemble work comes from a feisty Tim Jerome as the drunken Alfred P. Doolittle, Walter Charles as a slightly effete Col. Pickering and Justin Bohon as the love-besotted Freddy. The tour's distinguished Mrs. Higgins is played by Marni Nixon (whose singing voice was used to replace Audrey Hepburn's in the 1964 "My Fair Lady" film).
Director Trevor Nunn smartly adds more historical emphasis to the show. For example, the black and white pageantry of "Ascot Gavotte" is jettisoned for one all in black to reflect mourning following the death of King Edward VII. A crowd of protesting suffragettes demanding the right to vote also push their way into Eliza's number "Show Me."
Choreographer Matthew Bourne adds a touch of "Stomp"-style percussion to "A Little Bit of Luck" with clamorous dustbin lids. "Get Me to the Church on Time" also opens up to become a seamy drunken tear throughout London.
"My Fair Lady" is thoroughly a period piece, but its fantasy depiction of the ultimate makeover breaking Britain's rigid class system still rings relevant today. The fact that this production is so smart and entertaining only emphasizes "My Fair Lady's" status as a musical masterpiece.
"My Fair Lady"
3 1/2 stars
out of four
Location: Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago
Times: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and Jan. 27; 2 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Jan. 30; 8 p.m. Saturdays.
Running time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Parking: Area pay garages
Tickets: $25-$75
Box office: (312) 902-1400
Rating: Nothing too risqu#233;; implied prostitution and inebriation played for laughs.