Westminster Christian to present 'My Fair Lady'

Westminster Christian High School will present Lerner and Loewe's "My Fair Lady" at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.

Tickets are $13-$15 for premium seats, $10-$12 for general seating, $10 for seniors and students and are available online at tix.com (search for "My Fair Lady") or at the door.

Since 1956, "My Fair Lady" has taken the stage in many universities and high schools. Although inspired by George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion," this production is set in London in the 1900s and focuses on Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who wishes to become a lady.

Professor and "confirmed bachelor" Henry Higgins takes on the challenge of transforming the young lady from a "squashed cabbage leaf" into a "Duchess at the Embassy Ball." The phoneticist becomes so determined, he makes a bet with linguistic colleague Colonel Pickering he can accomplish the impossible transformation in just six months.

This witty production showcases the rousing conversion of Eliza Doolittle, the softening of the brash Professor Higgins, and the comical crossing between social classes.

Musical producer and director Johanna Johnson says, "'My Fair Lady' is a timeless classic, and I wanted to expose our students to one of the most memorable musicals out there."

Vocal and choreographer director Lois Shaw communicates the same passion.

"'My Fair Lady' is one of my favorite shows," Shaw said. "Julie Andrews and Audrey Hepburn (the two original Elizas) are two of my greatest loves, so I was thrilled to be tackling their inspiring show."

Unique from other high school productions, Westminster opens up their musicals to the elementary and middle school students, making the cast number about 60 students.

"I enjoy the range of ages," said senior Sophia Hopkins, who plays Mrs. Higgins. "Since it's an all-school musical, it is a great opportunity to bond with everyone, especially as an upperclassman. I will definitely miss the all-school musicals' common view of not performing for ourselves, but for a higher purpose. Compared to other theater companies I've performed with throughout my high school career, I've never found that anywhere else."

The role of Eliza Doolittle was given to junior Mollie King.

"My favorite part about Eliza is that you get to see such a drastic change in her," King said. "Even through the change, who she is inside doesn't change. Although she speaks properly and is beautifully dressed now, she stands up for how she wants to be treated."

King has been a part of Westminster's theater productions since sixth grade when she played the Cowardly Lion in "The Wizard of Oz."

"I have grown so much since then," King said. "Mrs. Shaw has helped me take huge steps with my voice, and Mrs. Johnson shows me there's so much more to theater than just saying lines. There's the development of characters and then our own personal development throughout the show as well."

Opposite of King is her brother, Connor King, playing the role of Professor Henry Higgins. When asked his favorite aspect of his character, he humorously responded, "I get to yell at my sister a lot."

On a more serious note, Connor reflected on the nostalgia he experiences with the Westminster Theater department.

"I've been doing shows here since the fourth grade and performing in shows here has become kind of like a habit," Connor said. "Like Christmas, you just know it's that time of year again."

For details, visit www.westminsterchristian.org.