My Fair Lady

Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner

Music by Frederick Loewe

Directed by Dominic Missimi

Music Direction by Michael Mahler

Choreography by Matt Raftery

At Marriott Theatre

An Enchanting Night With My Fair Lady

The story telling and elegant music in My Fair Lady directed by Dominic Missimi is at its best at Marriott Theatre.  The everlasting Musical creates a magical night out that touches your funny bone as well as your heart.  With themes where economic classes collide, gender roles are challenged and behind it all develops a complicated moving romance.

The classic musical My Fair Lady, based on Bernard Shaw’s play “Pygmalion,” takes place in London 1912.  After coincidently meeting linguistics professor Henry Higgins and Colonel Pickering on the streets, uneducated flower girl Eliza Doolittle seeks out Professor Higgins for lessons in hopes of transforming herself into a proper lady.  Professor Higgins’ hubris takes over him and Eliza finds herself in the middle of a bet between Higgins and Colonel Pickering.  The Professor believes he can pass Eliza off as royalty in 6 months.  Eliza confidently and independent strength is more desirable that any manors she can be taught, and in the end her fiery persona invokes real feelings in the unloving Henry Higgins.

This enchanting tale is lead by the strong performance of Kevin Gudahl as Henry Higgins.  Gudahl has such a commanding presence on stage as the well refined professor who is above frivolous emotions.  His sarcastic humor is brought out the most in his songs with declarations such as “never let a woman into my life” and “why can’t a woman be more like a man.”  Along with Eliza, Higgins goes through the most significant personal changes as he grows from a cold self-centered professor to a warm friend.

Heidi Kettering brings out the strength and complexity in Eliza’s personality.  Eliza is a bold independent woman but the nature of society in the upper class demands a companion.  Kettering balances Eliza’s confidence with her fear of where she fits in now that she appears as a high society girl.  Her talents extend beyond her acting as she entertains the audience through her graceful dancing and expressive voice.  We especially hear the strength in Kettering’s voice when she makes her break through and sings out “The Rain in Spain” followed by my favorite song of the night “I Could of Danced All Night.”

David Lively plays a terrific Colonel Pickering with perfect timing that really brings out the personal changes in the characters around him.  The ensemble is charming and with the choreography by Matt Raftery they enhance the set’s mood, especially Emily Thompson who’s enthusiasm and crisp dance moves stood out.

Max Quinlan (Freddy) has a beautiful smooth voice and commanding presence of his own when he serenades solo on stage. 

The Wardrobe designed by Nancy Missimi is exquisitely detailed in 1922 London fashion.  Missimi is able to express her own sense of humor through the hilarious subtle big butt designed into one of the formally dressed ensemble members.

My Fair lady is moving story about social classes and romance and with a sensational score that makes the time fly by for the audience.  This is a must see classic, and Marriott Theatre creates an enchanting night that will warm your soul this winter.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

By:  Timothy McGuire

Date Review:  12-16-2009

At Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, IL 60069, for tickets call 847-634-0200 or visit www.marriotttheare.com, tickets are $32 - $43, performances are Wednesday – Sunday, check www.marriotttheatre.com for specific performance times.