REVIEW: ‘MY FAIR LADY’
By Toni Harding
The musical ‘My Fair Lady’ is based on George Bernard Shaw’s ‘Pygmalion’ which explores the impact of the spoken word on the class hierarchical system of British society. It was written in 1913 and one may question whether, 120 years later, it is still a relevant production that brings joy to a South African cast and audience.
From the moment that the orchestra opened with a delightful selection of the musical score, the audience knew that it would be treated to a wonderful evening of entertainment. The set for the production was most effective and seemed to move seamlessly between different locations – quite a remarkable feat for a school production. Lighting was also used to great effect providing nuance to the mood and atmosphere and highlighting the performance of certain characters. This was particularly evident in the poignant scene at the end of Act II when Higgins sings ‘I’ve Grown Accustomed to her …’. The costumes were authentic and lent a feeling for the era while remaining true to the character of the young actors. Of particular interest was the gown for the race day as those of us who are familiar with the 1964 movie production will recall vividly the astonishingly beautiful ensemble worn by Audrey Hepburn. Eliza’s charming and youthful gown was entirely suited to this production and to the actress, Hannah Theron.
Kristan Marais, as Henry Higgins, was superb in the role. His performance held together the complex strings of the production – he was funny, charming, arrogant and composed – representing Henry Higgins with aplomb and dramatic skill. Ethan Lolliot was very endearing as the Colonel and especially in the Second Act, he moved between the comic and more sensitive scenes with ease and grace. Msibi, as the philosopher/father Doolittle, along with his side-kicks Harry and Jamie (played by Ethan Moodley and Letho Luthuli) brought a joy and vibrancy to the production with their enchanting song and dance. The role of Doolittle is not without its challenges for such a young actor, but Msibi beguiled the audience. The beautiful voice of Jamie Kloppers in ‘On the Street Where you Live’ was perfectly suited to the song. The female characters supported and interacted with the male characters, but in the ‘I Could have Danced all Night’ scene, their talent and voice came to the fore. Both male and female choruses were essential and integral to the success of the production – their sound and movement delighted the audience throughout. In the lively ‘With a little bit of Luck’ and Ascot scenes, they were particularly vivacious and entertaining.
For some members of the audience, the power dynamics between the male and female characters could have been offensive. It is possible, however, that Shaw, by highlighting the prevailing patriarchy of the era was, in a highly witty voice, gently prodding his audience to interrogate this dynamic more carefully. Similarly, by penetrating the veneer of the hierarchy of society, the show may illicit a more sensitive insight of how, even today and in South Africa, there is pressure to conform to a certain mode of communication in order to succeed.
Congratulations go to Messrs Simon Stickells and Jonathan Orton and their fine cast on a wonderful production of ‘My Fair Lady’.