(Original creators
Alan Jay Lerner (book and lyrics) and Frederick Loewe (music) would be proud of
this production, I’m sure! Review by Caroline Smart)
First of all, a big thank-you to the Playhouse Company for accepting to host the Durban run of My Fair Lady which is presented in association with Pieter Toerien Productions and Cape Town Opera by arrangement with DALRO (Pty) Ltd.
It was a joy to know that the Durban theatregoers supported the show in droves and the full week’s season was so booked out that an extra show was added on Sunday night.
I attended the first night (March 8) and it was great to see a fully-packed Opera Theatre audience of enthusiastic and highly supportive theatre-lovers. They were completely involved in the drama, adored the dancing and applauded each scene change.
With Durban’s own Steven Stead as the director and Greg King as set designer, you know it’s going to be excellent. Added to that is a splendid cast headed by Craig Urbani (Professor Henry Higgins), Graham Hopkins (Colonel Pickering), Mark Richardson (Doolittle) and Sandi Dlangalala (Freddy Eynesford-Hill).
But the performer I was impatient to see was Leah Mari whose theatre progress I have followed since she was a youngster. She didn’t disappoint me – playing the main role of Eliza, she was splendid, especially in the number Just you Wait, Henry Higgins!
(Craig Urbani & Leah Mari)
Supporting them were Adrienne Pearce (the long-suffering Mrs
Higgins, Henry’s mother), Freddy’s mother (Namhla Tshuka) and the patient but
determined housekeeper Mrs Pearce (Megan Spencer)
Highlights: Conversation/argument between Higgins and Pickering in Higgins’ home; Eliza embarrassing everyone at the races, Doolittle dancing in all of his numbers, and fabulous costumes all round – especially the Ascot Day hats!
All aspects of the show were excellent from top notch musical direction by Kevin Kraak and highly energetic choreography by Duane Alexander to sensitive lighting design by Denis Hutchinson and well-controlled sound design by Mark Malherbe. Costume co-ordinator is Maritha Visagie. Original costume design is by Neil Stuart Harris with additional costumes by Andrew Botha.
Original creators Alan Jay Lerner (book and lyrics) and Frederick Loewe (music) would be proud of this production, I’m sure!
Lastly, don’t forget to buy a souvenir programme which is beautifully presented. It costs R50 but is worth every cent as it gives full details of the cast and crew with some lovely photographs. A historical thing to keep! – Caroline Smart
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