Garland Summer Musicals kicked off its 36th season Friday, June 15 with a stunning production of “My Fair Lady.” The 1956 smash hit by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Lowe won six Tony awards, including Best Musical, and remains one of the most endearing shows of all time. The production is based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 stage play “Pygmalion.”
Eliza Doolittle, the main character, becomes the subject of an experiment and bet over whether phonetics professor Henry Higgins can transform a poor Cockney flower seller into a lady. In addition to transforming Eliza, Higgins falls in love with her but finds it difficult to admit that he loves and needs her.
Alexandra Cassens is delightful as Eliza and does a great job on standards including “I Could Have Danced All Night.” The talented Michael A. Robinson as Henry Higgins contributes wonderful renditions of several favorites including “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.”
John Fredrickson is entertaining in his portrayal of Freddy, who is in love with Eliza. Frederickson’s rendition of “On the Street Where You Live” also stands out.
Everything about the production, from the direction by former Broadway performer Michael Serrecchia, to the sets designed by Rodney Dobbs, to the costumes designed by Michael A. Robinson and the Dallas Costume Shoppe, is superb.
Congratulations to the entire cast and crew on this production.
Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me Kate” is Garland Summer Muscials’ next production and will run July 20-29.
All performances are in the Brownlee Auditorium of the Granville Arts Center, 300 North Fifth Street in downtown Garland. For ticket information call the Arts Center Box Office 972-205-2790, purchase in person at the Granville Arts Center Box Office, open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and two hours before each performance or visit www.Garlandartsboxoffice.com.
About Garland Summer Musicals: Since 1983, GSM has created major summer musical productions which encourage professional artists (through Guest Artist contracts with Actor’s Equity) to work with aspiring performers of all ages as part of a theatre training and semi-professional production company. To date, more than 2,000 actors, dancers, musicians, technicians and students have participated in the musical performance and intern programs offered by the Garland Summer Musicals.