Life in the Theat-ah
My community group is putting on "My Fair Lady" an oldie but a goodie (with terrible premise and the tacked on ending of True Love Conquers All - Even the Most Mysoganistic and Assholish (But Not Really, Because Why Should He Change When He Gets Everything He Wants Being An Asshole?)).
It is a THREE HOUR show. The first act is an hour and forty-five minutes, and the second act is an hour, and there is a fifteen minute intermission. There is no band or orchestra, instead they are using the dual piano score accompaniment, which is kind of lovely - hearing only piano and the human voice. More shows should do this!
Anyway, after opening night there was a review in a local paper/web site where the review had never ever SEEN My Fair Lady, knew nothing of the story line (to which I ask, what ARE they teaching these kids today?), and was hoping to have a good time.
She did. She thought it was marvelous. She had a bit of issue with the set (particularly the projection screen which I have never understood the use of in this context, but whatever, designer's prerogative).
The best bit of the review? I'll quote:
"The person that stole the show for me though, was absolutely [Actor's Name] as Henry Higgins. I seriously don’t even know where to begin, I can’t say enough about his performance! [Actor's Name]’s comedic timing was perfect, he played a hilarious asshole. I believed every single word that came out of his mouth, and never for a second did he break character. His performances of “I’m An Ordinary Man” and “A Hymn To Him” were intriguing and fantastic. Not to mention, that his interactions with other cast members were equally as believable. From the first time they were on stage together, I truly believed the relationship between Higgins and Pickering (played by [Different Actor's Name]). The two made a great duo and really carried the show. As the story continued [Actor's Name]’s acting only became more genius. Though I really enjoyed his comedic acting, his dramatic acting was also outstanding. His ballad “I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face,” in which he confesses his love for Eliza, was a great display of emotion and talent on [Actor's Name]’s part."
Seeing Henry Higgins described as an "hilarious asshole" sort of perfectly nails down for me his characterization.
I haven't actually SEEN the show - and likely will only be able to see Act Two as I am backstage dressing/undressing/redressing people (omg the costume changes in this thing are EPIC). Twenty three people make up the entire cast (only three of whom don't change character - Eliza, Henry, and Pickering - everyone else and I mean EVERYONE else doubles and triples and in a couple of cases quadruples characters) - and the ensemble are kept running the whole show - being servants, Cockneys, the upper crust, at Ascot, at the Ball. They are either onstage, backstage ready to go onstage, or changing their clothes. They don't get a chance to sit - ever. And next Saturday they have two shows in one day - a matinee and an evening prformance.
It is a THREE HOUR show. The first act is an hour and forty-five minutes, and the second act is an hour, and there is a fifteen minute intermission. There is no band or orchestra, instead they are using the dual piano score accompaniment, which is kind of lovely - hearing only piano and the human voice. More shows should do this!
Anyway, after opening night there was a review in a local paper/web site where the review had never ever SEEN My Fair Lady, knew nothing of the story line (to which I ask, what ARE they teaching these kids today?), and was hoping to have a good time.
She did. She thought it was marvelous. She had a bit of issue with the set (particularly the projection screen which I have never understood the use of in this context, but whatever, designer's prerogative).
The best bit of the review? I'll quote:
"The person that stole the show for me though, was absolutely [Actor's Name] as Henry Higgins. I seriously don’t even know where to begin, I can’t say enough about his performance! [Actor's Name]’s comedic timing was perfect, he played a hilarious asshole. I believed every single word that came out of his mouth, and never for a second did he break character. His performances of “I’m An Ordinary Man” and “A Hymn To Him” were intriguing and fantastic. Not to mention, that his interactions with other cast members were equally as believable. From the first time they were on stage together, I truly believed the relationship between Higgins and Pickering (played by [Different Actor's Name]). The two made a great duo and really carried the show. As the story continued [Actor's Name]’s acting only became more genius. Though I really enjoyed his comedic acting, his dramatic acting was also outstanding. His ballad “I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face,” in which he confesses his love for Eliza, was a great display of emotion and talent on [Actor's Name]’s part."
Seeing Henry Higgins described as an "hilarious asshole" sort of perfectly nails down for me his characterization.
I haven't actually SEEN the show - and likely will only be able to see Act Two as I am backstage dressing/undressing/redressing people (omg the costume changes in this thing are EPIC). Twenty three people make up the entire cast (only three of whom don't change character - Eliza, Henry, and Pickering - everyone else and I mean EVERYONE else doubles and triples and in a couple of cases quadruples characters) - and the ensemble are kept running the whole show - being servants, Cockneys, the upper crust, at Ascot, at the Ball. They are either onstage, backstage ready to go onstage, or changing their clothes. They don't get a chance to sit - ever. And next Saturday they have two shows in one day - a matinee and an evening prformance.