This production was the perfect antidote to a cold winter’s night. It was a great choice to put on this play which is considered ‘the perfect musical’ as this year the Bankstown Theatre Company is enjoying its 70th year anniversary celebrations.
Director Dennis Clements came up with a satisfying, very contemporary interpretation.The misogynistic tone of some portrayals of Professor Higgins did not come through in Peter Sahlani’s portrayal. Instead what came through was Higgins’ love of his work, as well as his playfulness which almost leads to his downfall.
There is nothing weak or soft in Emily Potts’ luminous portrayal of Eliza Dolittle as she depicts a young woman wanting to make something of life. This is why she clings to her ‘relationship’ with Higgins so tenaciously. She has no intention of remaining a flower girl forever.
Kevin Tanner plays a sympathetic Colonel Pickering who has a soft spot for Eliza and looks after her during some of her more difficult times with the Professor.
Paul Adderley gives s big, brassy portrayal as Eliza’s irascible, self seeking father, Alfred P Dolittle.
Diane Wilson has a strong stage presence as the Professor’s mother who warms to Eliza and takes her under her wing to shelter her from her son’s prickly behaviour to her.
Louis Vinciguerra plays Freddy Eynsford-Hill who takes a sheen to Eliza during her time at the Ascot races and ardently pursues her. Gloria Collins plays Freddy’s socialite mum, Mrs Eynsford-Hill.
Veronica Bray Saville is Professor Higgins patient, good natured housemaid Mrs Pearce who tries to do the best for Eliza.
Malcolm O’Brien plays Zoltan Karpathy, one of Professor Higgins’ former students.
The Ensemble cast comprised David Elias,Scott Gabutto, Rhianon Garrett, Christopher Griffith, Elizabeth Halliwell, Troy Hesler, Glen-Marie Hollabone, Mitchell Jacka, Jennifer McAlpine, Carol Pakula, Tamana Rita, Richard Roach, Jordan Swann, Nathan Watson, Amy Weir, Tim Wotherspoon and Maria Xafellis.
The featured dancers were Elizabeth Halliwell, Tamana Rita, Jordan Swann, Amy Weir, David Elias, Mitchell Jacka and Tim Wotherspoon.
The production values for this show were very good. Dennis Clements multiple sets were striking. The costumes care of the BTC Warehouse Department and Arthur Pickering, Lynne Beach and Lesley Harris were simply sumptuous.
The show ended in a delightful, playful tone. A great night was had by all. MY FAIR LADY is playing the Bryan Brown Theatre, corner Chapel Road and Rickard Road, Bankstown until Sunday August 4, 2019
