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- April 3, 2006
Stars Over VEISHEA returns with "My Fair Lady"
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Don't be misled by the title or the fact that the most recognizable character
is Eliza Doolittle.
Brad Dell, Iowa State University Theatre faculty member, says "My Fair
Lady" is really Henry Higgins' story.
"The character of Higgins is so interesting," Dell says. "Ultimately her
(Eliza's) influence on him and her bubbly personality transforms him into
a caring person. It's a unique and cool thing to watch."
SOV (Stars over VEISHEA) in conjunction with ISU Theatre and the Department
of Music, will present "My Fair Lady" in Stephens Auditorium Friday
and Saturday, April 21-22, at 7:30 p.m. A high school matinee is scheduled
for Thursday, April 20.
Considered as one of the most intelligent romantic comedies ever produced,
Lerner and Loewe's "My Fair Lady" has a long list of memorable
songs including "I Could Have Danced All Night" and "On the
Street Where You Live."
"The scenes in this musical are incredibly well written," says
Dell, who is the musical's director. "It's hilarious and there's a
lot of excellent material for the ensemble to work with."
The musical is based on George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion."
Like the play, the plot revolves around Professor Henry Higgins' attempt
to win a bet that he can take a poor Cockney flower girl (Eliza Doolittle)
and transform her into a lady.
Higgins is passionate about the human voice and his attempt to teach Eliza
leads to the classic song "The Rain in Spain."
"Ultimately it turns the Cinderella story on its head as Eliza has
a wonderful effect on Higgins, turning him into a caring and loving person,"
Dell said.
Like previous SOV productions, "My Fair Lady" is a massive undertaking.
There are 45 cast members with nearly 250 costumes. In one scene alone more
than 28 cast members are on the stage at once.
The show is so big that ISU Theatre faculty member Karla Kash is choreographing
several dances. Dell says "dynamic movement is necessary to get the
story across."
Dell is also being assisted by scenic designer Robert Sunderman, costume
designer Gregory Duckett, guest lighting designer Chris Manness, and musical
directors and vocal coaches Donald Simonson, Mary Creswell and Andrew Adams.
Sarah Thompson and Micah Morgan lead the cast as Eliza and Higgins. Other
major cast members include Jeff Policky as Alfred P. Doolittle and Scott
Siepker as Col. Pickering.
Tickets are $13-$18 for adults and $7-$12 for students and are available
at all TicketMaster locations and the Iowa State Center Box Office.
Micah Morgan and Sarah Thompson in "My Fair Lady"
Sarah Thompson
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