We could have danced all night when we heard the news that one of the most beloved musicals of all time is heading back to Melbourne. That's right, a new production of My Fair Lady opens at the Arts Centre Melbourne’s Ian Potter State Theatre this November, celebrating 70 years since its Broadway debut.
Staged by Opera Australia and John Frost for Crossroads Live, the revival marks 70 years since Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Lowe first brought their adaptation of Pygmalion to the stage, a show that has since become shorthand for musical theatre's golden age.
Should you be in need of a refresher, My Fair Lady follows Cockney flower seller Eliza Doolittle, who is plucked from the mean streets of Covent Garden and transformed into a 'lady' by the exacting (and often exasperating) Professor Henry Higgins. It's a time-tested story of class identity and transformation, carried by some of the most recognisable tunes in musical theatre, such as 'Wouldn't it be Loverly?', 'I Could Have Danced All Night' and 'Get Me to the Church on Time'.
Running from November 14 to December 13, the upcoming production is based on the lavish 2016 revival, directed by the one and only Julie Andrews, who famously took on the role of Eliza Doolittle at just 20. It will arrive in Melbourne hot on the heels of a run at Sydney Opera House, and will be the first major musical to grace the Ian Potter State Theatre following its huge refurbishment.
The casting for My Fair Lady will see both theatre royalty and rising talent take to the stage. You can expect industry heavyweights such as Reg Livermore, Robyn Nevin and Tony Llewllyn–Jones, alongside a full ensemble and a debut from Freddy Hellier. The lead roles of Eliza and Henry are still under wraps, but we'll keep you posted as we know more.
For the full details on the upcoming production and to buy your tickets, visit the Arts Centre Melbourne website here.
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