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My Fair Lady

Introduction

A Classic of English Musical Theater

My Fair Lady is a classic musical that premiered in 1956 at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway. It was written by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, with music composed by Lerner and lyrics by Lerner and Dorothy Fields. The show is an adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, which explores themes of social class, identity, and the power dynamics between individuals.

Key Facts

  • Premiere: My Fair Lady opened on April 14, 1956, at the Imperial Theatre in New York City.
  • Original Cast: The show featured a talented cast, including Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle, Stanley Holloway as Henry Higgins, Rex Harrison as Colonel Pickering, and Margaret Rutherford as Mrs. Brill.
  • Broadway Run: My Fair Lady ran on Broadway for 1,444 performances from May 26, 1956, to September 25, 1960.
  • Film Adaptation: The musical was adapted into a film in 1964, directed by George Cukor and starring Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle and Rex Harrison as Professor Henry Higgins.

Historical Context

  • Social Commentary: My Fair Lady offered a commentary on the social class system of post-war England, highlighting the struggles of the working class and the limitations placed upon women.
  • Rise of the Feminist Movement: The show's themes of empowerment and self-discovery resonated with the feminist movement of the 1960s, which sought to challenge traditional notions of femininity and identity.

Significant Contributions

  • Innovative Use of Language: My Fair Lady introduced a unique blend of English and French phrases, creating a distinctive sound that has become iconic in musical theater.
  • Reimagining Social Class: The show challenged traditional notions of social class by presenting the complexities of identity and self-discovery through the characters' experiences.

Notable Attractions

  • Eliza Doolittle Character Development: Eliza's transformation from a Cockney flower girl to a refined lady is one of the most iconic aspects of the musical, showcasing Lerner's clever wordplay and wit.
  • Music and Dance: The show features an impressive range of music and dance numbers, including "Wouldn't It Be Loverly," "Get Me to the Church on Time," and "I've Gotten a Ph.D. in

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