Producers John Frost and Opera Australia’s Lyndon Terracini have announced a stellar line-up of Australian stars and theatre royalty for the highly anticipated opening of Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady – directed by Julie Andrews.
Headlining the new company is acclaimed British performer Alex Jennings, as Professor Higgins and the young Australian star, Anna O’Byrne, as Eliza Doolittle. Joining them is an outstanding cast. Reg Livermore will play the role of Alfred P. Doolittle. Robyn Nevin will play Mrs. Higgins and Mark Vincent will play Freddy Eynsford-Hill. The role of Colonel Hugh Pickering will be played by Tony Llewellyn-Jones and Deidre Rubenstein will play Mrs Pearce.
Julie Andrews, who created the original role of Eliza Doolittle in the Broadway and London productions directed by the legendary Moss Hart, will be taking the helm for this new production. “I am thrilled to be working with this extraordinary cast and crew,” said Miss Andrews.
“I am excited to welcome lovely Anna O’Byrne and simply delighted that Alex Jennings will be portraying our Professor Higgins. Directing this lovely piece will allow me to honour my mentor, Moss Hart, and hopefully expose a new generation of theatre lovers to this important musical.”
Associates of the original design team have come onboard for this production to help bring to life once again the stunning sets by Oliver Smith and glorious costumes by Cecil Beaton. Contributing to the creative team is Tony-award winning choreographer Christopher Gattelli, musical director Guy Simpson, lighting design by Broadway and West End legend Richard Pilbrow and sound design by Michael Waters.
The ensemble will feature Octavia Barron-Martin, Andrew Broadbent, Deborah Caddy, Elisa Colla, Zoy Frangos, Josh Gates, Alex Given, Matt Heyward, Glen Hogstrom, Matt Holly, Kate Maree Hoolihan, Georgina Hopson, Erin James, Hollie James, Todd Keys, James Lee, Vanessa Lewis, Allyce Martins, James Maxfield, Julia Mcrae, Holly Meegan, Joel Parnis, Jackie Rees, Greta Sherriff, David Sirianni, Sophie Viskich, Paul Whitely, Katherine Wiles and Karlis Zaid.
This production will celebrate the 60th anniversary of this beloved musical which took the world by storm, telling the tale of a Cockney flower girl named Eliza Doolittle whose world was forever changed by the brilliant and demanding phoneticist, Professor Henry Higgins. The clash of cultures sparks some of theatre’s most witty dialogue and wonderful songs.
In 1956 Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s masterful retelling of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion took the world by storm. Creating the enchanting character of Eliza Doolittle was a young Julie Andrews in only her second role on Broadway, catapulting her to international stardom.
“It has been such a joy to work with Miss Andrews in recreating and celebrating the iconic 1956 production,” said producer John Frost. “There is no better person to capture the magic of this musical masterpiece.”
My Fair Lady commences at the Sydney Opera House from 30 August 2016. For more information, visit: www.myfairladymusical.com.au for details.
Image: Anna Byrne (supplied)