My Fair Lady
Coronation Hall, Mosgiel
Friday, June 24
Nadya shaw Bennett brought flower girl Eliza Doolittle to life on Friday night as she captivated an opening-night audience for the Taieri Musical Society's 2011 performance of My Fair Lady.
Shaw Bennett was everything an Eliza Doolittle should be, taking the guttersnipe flower girl through to the promised princess, but with all the angst and drama that lessons with the indefatigable Henry Higgins threw at her.
She was outstanding as Eliza. Her singing was seemingly note-perfect; her totally awful London accent disappeared gradually so that by the end of the three-hour performance, she was speaking beautiful English.
But when she ended I could have danced all night by reaching top notes in full voice, jaws dropped among audience members. It was spellbinding.
Higgins, played by Peter Storer, was outrageous. He combined being arrogant and obnoxious with vulnerability and graciousness in a commanding performance. If at times his singing was louder than necessary, he compensated with some tender notes and kind words.
Bill Borlase provided a wonderful foil for Higgins and support for Eliza with his fustiness, implied logic and downright pragmatism. Borlase struck a good mix to take away some of the tension between Higgins and Eliza.
The three leads were amply backed up by a talented cast of singers and dancers who had obviously worked hard for a long time to present a polished performance.
Many of the cast managed to play several characters, slipping in and out of their different parts with ease.
There are some wonderful cameos to look for. The children bringing out the chairs for the Ascot race meeting scene were delightful and prompted long applause by the audience.
Near the end, the scene between Eliza, Higgins and his wonderful mother (Shirley Graham) is a gem.
Storer singing I've grown accustomed to her face was his best of the night.
Not once did the energy levels flag in a full-on and long performance.
The number of younger cast members in My Fair Lady is an encouraging sign for the future of the society.
I first saw this musical 50 years ago with my late grandfather. It is a favourite.
The audience showed their appreciation with a well-deserved standing opening-night ovation.
The director-choreographer is Denise Henderson and Bridget Telfer is the musical director. My Fair Lady runs until July 2.
