By George, This 'Fair Lady' Has Got It!

By KATHY L. GREENBERG Tribune correspondent

Published: Sep 15, 2007

TAMPA - If co-workers and friends are belting out songs from "My Fair Lady," forgive them. It's probably because they've just seen the superb production at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

Based on the 2001 Cameron Mackintosh/National Theatre of Great Britain production, the show began its run in London last year to mark the Lerner and Loewe musical's 50{+t}{+h} anniversary. The North American tour kicked off in Tampa on Wednesday and closes tonight.

It's hard to limit the adjectives to describe the show's quality, but if any revival deserves a spot on Broadway, it's this one.

Christopher Cazenove was marvelous as the misogynistic professor Henry Higgins. Some may recall his roles as Ben Carrington on "Dynasty" or the two-faced almost-stepfather in the film "3 Men and a Little Lady." Cazenove was dynamic and commanding on stage. His enthusiasm for the plum part was clear, from every drop of disdain Higgins ladles on women to his passionate outpourings for the English language.

Lisa O'Hare's Eliza Doolittle matched Cazenove's energy pound for pound, as she skimmed across the stage with lively elegance. The British actress embodied the scrappy flower-girl-turned-lady. It was as easy seeing her work the streets like a good girl as it was watching her root for Dover at Ascot Racecourse. Her voice was clear and emotive, especially when singing "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?"

The supporting cast was equally wonderful, especially Justin Bohon as Freddy Eynsford-Hill and Tim Jerome as Eliza's father, Alfred P. Doolittle. Bohon was charming as the smitten young suitor, but it was his performance of "On the Street Where You Live" that delivered the chills and thrills. He hit the final notes with tremendous force and vitality.

As the alcoholic papa, Jerome left the audience in stitches one scene after the other. It would not be out of line to squeeze the actor backstage like the oversaturated sponge he plays (yes, he's that adorable).

Jerome leads the "With a Little Bit of Luck" number that practically leveled the house. There's stomping and drumming and raucous mayhem that got the whole place jumping.

Matthew Bourne's choreography raises the bar for future musicals. His work is perfect company to Anthony Ward's costume and set design.

During the "Ascot Gavotte" scene, after the death of King Edward VII, the spectators move in dark, regal silhouettes against a bright-blue backdrop. They strut like thoroughbreds, as haughty and stiff as the corsets the women wear beneath their spectacular mourning attire. When Eliza makes her debut in a stunning royal purple gown, she also dons an enormous disk-shaped hat that hides half her head. These are brilliant design choices that symbolize her character's duality and discomfort at pretending to be someone she's not.

The long-anticipated gown Eliza wears for the Embassy Ball elicited oohs and aahs from the audience. Descending the spiral staircase in Higgins' study, she is reborn in a cascade of diamonds and white.

"My Fair Lady" is a classic for a reason, but this production, directed by Trevor Nunn, reinvigorates the show's importance in musical theater, both in North America and abroad.

Kathy L. Greenberg of Tampa is a freelance writer.