Debbie Croft: Audiences will fall in love with ‘My Fair Lady’ at Sierra Rep

Sierra Repertory Theatre’s 300th production, “My Fair Lady,” is exquisite.

In almost four decades of bringing music and dramatic arts to the stage in Tuolumne County, SRT opens its 37th season with the Broadway and movie classic.

Audiences will not be disappointed.

Film and stage star Brittney Bertier shines as Eliza Doolittle. From the moment we hear the unmistakable Cockney accent identifying her with London’s poor working class, we are smitten.

Underneath the unpolished, brash, pitiful creature struggling to make a living lies a woman like any other woman, with dreams waiting to be fulfilled. Her heart brims with love and hope and the shared human desire for happiness – even if it’s just selling flowers in a shop, instead of on the street.

Professor Henry Higgins, on the other hand, is the villain to this damsel in distress. There’s no doubt where Higgins’ opinion lies in regard to Eliza. Or to her unfortunate class of “guttersnipes,” as he calls her.

“A woman who utters such disgusting and depressing noises has no right to be anywhere, no right to live. Remember that you are a human being with a soul and the divine gift of articulate speech, that your native language is the language of Shakespeare and Milton and the Bible; don’t sit there crooning like a bilious pigeon …”

Russell Garrett fills the role of Higgins superbly. More than once the audience voices its disdain for his superiority.

“Look at her, a prisoner of the gutters, condemned by every syllable she utters, by right she should be taken out and hung, for the cold-blooded murder of the English tongue,” Higgins continues, in his speech condemning her kind.

He boasts he can change Eliza’s speech and pass her off as a duchess at an upcoming ball.

With a little money in hand, she shows up at his house to ask for his linguistic services. He refuses at first, but with Colonel Pickering joining her side, he accepts the challenge.

As Pickering and Higgins’ new friend, Mark Poppleton brings energy, comedy and a gracious gentility to the story that contrasts with Higgins’ arrogance. Pickering becomes the mediator between Higgins and Eliza — an advocate in support of both their efforts.

Though Higgins is less than kind in his dealings with her, Eliza still plods on in her attempt to learn proper articulation. With each scene, she endears us to her even more.

When the breakthrough finally comes – “the rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain” – the audience’s delight is felt across the theatre.

The raw contrast of two worlds within the same city: Covent Garden’s flower girls and dustmen meet London’s high society in the book “Pygmalion,” by George Bernard Shaw.

The familiar soundtrack behind the songs entertains, and we can’t help singing along. Original lyrics are by Alan Jay Lerner, and music by Frederick Loewe. And all the songs are a treat to listen to.

While Higgins and the entire household gloat after the success at the ball, we feel Eliza’s pain, as her efforts go unnoticed. We can’t help but cheer her on, to sympathize in her discouragements and rise with her triumphs. It’s a battle of the sexes and clashing of societies in this unexpected romance that blossoms before our eyes.

He was serenely independent before meeting Eliza. But when she leaves, Higgins is humbled. Surprisingly he finds his life lacking. And he finally admits he misses her.

SRT brings this memorable tale to life with revolving stages, creative lighting, brilliant talent, and gorgeous sets and costumes. Most of the action takes place in Higgins’ study or on the street, with several scene changes, including the Ascot race scene, which is sumptuous.

The ensemble cast members undergo multiple costume changes while filling the roles of street sellers, household help, and aristocratic spectators in the grandstands. Their song and dance routines and little quips add fun throughout. There’s so much going on in every square foot of the small stage.

Ty Smith, a multi-talented SRT company member and audience favorite, plays Eliza’s father, Alfred P. Doolittle.

Kathy Day as Mrs. Pearce, Higgins’ housekeeper, M Susan Peck as Mrs. Higgins, and Caitlin Randall as Mrs. Eynsford-Hill all do an outstanding job as the three older women in the story. Their characters provide maturity and wisdom amid turbulent emotions.

Congratulations to Dennis and Sara Jones and the entire cast and crew with SRT for a superb production!

“My Fair Lady” runs through April 24 at East Sonora Theatre. Details are found at the website, www.sierrarep.org, or by calling 209-532-3120.

This story was originally published March 11, 2016 at 1:39 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Audiences will fall in love with ‘My Fair Lady’ at Sierra Rep."