I truly enjoy musicals so it was no surprise to anyone that I wanted to celebrate Mother’s Day and my birthday a little early and see My Fair Lady at our regional theater. It’s was loverly! The performance was a departure for our theater, Triad Stage, which most often features dramas with small casts and has a preference for southern authors or themes. We are very fortunate to have this venue. The quality of shows, acting and, almost especially, set design is superb. If you are ever in the area, check it out.
The movie version of course is divine, but, oddly, I had never caught a live performance. The dialogue is so fun, especially that of the pompous Henry Huggins who is both a credit and embarrassment to our profession.
It was entertaining to see the old gramophone for recording/listening and watch the archaic “marbles in the mouth” trick, but what I really appreciate is his passion for language.
“I know your head aches; I know you’re tired; I know your nerves are as raw as meat in a butcher’s window. But think what you’re trying to accomplish. Think what you’re dealing with. The majesty and grandeur of the English language, it’s the greatest possession we have. The noblest thoughts that ever flowed through the hearts of men are contained in its extraordinary, imaginative, and musical mixtures of sounds. And that’s what you’ve set yourself out to conquer Eliza. And conquer it you will.”
What a task we have—shaping opportunities for majesty and grandeur!
I’m curious, do any of you work with accent reduction? That seems like a particularly tough beast!
