My Fair Lady is "Loverly" at Theatre By The Sea

Matunuck R.I. -- Audiences will be dancing all night after seeing the "loverly" My Fair Lady at Theatre By The Sea.

The 1956 musical, based on George Bernard Shaw's book Pygmalion, originally starred Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews, and won three Theatre World Awards and four Tony Awards. The 1964 movie adaptation starring Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director.

My Fair Lady is packed with classic songs such as "On The Street Where You Live," "Get Me To The Church On Time," and "I Could Have Danced All Night."

Michael Lichtefeld's choreography makes this musical fun and lively, especially during numbers "Wouldn't it Be Loverly" and "With a Little Bit Of Luck," while costumes by Cathleen Edwards and scenic design by Michael P. Kramer help draw audiences into Edwardian England.

Charles Shaughnessy as Henry Higgins with his pupil Eliza Doolittle, played by Kerry Conte.

Charles Shaughnessy, who is best known for his television roles in The Nanny and Days of Our Lives, is a wonderful Professor Henry Higgins who is delightfully unaware of how his words affect his student. Despite the character's shortcomings, Shaughnessy brings depth to the character which makes him a pleasure to watch. His songs "Why Can't The English?" and "I'm an Ordinary Man" are entertaining and full of laughs.

Kerry Conte as Eliza Doolittle.

Kerry Conte, who was Mary Poppins last year in Theatre By The Sea's production of the musical, is a charming Eliza Doolittle. From her accents to her dancing to her singing in "Wouldn't It Be Loverly" and "Show Me," she captivates audiences as the flower girl turned lady.

Tom Gleadow as Colonel Pickering, Kerry Conte as Eliza Doolittle, Ellen Peterson as Mrs. Pierce, and Charles Shaughnessy as Henry Higgins.

The performances by Tom Gleadow (Colonel Pickering) and Ellen Peterson (Mrs. Pierce) perfectly balance the flippant Higgins with their compassion and kindness towards Eliza through the smallest of actions.

Zachary Berger as Freddy Eynesford-Hill

Zachary Berger is impressive as Freddy Eynsford-Hill, who makes it so clear his character is in love with Eliza during his performances in "On the Street Where You Live" and "Show Me."

Bilł E. Dietrich as Alfred P. Doolittle (center, holding fan) and ensemble during "With A Little Bit of Luck."

Bill E. Dietrich is excellent as Eliza's ne'er-do-well father Alfred P. Doolittle. His energetic performance in "With A Little bit of Luck" is sure to be an audience favorite.

Bill E. Dietrich as Alfred P. Doolittle during "Get Me To The Church On Time."

Audiences are also sure to love numbers "I'm an Ordinary Man" and "Get Me To The Church On Time."

Theatre By The Sea's 2015 season includes The Little Mermaid (July 22nd to August 15th) and Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein (August 19th to September 6th), while the Children's Festival includes Cinderella, The Frog Prince, Legally Blonde, Jr., The Airborne Comedians, and Bubbleology.

Theatre owner Bill Hanney announced on opening night that next year's season will include the musical West Side Story.

My Fair Lady will be playing at Theatre By The Sea through July 18th, with evening shows on Tuesdays through Saturdays, and matinees on Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and some Wednesdays. For show times, please visit the website. Tickets are $45 to $65, and can be ordered online or purchased at the box office.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Theatre By The Sea's website at www.theatrebythesea.biz or call their box office at 401-782-8587.

Photographs by Steven Richrd Photography