Culture Craze
My Fair Lady Comes to Johannesburg: A Musical Masterpiece at Montecasino
Following the sell-out success of The Sound of Music in the 2023/24 summer season, Pieter Toerien Productions and Cape Town Opera are bringing the iconic musical My Fair Lady to Johannesburg. This timeless production will run at the Teatro at Montecasino from 25 January 2025 to 2 March 2025, promising a delightful experience for theatre lovers.
What Is My Fair Lady About?
My Fair Lady tells the captivating story of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who receives elocution lessons from Henry Higgins, a phonetics professor, in order to pass as a lady in early twentieth-century England. As Eliza undergoes a remarkable transformation, a complex relationship develops between her and Higgins, highlighting themes of class, identity, and the power of language.
A Stellar Cast of Local Talent
A highlight of this production is the stellar South African talent gracing the stage. The lead role of Eliza Doolittle will be shared by Cape Town Opera’s Brittany Smith, a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award-winning actress. Smith, who has received glowing reviews for her past performances, including The Sound of Music, will be joined by Leah Mari in the role of Eliza.
Leading the male cast is Craig Urbani, known for his roles in The Sound of Music, We Will Rock You, and Chicago, who will portray the charming yet complex Henry Higgins. Graham Hopkins, a well-respected actor in productions like Witness for the Prosecution and Hansard, will take on the role of Colonel Pickering.
Other members of the talented cast include Mark Richardson as Doolittle, Sandi Dlangalala as Freddy Eynsford-Hill, Adrienne Pearce as Mrs. Higgins, and Namhla Tshuka as Mrs. Eynsford-Hill, among many others.
One of the key reasons My Fair Lady remains beloved by audiences worldwide is its unforgettable score. Featuring timeless songs such as “I Could Have Danced All Night”, “The Rain in Spain”, “Get Me to the Church on Time”, and “On the Street Where You Live”, this production is bound to captivate audiences of all ages. The music by Frederick Loewe and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, paired with a compelling story, promises a musical journey you won’t want to miss.
My Fair Lady is often hailed as one of the greatest musicals of all time. With a Broadway premiere in 1956, the show ran for 2,717 performances, setting the record for the longest-running musical at the time. It also won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, cementing its place in musical theatre history.
Based on George Bernard Shaw’s play and adapted from the motion picture Pygmalion, the production features a brilliant book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and captivating music by Frederick Loewe.
Important Information for Theatregoers
- Venue: The Teatro at Montecasino
- Dates: 25 January to 2 March 2025
- Ticket Prices: From R240 to R580 per person
- Booking: Tickets available via Webtickets
- Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair-friendly and offers special seating for hearing-impaired guests. Drinks and light snacks are available in the foyers.
- Age Restriction: No children under 3 or babies in arms are allowed.
My Fair Lady promises to be a show-stopping production, bringing to life one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Be sure to secure your tickets and experience the magic of Eliza Doolittle’s transformation at Montecasino.
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