Cast line-up for new My Fair Lady production
Right: Anna O’Byrne
Producers John Frost and Opera Australia’s Lyndon Terracini have announced the line-up of Australian stars and theatre royalty for the opening of Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady directed by Julie Andrews.
Opening night at the Sydney Opera House on 6 September will be the culmination of several years of research to help recreate and present the original Broadway production of My Fair Lady which opened in 1956 starring Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews.
Associates of the original design team have come on board for this production to help bring to life once again the stunning sets by Oliver Smith and glorious costumes by Cecil Beaton. Contributing to the creative team is Tony-award winning choreographer Christopher Gattelli, musical director Guy Simpson, lighting design by Broadway and West End legend Richard Pilbrow and sound design by Michael Waters. This production will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the musical which tells the tale of a Cockney flower girl named Eliza Doolittle whose world was forever changed by the brilliant and demanding phoneticist, Professor Henry Higgins. The clash of cultures sparks some of theatre’s most witty dialogue and wonderful songs.
Headlining the new company are British performer Alex Jennings, as Professor Higgins and the young Australian star, Anna O’Byrne, as Eliza Doolittle. Joining them is Reg Livermore, who will play the role of Alfred P. Doolittle, Robyn Nevin as Mrs. Higgins and Mark Vincent will play Freddy Eynsford-Hill. The role of Colonel Hugh Pickering will be played by Tony Llewellyn-Jones and Deidre Rubenstein will play Mrs. Pearce.
Alex Jennings is a three time Olivier Award winner and is one of the U.K’s best loved theatre performers. He has worked extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company and The National Theatre.
Alex is the only performer to have won Olivier Awards in the drama, musical and comedy categories. He has starred in several films, including the 2015 feature The Lady in the Van. Other film appearances include The Queen, The Wings of the Dove, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and Babel.
Anna O’Byrne graduated from the Victorian College of Arts and has a growing international career spanning opera, theatre, concert and film, with starring roles in theatre productions including Love Never Dies and The Phantom of the Opera.
My Fair Lady previews commence at the Sydney Opera House on 30 August followed by a gala opening night on 6 September.
Season Details: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House, previews from 30 August, opening night 6 September. Bookings: www.myfairladymusical.com.au or 02 9318 8200, 02 9250 7777 or 1300 723 038
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