Review: Hale Centre Theatre’s MY FAIR LADY is Pleasurably Gratifying
MY FAIR LADY plays through July 11, 2026.
MY FAIR LADY on Hale Centre Theatre’s Centre Stage in Sandy is a pleasurably gratifying new exploration of a classic.
MY FAIR LADY (book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, music by Frederick Loewe, adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s PYGMALION) is a classic in every sense of the word. The original 1957 Broadway production won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and its 1964 film adaptation won eight Oscars, including Best Picture. Dialect expert Henry Higgins takes on the challenge of passing off Cockney flower girl Eliza Dolittle as a duchess, but he doesn’t foresee the impact their lessons will make.
Scout Smith is incandescent as Eliza Dolittle (double cast with Lisa Zimmerman). Though her vocal style varies from the traditional expectation of the character, she provides a refreshing viewpoint and a layered performance, as does the compelling Kelton Davis as a harried but somehow tender Henry Higgins (double cast with Keith McKay Evans).
The enjoyable Mark Pulham as Colonel Pickering (double cast with Mark Knowles) is a crucial linchpin in the leading triangle.
Other strong supporting characters include Linda Jean Stephenson as Mrs. Higgins (double cast with Barta Heiner), Doug Wadley as Freddy Eynsford-Hill (double cast with John Donovan Wilson), Duane Stephens as Alfred P. Dolittle (double cast with Daniel Hess), and Lori Rees as Mrs. Pearce (single cast). The mostly single-cast ensemble is stellar across the board, with Lucas Morley a particular highlight.
The direction by Ryan Simmons, choreograpy by Afton Wilson, and scenic design by Nate Bertone work together seamlessly to keep momentum moving and add variety and new perspective to the scenes. The set is another marvel that allows for both architectural splendor and the simplistic movement of a turntable on an empty stage that Hale is beloved for.
The gorgeous costume design by Joy Zhu and hair/makeup design by Krissa Lent span both grandeur and grittiness with equal success, and the lighting design by Jaron Kent Hermansen ties it all together for a truly captivating production.
MY FAIR LADY plays through July 11, 2026. For tickets, call the box office at 801-984-9000 or visit www.hct.org.
Photo Credit: Hale Centre Theatre.
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