Photo Coverage: Backstage at Arena Stage's MY FAIR LADY

Based on George Bernard Shaw’s classic play Pygmalion, Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s musical My Fair Lady follows the transformation of Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle into an aristocratic lady through lessons in manners, language and dress. After directing the production at the 2011 Shaw Festival, Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith reunites with members of her original design team, along with noted Canadian actor Benedict Campbell who reprises his role as Henry Higgins, to bring a completely fresh interpretation to audiences in D.C. As previously announced, Nichols makes her Arena debut as Eliza Doolittle, and Rodriguez returns as Freddy Eynsford-Hill, leading a cast that features many D.C.-area actors. My Fair Lady became the best-selling production in the Shaw Festival’s 50-year history.

Choreographer Daniel Pelzig, Music Director Paul Sportelli, Costume Designer Judith Bowden and Lighting Designer Jock Munro will rejoin Smith to create an original look for My Fair Lady at Arena Stage, along with Set Designer Donald Eastman and Sound Designer Carl Casella.

Choreography is by Pelzig, who makes his Arena Stage debut. Sportelli (A Light in the Piazza) rejoins Smith to lead the 11-piece orchestra, which will emphasize the city street sounds from beneath the stage. Eastman (M. Butterfly) creates the world of 1912 London in the round, with floral patterns influenced by William Morris designs covering the floor and enormous crystal chandeliers illuminating the Fichandler Stage.

For more information, visit: http://www.arenastage.org/

Phtoto Credit: Walter McBride