The Martin Center audience “could have danced all night” with the touring production of “My Fair Lady.”

There were two shows: one on Feb. 12 and one on Feb. 13. Doors opened to the Martin Center at 6:30 p.m. The house doors opened at 7:00 p.m. The show started at 7:30 p.m. There was concession and merchandise for sale. There was a 15-minute intermission.

The main sponsor that brought the production was Bravissima! Jennifer Clements, the executive director of the Martin Center, introduced Bravissima! before the show started.

“They want to introduce strengths of arts in Appalachian,” said Clements.

Poster for the Martin Center for the Arts’ showing of “My Fair Lady.” (Contributed/ETSU Martin Center for the Arts)

The show was written by Alan Jay Lerner, and the music was written by Frederick Loewe. The show was directed by Bartlett Sher and sponsored by the Lincoln Center Theatre.

Audiences young and old embraced the classical musical. Many people found it reminiscent of the 1964 film with Audrey Hepburn.

“’My Fair Lady’ is my favorite musical,” said student Emma Hynsen, who watched the show on Feb. 12. “It is so nice to give students an opportunity to see shows; it brings young people in.”

During the Monday night show, the productions had to hold from 7:55 to 8:00 p.m. because of technical difficulties.

The singers were able to beautifully showcase the music of the Golden Age. Jonathan Grunert, who played Professor Henry Higgins, and Nathan Haltiwanger, who played Freddy Eynsford-Hill, was able to sing male Golden Age songs with ease, including “Why Can’t the English?” and “On the Street Where You Live.” However, the breakout stars were the Doolittles. Anette-Barrios-Torres showed Eliza’s character development through her choices and singing. Michael Hegarty’s singing and dancing, especially, “Get Me to the Church on Time” showed how much of a triple threat he can be.  The orchestra also helped convey the beautiful music of the Golden Age.

The best part of the production was the costumes. Catherine Zuber correctly portrayed the Victorian era clothing. Eliza was able to stand out from the ensemble with her costumes. During the horse race scene, she wore black in contrast to the high-class elites in white. Her iconic ball dress shone with soft white and diamonds. During the second act, she contrasted with the rest of the ensemble in her two pink costumes.

The second-best thing was the set. Michael Yeargan’s complex set was both accurate to the time period and artistically modern. The backdrops felt like paintings. Higgins’ house was ever moving with doors and stairs. The set pieces helped the choreography and blocking of actors feel unique. The rotating flats kept the audience on edge. The scrim helped set the mood and day. The scene transitions were interesting, as the scenes transition-actors moving set pieces and orchestra playoff-the previous scene ends.

Another great thing was the choreography. Both Jim Cooney and Christopher Gattelli’s choreography had range. There were multiple types of dances from traditional Golden Age musical theatre, waltz, can-can and tango.

The weakest part is the story, especially the way Higgins treats Eliza. However, there are undertones of feminism, discovery and love that inspired the audience.

The next Broadway tour production at the Martin Center will be “Jesus Christ Superstar” from March 18-20. For more information go to etsumartincenter.com.

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