My Fair Lady
at Boca Raton High School

Reviewed on March 6, 2010

Sammi Thilen
Coral Springs Christian Academy
Submitted for publication to

Somehow, George Bernard Shaw's Pygamilion went from a work impossible to transform as a musical to "the perfect musical": My Fair Lady. Written by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, the show was considered atypical since it lacked a subplot and was not essentially a love story. However, this did not stop it from becoming the longest running show on Broadway of its time, displaced only by Phantom of the Opera. This musical takes a fascinating perspective on the irrelevance of social class compared to the worth of a human being; depicting the elevation of Eliza Doolittle, a grubby flower girl, to a genteel lady mistaken for a Hungarian princess.

Boca Raton High School's production of My Fair Lady was colorful, smooth, and decidedly lively. Actors and actresses whirled about the stage in spectacular costumes, beautifully executing brilliant choreography involving props such as trash can lids and spoons. In every scene, actors were acutely aware of themselves and of the stage, utilizing the space with impeccable grace and ease. Sets were innovative, engaging both sides of many pieces to make for quick and easy set changes. The stage crew was silent and efficient, although jarringly visible during each scene change. Mishaps in execution were confined to instances of interference from the microphones and some hastily delivered lines.

Marlyn Massalone portrayed a sensational Eliza Doolittle. With a hilariously accurate cockney accent and, as Mr. Higgins worded it, "delightfully low" mannerisms, she played an utterly honest and completely believable lower class woman. Her transformation into gentility was appropriately stunning as she displayed the remarkable ability to bring both facets of her character to life. She sang beautifully, hitting each note clearly and with confidence.

Opposite Marlyn Massalone was Kevin Gish in the role of Henry Higgins, her elocution professor. Watching Gish perform, one forgot that in reality he was a high school student, and saw only Mr. Higgins. His performance was close to flawless without appearing rehearsed, and his voice reverberated powerfully throughout the theatre in each of his songs. Alfred P. Doolittle, Eliza's clownish, low-born drunk of a father, was comically characterized by Mario Pavon. Pavon brought added comedic dimension to the show, with solid performances in "With a Little Bit of Luck" and "Get Me to the Church On Time". Although chorus members are often the weakest part of a high school production, the ensemble proved to be one of the strengths of the performance. Each member of the ensemble was lively, energetic, and skilled at becoming a part of the scene without detracting from it. Not a single person dropped character or looked out of place, which is impressive for a high school level play.

My Fair Lady, performed by Boca Raton High School, was a unique and mirthful production that was consistent and fast-paced to the very end.

Marcus Levine
Coral Springs High School
Submitted for publication to

Throughout time, the people of England have generally been characterized by their extreme pomposity, a rather unexciting devotion to the proper and refined. This notion is completely thrown on its head by Boca Raton High School's fun-filled production of "My Fair Lady," as a poor flower girl enters the high-class world of the British aristocracy.

With book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, "My Fair Lady" is based upon George Bernard Shaw's epic drama "Pygmalion," which is in turn based upon an ancient Cypriot myth. Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl from Covent Gardens, is rather reluctantly taken on by Professor Henry Higgins, an expert in language, who bets his fellow gentleman Colonel Pickering that he can turn this poor girl in to a proper lady in just six months. What ensues is a ridiculous comedy of manners in which street slang brushes up against the Queen's English, sparking a momentous showdown of dialects.

Holding the play together through its rather lengthy run is an absolute devotion to the performance. From the smallest ensemble part right on up to the lead actress, every single performer on stage exudes joy and excitement, transmitting this feeling of exuberance straight out to the audience. Of note in this respect are the dustmen, Mr. Doolittle's accomplices, who consistently bring a little spark of delight to the stage.

As the misogynistic, hardhearted, and borderline detestable phoneticist Henry Higgins, Kevin Gish puts on a stellar performance, capturing the subtle nuances of language without losing the delicate balance of character created by Shaw and enhanced by Lerner.

Alfred P. Doolittle, the source of most of the show's comic relief, is brilliantly portrayed by Mario Pavon, evincing the drunken nature of his character in speech, movement, and expression, all while handling a rather challenging vocal score.

Technically, the show is clean and effective, with a vast array of period costumes and massive set pieces, though it did suffer from a few extended scene changes and slight microphone problems.

Boca Raton High School attempts a feat that not even Rodgers and Hammerstein could perform: to put the legendary "Pygmalion" on stage as a musical, and their roaring success leaves its audience wanting to dance all night.

Olivia Valdes
North Broward Preparatory School
Submitted for publication to

Lots of actors tappin' their two feet, lots of singin' with voices so sweet, wouldn't it be loverly? The cast of Boca Raton High School's My Fair Lady wove the timeless Cinderella story with vigor and enthusiasm making it the "loverly" production it was.

Inspired by George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, My Fair Lady was written by Alan Jay Lerner with music by Frederick Loewe and premiered in 1956. Setting a record for Broadway running time, My Fair Lady is one of the most popular in history and has been labeled "the perfect musical." The transcendent tale of lowly Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle's transformation into an English gentlewoman functions on multiple levels.

From the exterior, My Fair Lady is an account of the burgeoning relationship between phonetician Henry Higgins and Eliza as Higgins attempts to teach his foul-mouthed student the nuances of the English language. Entrenched in the musical, however, is a tremendously satirical illustration of the rift between social classes in early 20th century England.

The cast of Boca Raton High School's production of My Fair Lady performed with skill and poise far beyond a high school level. From the Cockneys of London's slums to the aristocratic rich, the ensemble expressed beautifully the clashing personalities of opposing classes. Even when silent, every actor formed a distinct, instantly recognizable character.

As Eliza, the Cockney girl with big dreams, Marlyn Massalone excelled, articulating Eliza's frustration, merriment and desperate desire to escape "the gutter" with polish. As Eliza twice fantasizes about the death of Higgins in "Just You Wait" and reprise, Massalone spotlighted her strong vocals and proved a remarkable mastery of the Cockney accent and Queen's English. In the role of Henry Higgins, Kevin Gish shone alongside Massalone. Higgins, an urbane, sophisticated man, loves nothing more than the well-spoken English language, and Gish effortlessly adopted his character's arrogant mannerisms. Lamenting poor speech habits in "Why Can't The English?", Gish strode across the stage with a debonair grace and displayed an impeccable English accent.

Mario Pavon's portrayal of Alfred P. Doolittle, Eliza's father, created a brilliant comedic juxtaposition as he stormed into Higgins' extravagant home, picking his teeth and drinking from teapots. With slapstick physicality and drunken antics, Pavon commanded the stage upon every entrance. In the role of Mrs. Higgins, Henry Higgins' mother, Madison Roulan also succeeded in portraying an older woman who mends her snobbish tendencies and befriends Eliza.

Lighting and sound designer Austin Powers, along with a student-run tech crew, masterfully controlled both sets of cues. Sound bytes were never noticeably mistimed. Stage manager Rebecca Kane and crew created seamless scene transitions despite the many complex set pieces onstage.

With their poise, composure and adept performance, the cast of Boca Raton High School's My Fair Lady left audiences dancing all night, and theater-goers were undoubtedly "begging for more."

Kimmi Johnson
JP Taravella HS
Submitted for publication to

Learning to be a lady may be important to a soot-covered, manner less flower girl from the lower class, but learning how to love and be loved is a valuable lesson for all, as shown in Boca Raton Community High School's production of "My Fair Lady."

Based off of George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion" and book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, "My Fair Lady" is a classic musical that transforms rags to riches with the power of love and perseverance. Henry Higgins, a dignified member of the upper-class, takes the lower-class Eliza Doolittle into his home, hoping to teach her to be a lady, and as he succeeds, he ends up teaching himself a few meaningful lessons as well.

The ensemble did an excellent job throughout the entire production with their consistent high level of energy. At every moment, all cast members were completely engaged in the scene, whether they were vibrantly dancing with tins or spoons, hopelessly selling flowers, or watching a horse race with wide eyes.

Henry Higgins may be an "ordinary man," but Kevin Gish, who played Higgins, is no ordinary actor. In fact, he is extraordinary, as his appropriate, mature acting choices and overall impressive characterization created a memorable performance. Opposite Gish was Marlyn Massalone, as Eliza Doolittle, whose beautiful voice and talent lit up the stage as she morphed from classless to classy with natural ease.

Alfred P. Doolittle, Eliza's father, was played by Mario Pavon, who immediately became a stand out of the evening in his number, "With a Little Bit of Luck." He magnificently captured the happy-go-lucky sparkle of his character. Charlie Cruzan (Colonel Pickering) also conquered his portrayal, bringing the stature and quirkiness of an old man to life.

The technical aspects of this show were remarkable, except for a few minor sound issues. The excellent lighting, designed by Austin Powers, was very fitting and enhanced the overall quality of the performance. In addition, the stage crew, led by stage manager Rebecca Kane, was efficient and kept the show flowing through every scene change.

The cast of Boca Raton High School's production of "My Fair Lady" provided an enjoyable night of theatre that was truly "loverly."

Jessica Kent
Olympic Heights High School
Submitted for publication to

A mutual adoration of chocolate and phonetics, an appreciation of the "middle class morality", and of course Cockney accents all intertwine in Boca Raton Community High School's production of "My Fair Lady." With book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, this classic musical, even fifty four years after its debut, will forever remain "loverly."

Opening on Broadway in 1956, "My Fair Lady" won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Based on George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion," "My Fair Lady" revolves around Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl with the grace of an ox and the mouth of a sailor. When Henry Higgins, a man of high social standing, takes Eliza in on a bet that he can teach her language and manners fit for a true "lady," chaos ensues. Both Eliza and Henry prove to be stubborn not only in changing their ways, but also in recognizing their true feelings for one another. However "with a little bit of luck," anything is possible.

Boca Raton Community High School's production of this high spirited and witty show was made possible as a result of a true commitment and passion displayed with all the actors involved. The entire ensemble worked well together, conveying the inherently important themes presented throughout the production.

Leading the cast, Marlyn Massalone as Eliza Doolittle demonstrated incredible acting and vocals. Her comedic timing was matched by her honest line delivery and commitment to her boisterous character. As the arrogant and somewhat misogynistic Henry Higgins, Kevin Gish gave a passionate performance. His flawless line delivery added to his already well developed character. The tension and chemistry between Massalone and Gish was noteworthy. As Colonel Pickering, Charlie Cruzan's natural stage presence truly stood out.

Mario Pavon as Eliza's father Alfred P. Doolittle truly understood his role. His enthusiasm and crass persona truly added to the vitality of the production. As Mrs. Higgins, Madison Roulan was truly exceptional. Her comedic timing was truly an asset to the production. Emily Weeks as Mrs. Pearce, also added to an appreciation of the significance of the show through her complete concentration and focus throughout.

Technically, this show though was extremely appealing. The costumes and makeup were time period appropriate and added to the understanding of the division of social classes. The set was extremely functional and served the actors well. The scene changes, though lengthy were executed with great efficiency often by cast members. Minor problems included microphone malfunctions, late light cues, and a lack of diction by some actors.

Boca Raton Community High School's production of the timeless classic "My Fair Lady" was thought provoking and entertaining. With its witty look at the hoity-toity society of Edwardian England, this production led one to understand that perhaps the division of classes revolves around education and manners and not just money or social standing. After all, as Eliza says, "the difference between a flower girl and a lady is not how she behaves, but how she is treated."

Marlee Kula
North Broward Preparatory School
Submitted for publication to

"My Fair Lady," by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, was performed last weekend at Boca Raton Community High School with some laughs, some grace, and lots of energy. Taking place in the early 1900's, it was adapted from George Bernard Shaw's famous play, "Pygmalion." Boca Raton Community High School's portrayal of the play was traditional, entertaining, and compellingly hilarious.

The play initially begins when Eliza, a sniveling guttersnipe from Covent Garden, marching into Mr. Henry Higgins' office and offering to pay for speech lessons. A bet is hatched between Mr. Higgins and Colonel Pickering, a fellow speech expert, and the games begin. As the story unfurls, Eliza accompanies Higgins and Pickering to a royal ball hoping that she has become ladylike enough that no one attending will realize where she comes from.

Eliza, played by Marlyn Massalone, had a very nice voice, and clear development in her character as the play progressed. She charmed the audience in numbers such as, "Just You Wait," and "Wouldn't it Be Loverly?" Her natural chemistry opposite Kevin Gish (Henry Higgins), and Charlie Cruzan (Colonel Pickering), was clear, and impressive.

Mario Pavon, played the drunken, cheery, and uproarious Alfred Doolittle. His entrances were heavily anticipated, as he was always full of energy, and excitement. One of his principle songs, "With a Little Bit Of Luck," set the pace for the entire show and was an accepted crowd favorite.

While the show had a monstrous set that was moved primarily by actors, they continued to stay in character while moving heavy fences or benches and did their best to make this a seamless performance. The props and effects were also kept consistent with the time period and theme of the show.

With such a difficult show, there are bound to be flaws. However, in this performance, only minor technical issues were noticeable to the audience. There were some clear sound issues, and while there were also some inconsistencies with the makeup that was intended to age the actors, the show flew on without a hitch.

Boca Raton Community High School's performance of "My Fair Lady," was engaging, charming, and inspired. The interesting characters created in this special performance will not be soon forgotten, and were full of heart and dedication. A group effort in its entirety, the cast and crew should be very proud of this worthy endeavor.

Briana Rittersporn
Coral Springs High School
Submitted for publication to

The transformation from rags to riches and from Cockney to lady is a classic that can keep anyone dancing all night. Boca Raton Community High School's talent-filled production of My Fair Lady didn't need 'a Little Bit of Luck' to be a memorable evening.

My Fair Lady, book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner with music by Frederick Loewe, made its Broadway debut in 1956 and has since seen three revivals and received multiple Tony Awards. Based on George Bernard Shaw's novel Pygmalion, My Fair Lady follows Eliza Doolittle and Professor Henry Higgins, a Cockney flower girl and the man who vows to transform her into a proper lady through speech lessons. When Eliza makes her upper-class debut, she realizes she no longer needs Professor Higgins to become someone important in the world.

The overall production was anchored by strong ensemble work, characterized by high-energy execution of dance numbers and harmonic vocal delivery.

Marlyn Massalone (Eliza Doolittle) displayed effective characterization, consciously matching her movements to her words, completing the gradual change her character achieved through the story. Kevin Gish (Henry Higgins) and Charlie Cruzan (Colonel Pickering) defined their characters by utilizing calculated and precise movements to illustrate an air of properness and intelligence, qualities that were appropriate for their characters. Gish and Cruzan both commanded attention while on stage: Gish with his timely line delivery that added to the comedic nature of his role, and Cruzan with his character voice and distinguished gait.

Madison Roulan (Mrs. Higgins) executed her lines precisely, enunciating to emphasize her clear accent that was essential to her prestigious character. Mario Pavon (Alfred P. Dootlittle) was entertaining and enjoyable to watch during musical numbers such as "With a Little Bit of Luck". His mannerisms were genuine and comical, using quirky gestures to emphasize his unconventional role. Following Pavon's lead, the ensemble members of the cast were energetic and created unique characters, contributing to the aesthetic success of the show.

The set pieces were functional and period appropriate, and in combination with the costumes gave a sense of verisimilitude to the production. The lighting was ideal; all cast members could be seen, and the design did not distract for the action on stage. The sound had some difficulties; some microphones created feedback, and unbalanced volume levels made some characters too loud. The orchestra, which consisted predominately of students, was not overbearing and added to the charm of the musical.

At the curtain's close, the cast and crew of Boca Raton Community High School's production of My Fair Lady received the standing ovation they deserved.

Sami Imber
Coral Springs Christian Academy
Submitted for publication to

Boca Raton Community High School's production of My Fair Lady was a 'loverly' experience had by all in attendance! My Fair Lady first debuted on Broadway in 1956 as an adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's play, Pygmalion. At that time, the show was the longest running production in Broadway history.

My Fair Lady centers around Eliza Doolittle, a poor cockney flower girl, who is discovered by phonetics professor, Henry Higgins. Higgins and his buddy, Colonel Pickering, take on Eliza as their project and begin to make her fit for the embassy ball. In the end, Eliza learns a lot more than just language, but that she can be independent from Higgins and everyone else.

Boca High's production was a delight from beginning to end. Technical aspects aside, acting and vocals were extremely strong and choral numbers radiated with energy and beautiful harmonies. The choreography, though simple, was well executed and very effective. Characterization never wavered from any of the actors and the tough cockney accents were never faulty.

Marlyn Massalone as Eliza Doolittle was absolutely breathtaking. Her transformation from lowly flower girl to worthy royal was magnificent. Massalone's singing was clear and in tune, taking over the stage even when she was standing by herself. She was a believable character who looked as if she were having the time of her life every second. Kevin Gish as Henry Higgins was equally phenomenal. Neither lead outshined the other, but instead played each other up perfectly. The chemistry, though not romantic, was electric and almost tangible between the two. Gish seemed not at all a high school student, but in fact the arrogant, middle aged Higgins. His voice was incredibly soothing and fit wonderfully with the music.

Colonel Pickering, played by Charlie Cruzan, was also spot on in characterization. Just like Gish, Cruzan was so believably older there were times that this critic had to remind herself he was still in high school! The cockney ensemble was always in sync and in tune with each other, lighting up the stage in numbers such as a 'Just a Little Bit of Luck' and 'Get Me To The Church On Time'. The effective use of props during their dancing was a special aspect of the show as well.

While lighting was generally well done for this show, the sound tended to have a little bit of distracting feedback and at other times remained too loud. The actors onstage overcame this and it really didn't take too much away from the show.

Boca High transported the audience back to 1910 England successfully! The actors were energetic and looked as though they were having the times of their lives. Everyone on stage was involved in the story line, keeping the rather long show moving fantastically. Like Eliza, who "could have danced all night", this critic certainly could have watched Boca High perform all night long!