The curtain raised for San Benito Stage Company’s newest performance of My Fair Lady Friday, July 13, at the Granada Theater in downtown Hollister, starting a run of shows ending July 28. This will be the stage company’s last summer musical performed at the Granada.
My Fair Lady is a nationally recognized musical that has garnished wins at both the Tony Awards and the Oscars for its stage and film adaptations. As explained on the stage company’s website, My Fair Lady is an award-winning story of a Cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady.
The show’s popularity was apparent Friday evening as opening night attracted about 75 people to the theater and cast members expressed their fondness of the musical.
My Fair Lady Director Derek Barnes said, “When we pitched the season line-up to the board we talked about doing a well-known show as it was going to be the last summer show we ever have here. My Fair Lady was the last real big classic show that we haven’t seen.”
Throughout the musical popular songs such as “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?” and “On the Street Where You Live” were performed by the cast.
Rob Christopher, who played the male leading role of Henry Higgins, said he was drawn to the show after being inspired by Rex Harrison who played Henry Higgins in the film adaptation with Audrey Hepburn as a child.
“I like when characters evolve and have depth,” Christopher said. “Eliza is a very young woman and Henry is a confirmed old bachelor who doesn’t like women. They both evolve over the musical.”
Issy Menez, who plays Eliza Doolittle, explained the musical was “timeless” with strong scores performed by the cast.
“Vocally it’s a good show,” said Menez. “One of the best in a long time.”
Kayla Murphy, who was the Vocal and Music Director for the musical, explained that what sets this musical apart from recent shows is the addition of a live orchestra.
“It’s been three years since we’ve had live music and that in itself is a reason to come,” Murphy stated. “It’s different every night. You won’t see the same show twice.”
While audience members may not see the same show twice, members of the cast may be familiar. Part of the charm of shows at San Benito Stage Company includes seeing members of the community perform.
Suzan Slater who volunteered at the snack counter Friday night got involved with the stage company due to her children taking part in past shows. “It truly does bring the community together. It’s a supportive atmosphere,” Slater said. “People are very interested to come and see the show because at times they’ll see their next door neighbor on the stage or their best friend’s child sing when they had no idea they could carry a tune.”
As the show came to its conclusion Friday night audience members were heard cheering and discussing the show.
“It was awesome,” said Joey Rasmussen, who attended Friday night. “[My favorite part of the show] was the different accents. I really appreciated that.”
Christopher explained that this show will appeal to mass audiences as it is fun yet has depth.
“It’s a fun, funny story with great music,” Christopher said. “It has more depth and nuances than most musical comedies. It’s a very entertaining evening.’
My Fair Lady will run from July 13 to July 28. For more information on show times and/or purchasing tickets visit San Benito Stage Company’s website.
Performances:
Sunday, July 15 at 2 PM
Friday, July 20 at 7 PM
Saturday, July 21 at 7 PM
Sunday, July 22 at 2 PM
Friday, July 27 at 7 PM
Saturday, July 28 at 7 PM
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