Connecticut Theatre Company Celebrates My Fair Lady’s 60th Anniversary

The stage version of My Fair Lady had it’s world premiere in New Haven at the Shubert Theatre on February 4th, 1956.  The show opened in a blizzard with Rex Harrison threatening not to go on stage after a troubling dress rehearsal earlier.  The show, of course, did go on and became one of the most beloved classics of the Broadway stage.  Now 60 years later, Connecticut Theatre Company, in residence at the historic Repertory Theatre in New Britain, is taking on the timeless show.  My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle.  The English flower girl is taken in by Professor Henry Higgins who boasts that he can pass her off as royalty at that seasons Embassy Ball.  The two develop an unlikely relationship amidst the strains of her education.

Connecticut Theatre Company’s production stars Christiane Morel Olson of Lakeville in the role of Eliza, made famous by Julie Andrews and later in film by Audrey Hepburn. Olson has said Eliza is a dream role for her.  She goes on to state, “I feel so fortunate to be playing Eliza, who gets to make such a significant transformation. I admire her sincere desire to find a better life, and the determination and courage it takes in her attempt to get there.” Olson is complimented perfectly by Patrick R. Spadaccino of Middletown, in the role of Henry Higgins.  Olson and Spadaccino are both new to Connecticut Theatre Company but both have only good things to say about the experience. When asked about his experience with the group, Patrick said, “This is my first show with Connecticut Theatre Company, and I immediately felt welcome. This is a group of people who have theatre in their very DNA . . . they, like me, love everything from the first read-through to set construction to opening night. It’s been a great pleasure preparing this show with a group that enjoys both the show itself and each other’s company. “

The full cast boasts 19 additional actors and actresses from all around Connecticut including:  Daniel Badowski (Meriden), Jodi Dickson (Burlington), Joshua Ellenberg (Hartford), Erin Frechette (Bristol), Bobby Hannafey (Wallingford), Joan Hedquist (South Glastonbury), Jaelyn Kateches (Middletown), Chris Kulmann (New Britain), Doreen Lopez (Wolcott), Patrick McCabe (Unionville), Calum McConnell (Cheshire), Tullio Milani (Northford), Iesha Rose (Rocky Hill), Hannah Rubitz (New Britain), Pam Simpson (North Branford), Chuck Stango (Middlebury), Angela Williams (Cheshire), Richard Williams (Cheshire) and Kristi Yurko (Bristol).

My Fair Lady runs April 22nd – May 8th at Connecticut Theatre Company.