My Fair Lady – About the Show
Highlights of My Fair Lady – Must-See Moments
A Tony Award-winning musical that later became an iconic film
“My Fair Lady” is one of the most celebrated works that won the Tony Award for Best musical before being adapted into a beloved film. Starring Audrey Hepburn, the movie remains memorable for her charming and playful performance paired with lavish costumes. Both the stage and film versions have become timeless classics, and this Broadway revival allows audiences to once again experience the elegance and brilliance of a golden-era masterpiece.
Famous songs to enjoy before you see the show
“My Fair Lady” is filled with musical numbers that have been sung and cherished worldwide. Among the most famous are “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” and “Get Me to the Church on Time.” Of these, “I Could Have Danced All Night” stands out as the show’s signature song, perfectly capturing Eliza’s youthful charm and sense of wonder, making it an essential highlight of the production.
My Fair Lady – Show info
Show details of My Fair Lady
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Theater location: Vivian Beaumont Theatre 150 West 65th Street New York, NY 10023 (Map) |
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Performance Run: Previews: March 15, 2018 Opening: April 19, 2018 Closing: July 7, 2019 |
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Show Links: |
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Type of the show: Adapted into a Movie Fun Emotional・Touching Stunning Songs Stunning Dance |
My Fair Lady – Story
The Plot / Summary of My Fair Lady
One day, she encounters Professor Henry Higgins, who criticizes her poor English pronunciation. He boldly claims he can transform her into a proper lady simply by refining her speech. Naively, Eliza takes his words to heart.
Without Eliza knowing, Higgins makes a bet with Colonel Pickering to see if he can truly turn this flower girl into a refined lady of society.
After six months of lessons in manners, conversation, and eliminating her accent, Eliza undergoes a stunning transformation and even attends a high-society ball in London.
Although Higgins wins his wager, he slowly realizes he cannot get Eliza out of his mind. But when Eliza accidentally overhears Higgins and Pickering talking about the bet, she discovers she was nothing more than part of their game. Heartbroken and furious, she leaves Higgins and begins to rise into the world of the upper class on her own.
Higgins reflects on the six months they shared and finally understands that he has truly fallen in love with her. Now that Eliza has moved beyond his reach, will he ever see her again to confess his feelings?
My Fair Lady – Movie
The YouTube trailer of My Fair Lady
This is a promotional video for the Broadway musical “My Fair Lady.” You can see scenes from the stage filled with emotion and laughter.
My Fair Lady – Explore, FAQ
Behind the Scenes of My Fair Lady
Return to Broadway after 25 years
The beloved classic “My Fair Lady” returned to Broadway in April 2018 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, nearly 25 years since its last revival. Directed by Tony Award-winning Bartlett Sher, known for productions such as “South Pacific” and “The King and I,” the revival reimagined the timeless story for a new generation.
The music features Frederick Loewe’s compositions and Alan Jay Lerner’s lyrics, just as in the original stage production and film. Costumes were designed by Tony Award regular Catherine Zuber, making this revival a highly anticipated reinterpretation of a world-renowned masterpiece.
A long-running Broadway success
First staged in 1956, “My Fair Lady” won six Tony Awards, including Best musical, at the 11th Annual Tony Awards. It went on to run for over six and a half years with 2,717 performances, becoming one of Broadway’s legendary long-running shows.
The role of Eliza Doolittle was originally played by Julie Andrews, the British actress who later starred in “The Sound of Music.” Her extraordinary four-octave range captivated audiences and earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical that year.
The story is based on George Bernard Shaw’s play “Pygmalion,” first staged in Vienna in 1913. Although early plans for a musical version were discussed, Shaw himself opposed the idea during his lifetime. It was not until after his death in 1950 that the musical adaptation became possible.
The Academy Award-winning film
The film adaptation was released in 1964, winning eight Academy Awards out of 12 nominations and grossing over $75 million worldwide. Audrey Hepburn, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses, starred as Eliza Doolittle. Ranked third on the AFI’s list of the 50 greatest screen legends, Hepburn’s performance cemented the film’s place in cinematic history.
Although Hepburn’s portrayal was beloved, she did not receive an Academy Award nomination. Instead, Julie Andrews, who had originated the role on stage, won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in “Mary Poppins” the same year. Media outlets speculated about rivalry between the two, but both women carried themselves with grace, dismissing any claims of animosity.
A story set against Europe before World War I
The musical is set in early 20th-century London, during the prosperous Belle Epoque period just before World War I. Themes such as women’s suffrage and the striking class divide are woven into the story, reflecting the social realities of the time.
The title “My Fair Lady” is a play on words, echoing the Cockney pronunciation of “Mayfair Lady,” symbolizing the contrast between the working class and the upper class. The transformation of Eliza from a flower girl to a refined lady captured the imagination of audiences, offering a tale of empowerment and social mobility that remains relevant today.
My Fair Lady – FAQ
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Can I buy tickets for My Fair Lady (Broadway show) on the day of the show?
Tickets are available for purchase until the day before the show through our booking page. See more details about My Fair Lady tickets.
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How much are tickets for My Fair Lady (Broadway show)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical My Fair Lady start at $63 with our discounted prices. See more details for My Fair Lady tickets.
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Is the English in My Fair Lady (Broadway show) hard to understand?
The musical My Fair Lady has a slightly higher level of English difficulty. We recommend reading the synopsis before you go. For other recommended shows, please refer to the Broadway Musical Selection Guide. You’re sure to find a show you’ll love from among the many musicals in New York.
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Do you have a summary or synopsis of My Fair Lady (Broadway show)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical My Fair Lady are introduced in the My Fair Lady Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
My Fair Lady – Review
Yamazaki:
Loved it
I adore Audrey Hepburn and have watched the film many times. Since I knew the story so well, it was easy to follow and very enjoyable on stage.
June 3, 2019
From a theatergoer:
Costumes
Watching Eliza transform into a refined lady through the costumes and staging was fascinating. The outfits were stunning and I believe the show deserved the Tony Award it won for costume design that year.
February 7, 2019
Sugiyama:
Seeing it in America
I had seen a local production in Japan, but this was my first time experiencing it abroad. Watching the show in English was completely different and very impressive. Most of all, the costumes were absolutely beautiful. It truly felt like Broadway quality.
January 8, 2019
Aran:
Hard to follow
I struggled to stay awake at times. If my English were stronger, I think I would have enjoyed it much more.
June 9, 2018
Mariana:
Mixed feelings
Something felt different. I almost preferred the Takarazuka version I had seen before. Maybe it was simply because I could not follow the dialogue well. The singing was powerful, but I did not feel the show needed that much intensity.
September 5, 2018
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