Act II Playhouse Extends MY FAIR LADY Through 6/17

Due to popular demand, Act II Playhouse is extending its production of the classic Broadway musical My Fair Lady, directed by Bud Martin, until Sunday, June 17. The production, now running, has been heralded by the press and public.

"Thanks to masterful casting, staging, choreography, and artistic direction, Act II's My Fair Lady did a wonderful job of fulfilling the audience's expectations," wrote Kelly Rowles of CultureMob.com.

This is the first "classic" musical and the largest production the 130-seat theatre has ever staged. Tickets can be purchased at www.act2.org or by calling the box office at (215) 654-0200. Many of the shows during the first three weeks of the run are already sold out, or close to it.

Tickets for the remaining performances are $33 for all Wednesday-Thursday shows, and $38 for Friday evenings, Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees. Discounts are available for students, seniors 65 and older, and groups of 10 or more. Performances are Wednesdays at 2 p.m. at 8 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Set exactly 100 years ago, in 1912, My Fair Lady tells the story of Professor Henry Higgins (played by Act II's incoming Artistic Director Tony Braithwaite), the consummate London bachelor, whose life is turned upside down when he meets Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle (played by Eileen Cella). Complications ensue when Higgins makes a bet with his best friend (Colonel Pickering, played by Chris Faith) that he can train Eliza to pass her off as a proper English lady.

My Fair Lady is the final production of Martin's four-year tenure as head of the theatre. He has recently become Executive Director of Delaware Theatre Company in Wilmington. Braithwaite, who is succeeding Martin as Producing Artistic Director of Act II, has appeared as an actor in many of Act II's most popular and acclaimed productions, including Art, The Story of My Life and Boeing-Boeing. Reviewing My Fair Lady, The Philadelphia Inquirer says Braithwaite "brings off a worthy and nuancEd Higgins."

Cella is a newcomer to Act II, a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and a rising star, who previously appeared in The Little Prince Off-Broadway, Carousel at Plays and Players and First Day of School at 1812 Productions. The Philadelphia Inquirer says Cella is "charming and full-voiced as Eliza, and her solos win the night."

Based on Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, My Fair Lady boasts such unforgettable songs as "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?" "Get Me to the Church on Time," and "I Could Have Danced All Night." Originally produced on Broadway in 1956, My Fair Lady is Alan Lerner and Frederick Loewe's most popular musical collaboration, earning nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Three subsequent Broadway revivals and an acclaimed movie version starring Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn have ensured My Fair Lady's place in history as one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

The Act II Playhouse cast includes Mary Martello (as Mrs. Higgins) and Mike Corr (as Mr. Doolittle). The ensemble is rounded out by Lindsay Mauck (as Mrs. Pearce), Jonathan Silver (as Freddie), Anabelle Garcia, Owen Pelesh, Harrison Post, and Jordi Wallen, all of whom play multiple roles.

Sonny Leo is music director and choreographer. The set was designed by Dirk Durossette and costumes were designed by his wife, Millie Hiibel. Robert Diton is the piano accompanist.

Prices:

Adults: $33-$38

Special discounts are available for subscribers, students, seniors 65+ and groups of 10 or more.

Tickets:

Phone: (215) 654-0200

Online: www.act2.org

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