My Fair Lady is one of the most beloved and influential musicals of all time. With music by Frederick Loewe and lyrics/book by Alan Jay Lerner, it is based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 play Pygmalion. The show originally premiered on Broadway in 1956, starring Julie Andrews as Eliza Doolittle and Rex Harrison as Professor Henry Higgins.
It is often referred to as "the perfect musical" due to its brilliant combination of witty dialogue, unforgettable music, and social commentary.
mpact & Legacy
- The 1956 Broadway production was a huge success and ran for 2,717 performances, setting a record at the time.
- The 1964 film adaptation, starring Audrey Hepburn (with Marni Nixon dubbing her singing voice) and Rex Harrison, won 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
- The musical is praised for its sharp social commentary on class, gender roles, and transformation.
- It continues to be revived on Broadway and the West End, with a 2018 revival starring Lauren Ambrose as Eliza.
