Arena Stage revives Lerner and Loewe's 'My Fair Lady'
Now comes “My Fair Lady.” This production isn’t an unqualified success — a curious bit of miscasting and some cramped, uninteresting choreography take a toll — but it provides a welcome reminder of the masterpiece status of this 1956 Lerner and Loewe hit, which is as rich in plot as in music. Part of the work’s success is clearly attributable to the source material, G.B. Shaw’s brilliant “Pygmalion.” But what counts the most is how the creators built on that material, how the well-crafted songs add so many telling layers to the story. Arena artistic director Molly Smith clearly appreciates those qualities. There’s an honesty and affection in her approach here. And, just as ... 
The direction lacks steam in places (the opening Covent Garden scene, in particular, could use more color and drive), and Smith has not found a way to keep the show’s talkiest spots from weighing down Act 2. Still, the net result is quite entertaining. As Eliza Doolittle, the flower-selling guttersnipe given a chance to change her station in life by substituting proper English for her low-class Cockney, Manna Nichols is more convincing after the transformation. She looks sensational, when, after the fierce tutelage of Professor Henry Higgins, she makes a truly regal entrance in the Embassy Ball scene. The actress is also an effective singer, capable of soaring sweetly in “I Could Have Danced All Night” and putting a good deal of bite into “Show Me.” Unlike Rex Harrison, who left a sizable mark as the original Higgins on Broadway and the subsequent film version of the musical, Campbell can actually sing. That’s no small matter, especially when it comes to the showy “Hymn to Him.” Thomas Adrian Simpson has a good romp as Col. Pickering; he’s especially winning in the panic over Eliza’s disappearance after the ball. The other prime supporting role of Eliza’s deliciously amoral father, Alfred P. Doolittle, is inadequately filled by James Saito. His acting is awkward, and neither his speaking nor singing voice reveals any distinction. A major let-down. The rest of the ensemble shines. Nicholas Rodriguez, the irresistible Curly in Arena’s “Oklahoma,” reveals abundant personality as Eliza’s determined suitor, Freddy, and spins “On the Street Where You Live” with fresh charm. The reliable Sherri L. Edelen vibrantly fleshes out the character of Higgins’ housekeeper Mrs. Pearce. Swooping into scenes with the flair of Hedda Hopper and the backbone of Lady Bracknell, Catherine Flye is a consistent delight as the professor’s mother. The chorus moves nimbly through its paces. Donald Eastman’s set provides sufficient atmosphere. Judith Bowden’s costumes include some fabulous hats that would have turned heads at the William-and-Kate wedding. And Paul Sportelli leads a small orchestra in a polished, dynamic account of the inspired score. "My Fair Lady" runs through Jan. 6. PHOTOS BY SUZANNE BLUE STAR BOY (Manna Nichols and Benedict Campbell as Eliza and Higgins; Catherine Flye as Mrs. Higgins) 
Benedict Campbell nearly walks away with the production as Higgins. He’s a terrific actor, wonderfully colorful in voice, fluid and natural in movement, and he makes the character’s mix of pride, arrogance and insecurity register in keen detail. He and Nichols handle their big emotional scenes in Act 2 deftly, so that the anger and hurt on both sides comes across.
