Evan Bertram Photo by Ben Hope

When the audience enters the theater, the stage is basically bare, except for two pianos located on either side of the stage. For those who have seen large scale productions of My Fair Lady, there can be a momentary panic that such a simple staging can't possibly do justice to this musical. But fear not: once the Overture begins (as played by the two extraordinary pianists, Jill Brunelle and David Marottolo), the show comes alive.

In most of the scenes, there are just various set pieces brought on, which serve to enhance Cully Long's lovely scenic design (which features a panoply of painted books on the stage walls). And when the company begins to enter, wearing gorgeous costumes designed by Elizabeth Saylor, the show truly takes hold.

The production is ideally cast. As Henry Higgins, the wonderful Trevor Martin sings out his numbers with a solid voice and has the confident stage presence for this daunting role. Joe Dellger is excellent as Colonel Pickering; he and Martin are truly terrific together, as they begin to transform Eliza Doolittle into a lady.

And then there is Evan Bertram as Eliza. Looking appropriately downtrodden in the opening scenes, she is completely convincing as a flower girl with rather basic, guttural speech. Bertram shines, too, in the scenes when Eliza begins to change, with the crucial number, "The Rain in Spain," being a major showstopper. By the time Bertram's Eliza is ready for the Embassy Ball, she is utterly breathtaking, with a pure, golden soprano voice that makes her every song a mini masterpiece. Evan Bertram is truly the real deal.

The company is further enhanced by the performers playing the supporting parts. The very funny Scott Mikita is great as Alfred P. Doolittle, and his big numbers, "With a Little Bit of Luck" and especially "Get Me to the Church on Time," are definite high points. Also scoring in a smaller role is Ben S. Daniel as Freddy Eynsford-Hill; his rendition of "On the Street Where You Live" is simply beautiful. Johanna Regan Milani is expert as the crisp, button-upped Mrs. Pearce and the entire ensemble can be commended for seamlessly playing multiple roles throughout the show, all without missing a beat. What is also notable about this production is that the English accents employed by the entire company sound completely authentic.

The lighting design by Marcus Abbott helps to enhance every scene, with the Embassy Ball sequence being a graceful wonder, and the sound design by Dustin Pfaender is spot on. A hero of the evening is director/choreographer Brian Feehan, who paces the show so well that the book scenes are as pleasurable as all of the irresistible songs, particularly "I Could Have Danced All Night" and the ingeniously staged final number, "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face." The last few moments between Henry Higgins and Eliza are a stunner. My Fair Lady is a dream of show at Ivoryton Playhouse and it is sure to satisfy both fans of this musical, as well as those new to the show.

My Fair Lady runs through September 7, 2025, at Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton CT. For tickets and information, please visit www.ivorytonplayhouse.org.