Kelsey Theatre Presents PYGMALION

Pierrot Productions brings George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion" to life with a new spin at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre. This brilliant commentary on social class and middle class morality will be presented Fridays, Feb. 12 and 19 at 8 p.m., Saturdays, Feb. 13 and 20 at 8 p.m., and Sundays, Feb. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on Mercer's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on Feb. 12.

Written in 1912 and originally set in London at the turn of 20th century, the story is adapted to New York City in modern times. In the new version, Eliza Doolittle is an uneducated New York street girl who is transformed into a lady of society. Behind her miraculous makeover is Professor Henry Higgins, who, on a bet with his friend Pickering, becomes her tutor. While teaching her proper diction and manners, he learns much about himself - about tolerance, patience, and, especially surprising, love. The contemporary play retains the original's enduring themes of personal identity, class consciousness and gender roles.

In addition to the award-winning stage version of Pygmalion, a 1938 film version won Shaw an Academy Award for Best Screenplay. In 1956 the musical adaptation, "My Fair Lady," was first performed on Broadway, followed by the immensely popular film musical starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison in 1964.

The cast features Lonnie McCullough of Yardley, Pa., as Higgins; Alycia Bauch-Cantor of Ewing as Eliza; Scott Fishman of Newtown, Pa., as Pickering; Laurie Hardy of Hamilton as Mrs. Higgins; Lee Benson of Hopewell as Doolittle; Kitty Getlik of Hamilton as Mrs. Pearce; Derek Capre of East Windsor as Freddie; Sabrina Blackburn of Manalapan as Clara; and Eve Connolly of Lawrenceville as Mrs. Eynsford-Hill. Ensemble members include Samantha Otto of Ewing; Becky Peterson of Lawrenceville; Dean Proctor of Trenton; and Elliott Wallace of Lawrenceville.

The show is directed by Ruth Markoe of Lawrenceville. Pete LaBriola of Pennington serves as designer, Ginny McGowen of Philadelphia, Pa., is stage manager, and Bernard McGowen of Philadelphia, Pa., is lighting director.

Pierrot Productions will return to Kelsey Theatre with a production of the musical, "My Fair Lady," from May 7-16.

Tickets for Pygmalion are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students and children. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333.

Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure.

 

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