O'Hara and Grammar to lead My Fair Lady revival?
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| Kelli O'Hara and Kelsey Grammar |
The Wrap have reported that the eagerly anticipated Broadway revival of My Fair Lady directed by original star of the show, Julie Andrews, could land in New York in 2017, starring Tony Award-winner Kelli O'Hara in the lead role, alongside Kelsey Grammar.
80 year old Julie Andrews is set to direct a new production of Lerner and Loewe's 1956 Tony Award winner at the Sydney Opera House in 2016, which will reportedly tour through Australia and transfer to Broadway in the 2017 season. The actress and singer originated the role of Eliza Doolitte, but was replaced by Audrey Hepburn for the film version.
Kelli O'Hara and Kelsey Grammar have previously played the roles of Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins back in 2007 for a Lincoln Center fundraiser, and have both expressed interest in starring in a full production.
O'Hara, who is currently starring in the Lincoln Center's production of 'The King and I' is no stranger to musical revivals having taken on roles in classic shows such as 'South Pacific' and 'The Pajama Game'. She won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2015 for her portrayal of Mrs Anna in 'The King and I'.
Grammar was recently on Broadway in the premiere of Finding Neverland but quickly left the production following poor reviews and lack of award nominations. After a long hiatus, he is supposed to return to the show in the New Year in an effort to try and boost sales.
My Fair Lady features music by Frederick Loewe and a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. It premiered on Broadway on March 15, 1956, starring Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison and won the Tony Award for Best Musical, with Harrison winning the Best Actor trophy. The show was last seen on Broadway in 1993, starring Melissa Errico and Richard Chamberlain.
- by Dom O'Hanlon