playbill vip

 Director's Notes 

     In some way, nearly all of us have had some experience with the musical My Fair Lady. Many love the film and theatrical productions. Recent converts to the theater might have had their first experience of the show while watching an episode of Family Guy or from a commercial for a hotel chain. Even if you have not sought out the musical it has probably found you in some way in our popular culture.

     My Fair Lady has often been lauded as one of the greatest pieces of American musical theater in the 20th Century. I believe that taking on this production is not something that anyone should venture upon lightly. Julie Andrews herself said that after two years of doing the show nearly every night, she never felt that she got it right. Anyone who takes on this musical has large shoes to fill, on stage or behind the scenes. I stepped into this role because I felt that this was the right show to do at this time and place. 

     The VLO is perhaps the only group that you will find in local community theater that performs with a full orchestra. Speaking from experience, it is marvel to stand on the Academy stage and hear the VLO orchestra below. In addition, as an actor I can also tell you that there is no better venue in which to perform than the historic Academy of Music.

     On this stage in this performance, I believe that we have some of the finest actors in our community. It is a marvel when people from all walks of life come together to form community and bring a musical to life. This show has been no exception and I am thankful to all of the actors involved. 

     None of what you see on this stage would have happened without all of the helpers involved. I am so thankful for the VLO costumers. They are as dedicated a group as you will find and their work is exquisite. Our choreographers have done a masterful job, and I look forward to supporting their work for many years to come. Our stage management has been indispensable for which we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude. Finally, to all of the builders, tech people, set designers, prop masters, painters, sewers, and all of those that have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, we are all so grateful. 

     When I first interviewed to be the director, I was asked what my vision was for the show. I'll give to you the same answer that I gave months ago: I'll leave it to you, the audience, to decide. This musical has many different paths that an audience may choose to follow. Over the years interpreters have struggled with whether it should be a love story and if so, between whom? Should it more closely follow the ideas  of George Bernard Shaw and Pygmalion on which it is based? Should it be modernized and be viewed through a more contemporary lens? 

     I have tried to embrace the wonderful ambiguity in the narrative and feel that our actors open up many threads in the telling of this story. Along the way, you will hear some of the most wonderful production numbers that have been written for the stage. We have tried to be faithful to the history of the piece and to make the work something that a modern audience will also embrace. Whatever your perspective, I hope that this musical entertains, stirs emotions of joy and laughter and causes you to reflect on what you see and hear.

    Thank you for supporting this production and the Valley Light Opera

    Drew Gilbert, Stage Director