Mrs Pearce (Heather Orth), Colonel Pickering (Brady Morale-Woolery), Eliza (Jillian A. Smith). Henry Higgins (Adam Magill)
San Francisco Playhouse delivers a masterful production of George Bernard Shaw’s My Fair Lady, dazzling the audience with exceptional acting, music, and design.
Set Designer Nina Ball stuns with 1930s-inspired sets—a stately sitting room with bar and spiral staircase, and an elegant broad-face frontage to a marketplace—rotating effortlessly on a circular stage. The evening begins with a rich five-minute medley of beloved songs, performed by a small orchestra under the direction of Music Director Dave Dobrusky, immediately immersing the audience in Edwardian elegance.
Street merchants drift onto the marketplace, the 1920s period costumes by Abra Berman and Lex Noseworthy vividly capture class divisions.
Snarky flower seller Eliza Doolittle (Jillian A. Smith) crosses paths—and words—with pompous phonetics professor Henry Higgins (Adam Magill). Higgins has little regard for humanity or Eliza’s autonomy. He wagers his gracious comrade, Colonel Pickering (Brady Morales-Woolery), that he can transform Eliza into a “proper lady” fit for high society.
But this story is no longer just about mastering accents and appearances—or earning chocolates as rewards. Under the insightful direction of Bill English, the production hones the story’s modern message: identity, power, and ultimately, choice. These deeper themes unfold in Jillian A. Smith’s layered portrayal, her sly expressions, deliberate words, and sharp commentary drawing the audience into Eliza’s steady rise toward independence. Smith is brilliant as Eliza both in song and acting.
Eliza (Jillian A Smith), Henry Higgins (Adam Magill), Colonel Pickering (Brady Morale-Woolery)
Her verbal sparring with the exceptional Adam Magill snaps with energy. His “Why Can’t a Woman be Like a Man” sums up his unwavering philosophy. Compassionate Pickering, portrayed with warmth by Brady Morales-Woolery, advocates for Eliza. Heather Orth as Mrs. Pearce, the house keeper, is a delight, offering extra bits of comic relief from Higgins loud demands.
As Higgins subjects her to relentless education drills and dictation, Eliza begins to ask questions. She not only wonders about Higgins’s methods, but also the values of the society he represents–the importance of appearances.
As Higgins subjects her to a relentless education of drills and dictation, Eliza begins to ask questions. She not only wonders about Higgins’s methods, but also the values of the society he represents–the importance of appearances.
Jomar Tagatac brings humor and heart to Alfred P. Doolittle, Eliza’s scheming, opportunistic father. His spirited rendition of “Get Me to the Church on Time” delights—especially as the chorus and dancers join in with flawless syncopation, creating one of several standout ensemble moments. Another standout is the horse race scene—perfectly timed ensemble reactions as they follow the imaginary horses, James Ard’s spot-on sound, and those stunning costumes (the hats alone!).
Center: Alfred Doolittle (Jomar Tagatac) and ensemble
Director Bill English keeps the pacing even and the emotional stakes high, growing in impact with each scene. The chorus not only spotlights the conflicted society, but also the strong sense of community in Eliza’s world.
Eliza’s struggle highlights the many challenges for women: being heard in male-dominated spaces, resisting pressures to conform, and asserting independence in a society obsessed with media and appearances.
The final act surprises, with everyone—finally—on equal footing.
See the show. You’ll feel the difference. Plus. It’s fun.
“My Fair Lady” –book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, music by Frederick Loewe, original production directed by Moss Hart, adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion” and Gabriel Pascal’s motion picture Pygmalion.
Directed by Bill English, music direction by Dave Dobrusky, choreography by Nicole Helfer, scenic design by Nina Ball, costumes by Abra Berman, lighting by Michael Oesch, and sound by James Ard. Info: sfplayhouse.org – to Sept. 13, 2025.
Cast: Julio Chavez, Andy Collins, Jurä Davis, Chachi Delgado, Jill Jacobs, Kareem Jenkins, Adam Magill, BrieAnne Alisa Martin, Dian Meechai, Brady Morale-Woolery, Heather Orth, Jill Slyter, Jillian A. Smith, Nicholas Tabora, Jomar Tagatac.
Musicians: Audrey Jackson, Hal Richards, Jason Park, Aryan Blourchian, Amana Dee, Ami Nashimoto
PHOTOS by : Jessica Palopoli