MY FAIR LADY South Coast Choral and Arts Society (SCCAS) Victor Harbor Town Hall Until 14 May 2016 Review by Linda Edwards Victor Harbor’s SCCAS shares its 60th anniversary this year with the much-loved musical “My Fair Lady”, which premiered on Broadway in 1956 – so what better choice for its May production? The musical, by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, is based on the 1912 play “Pygmalion” by George Bernard Shaw. And it’s a great choice: full of humour, memorable songs and timeless themes such as class and gender conflicts and (of course) transformation. In this production all those attributes are combined with the most stunning costumes you’re likely to see on stage this year and a brilliant and highly functional set. Rebecca Tymmons is tremendous as the Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle, who is first seen in Covent Garden selling flowers to high class “gents” waiting for taxis. She transitions from slum girl to sophisticated debutante under the expert tuition of one of the gents: Professor Henry Higgins. Tymmons has a wonderful voice and is just right for the character, being equally at home as flower girl and lady, and displaying an anguish at her future prospects that is real and moving. Wayne Scotton plays the arrogant acclaimed phonetics expert Henry Higgins, and he does a fine job with this complex and difficult role, being powerful both as singer and actor. Rick Morriss is impressive and suitably affable, but his clipped English accent occasionally slips. Mick McKinlay plays the delightful role of Alfred Doolittle with obvious relish. He is funny and exuberant, and commands the stage during his numbers. The favourite, “With a Little Bit of Luck”, is particularly notable. Jenny Penny and Julie Kelly both give strong performances as Mrs Pearce and Mrs Higgins respectively. The role of Freddy Eynsford-Hill is shared between Byron Godwin-Knott and Jack Doherty, and on opening night the latter enthralled us with his captivating voice. He seemed a little challenged by the huge range demanded, but has tons of potential and we are bound to see him again, along with another young standout, Andrew Smith as Zoltan. The huge cast works extremely well as an ensemble. Musical director Elizabeth Eland and vocal coach Susie Lush ensure the SSCAS tradition of excellent choral and solo work continues, and a 16-piece orchestra adds immeasurably to the production. Choreographer Tanya Curtis keeps the moves simple for the most part, which allows a big cast of varied talents to all look impressive. The costumes are magnificent. Josie Catt and her team had a massive job creating or modifying multiple costumes for each of the 37 cast members, and the results are simply stunning. Highlights include the Empress scene and the Ascot scene, and for this alone they created nineteen incredible hats. Another highlight is the set design by James Stewart. The many set changes are quick and flawless. The stage at the Victor Harbor Town Hall allows plenty of depth and width and Stewart uses both to great effect. He has over 35 years’ experience in graphic design and commercial art, and it shows. Director Cathy Venning can be immensely proud of this production, and the mammoth efforts required to bring such a complex but fun show to fruition has paid off with dividends.