A Night to Remember: My Fair Lady Hits the Morrison Center Stage

I recently had the incredible opportunity to catch a live production of “My Fair Lady” at the Morrison Center in Boise, and let me tell you, it was an unforgettable experience that left me humming tunes for days!

First off, let’s talk about the venue. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the Morrison Center is absolutely stunning! Nestled right on the campus of Boise State University, the venue boasts an elegant, timeless charm that sets the perfect mood for a night of musical magic. From the moment anyone walks in, you feel the excited buzz of anticipation. Patrons dressed in their best were mingling, sipping on drinks from the concessions, and sharing their love for theater. To be clear: the statement of “patrons” doesn’t include me… I arrived in my jeans.

Now, onto the show! This was another new show for me, I’d never heard… what I gathered, it’s a classic musical based on George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion. The story follows Eliza Doolittle, a spirited flower girl with a thick Cockney accent, and Professor Henry Higgins, a snobbish phonetics expert who takes on the challenge of transforming her into a lady of society. You can already imagine the sparks that fly (sometimes literally) when these two opposites clash.

From the moment the curtain opened, I was drawn into the world of Edwardian London. The sets were beautifully designed, and the costumes… just another impressive part of the shows at the Morrison Center. The cast members glided across the stage in lavish dresses and tailored suits that definitely aligned to the era.

The actress playing Eliza was an absolute powerhouse. Her voice soared through the theater during "I Could Have Danced All Night," making the entire audience melt. You could feel her transformation from a rough around the edges flower girl to a poised lady. And let’s the actor who played Henry Higgins—his charm and wit were magnetic. The dynamic between the two was special, and I found myself hopeful for them.

One of my favorite parts of the evening was the way the production was done. The cast brought such energy and joy to the stage during the big musical numbers. The Street You Live was a particular highlight, with dancers seamlessly weaving in and out, creating a vivid picture of life in London. For someone who prefers more country and current music, I still enjoyed the tunes.

But beyond the spectacle was the deeper message woven throughout the story. The show explores themes of identity, class, and the nature of love. Watching Eliza navigate her new world while remaining true to herself was a good reminder that it’s not just about how you look or speak, but who you are at your core.