Lincoln Center Theater’s production of Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady will make its anticipated South Florida premiere at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County from March 28 – April 2. Boasting a score that contains such now-classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Get Me to the Church on Time,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face,” My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed?
The 2022-23 Broadway in Miami subscription season is presented by Bank of America and Florida Theatrical Association in association with the Adrienne Arsht Center, along with support from Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
Lincoln Center Theater’s production of Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady is the winner of 5 Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Revival of a Musical and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, 5 Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical Revival and 3 Drama League Awards including Best Musical Revival.
The touring production will feature Madeline Powell as Eliza Doolittle, Jonathan Grunert as Professor Henry Higgins, John Adkison as Colonel Pickering, Madeline Brennan as Mrs. Pearce, Michael Hegarty as Alfred P. Doolittle, Nathan Haltiwanger as Freddy Eynsford-Hill and Becky Saunders as Mrs. Higgins.
Lincoln Center Theater’s production of My Fair Lady was hailed by The New York Times as “Thrilling, glorious and better than it ever was. A marvelous and transformative revival.” New York Magazine described it as “Enthralling,” adding that “Bartlett Sher’s glowing revival proves that a beloved musical from another era can keep on kicking,” and Entertainment Weekly raved “A sumptuous new revival of the most perfect musical of all time. A masterful piece of entertainment.”
It was a pleasure to sit down with Jonathan Grunert, who plays the role of Professor Henry Higgins, for this exclusive Hotspots interview.
At what age did you begin performing?
I think my first show was in 5th grade. They were doing “The Music Man” at the local high school, and they needed someone to play Winthrop.
What was your first paid gig?
I started doing summer stock in undergrad at the Big Fort Playhouse, and we did “Grease,” “Crazy For You” and a couple other shows. It was a wonderful way to start your work as an actor as you do four shows in a summer and it was my first time working with people from other schools.
When did you know performing would be your career?
I still don’t know…LOL…I pursued it, because I loved it!
Other than this one, what has been your favorite role so far?
Right before this I did a production of “Into the Woods,” and I was Rapunzel’s Prince and what was great is that we performed it in the woods outside. It was one of the most magical things I have ever been a part of.
What’s your fantasy role (a role you haven’t played but would die to)?
I have always really wanted to go back and do “The Music Man” again since it was the first show I did. It would bring on so many wonderful memories again.
Is it hard being on the road all the time?
It has its challenges like anything else. The hotels kind of all blend together, however, I have gotten to try so many new foods and take advantage of the local flair. We get to see so much of the country.
How well do you and your castmates get along?
Very well, we all hang out together even in our off time. I am lucky to be working with amazing artists who are also nice people.
Describe yourself in three words?
No, I shall not…LOL!! Stubborn, optimistic, and eager.
What do you do for fun?
I am a big book worm and movie buff.
What should our readers expect from this touring company of “My Fair Lady”?
It’s the classic Cinderella story of Eliza Doolittle. I play Henry Higgins who is a professor of speech and agrees to give Eliza lessons to change her into a proper lady in 6 months. It’s about 2 characters trying to speak the same language and they both change. The costumes, and sets are a lavish Broadway musical brought to life.
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For more information on Jonathan follow him on: Instagram.com/mrjgrunert or Jonathan Grudert.com. For more information on the show go to: myfairladyontour.com/.
Tickets to My Fair Lady are $33-$130 and may be purchased now at the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling (305) 949-6722, or online at arshtcenter.org.
