Sara Kannen Dean Brings New Life to Classic Rags-to-Riches Musical

by Lauren Jiang

Have you ever felt like you wanted to be up on stage with the actors? While watching “My Fair Lady” at The Pear, I was.

In director Sara Kannen Dean’s immersive retelling of Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” a classic rags-to-riches tale, the actors swirl into and around the audience, involving us in the action. Every audience member becomes an active part of the show.

“My Fair Lady” tells the story of a poor girl taken in by a rich man, betting he can transform her into a “lady.” Sound familiar? Rom-coms like Pretty Woman, Miss Congeniality, and She’s All That follow this Cinderella trope.

What unfolds onstage is playful fun. Dean’s fresh, energetic staging and Lysander Abadia’s bright, dynamic choreography invigorate the 50s musical, making it new. The dialogue leaps to life, and the music transports us to the Edwardian era. The show’s themes are modern and relevant: a woman standing up for herself against the arrogance of powerful men who exploit women.

Following Shaw’s script, “My Fair Lady” shines light on the predicament of poor, uneducated people. High society here looks down on poor people and ridicules their inability to speak the Queen’s English. Prof. Henry Higgins transforms a girl selling flowers on the street into an image of poise and grace. But, at what cost to the young woman?

In the musical, expert linguist Henry Higgins condescends to “flower girl” Eliza Doolittle, but she ultimately remains true to herself. Her authenticity impacts every Londoner she meets—regardless of class. After learning to act like a “lady,” she must grapple with her new, posh façade.

Will Eliza stay true, or become a snob herself? The musical deploys Shaw’s comedic critique of a prideful, ignorant ruling class. The classic musical celebrates Eliza over her stubborn teacher.

As Henry Higgins, Melissa Mei Jones embodies his rational, logical, and blunt personality. I love Jones’ gender-bending role, casting a critical lens on “Why Can’t a Woman Be More Like A Man?” As Colonel Pickering, Thomas Nguyen creates a stellar portrait of Higgins’ sympathetic sidekick. Jones and Nguyen make a comradely bantering duo.

As Eliza, Corinna Laskin is engaging and magnetic. Her expressions and animated persona expand Eliza’s evolving personality. Laskin demonstrates a charming mastery of Cockney and standard British accents.

“My Fair Lady” is rounded out with talented supporting characters. Ray D’Ambrosio brings humor and charm as Eliza’s drunken, fun-loving father, Alfred P. Doolittle, a genial garbageman. D’Ambrosio’s lively numbers always get the ensemble dancing.

Sarah Thermond shines as Higgins’ hardworking housekeeper, Mrs. Pearce, a voice of humanity against her stubborn employer. Ralph Shehayed brings light as Freddy Eynsford-Hill, who adores Eliza. Debra Lambert is no-nonsense as Mrs. Higgins, the queenly mother.

The ensemble thrills, sporting many hats, including a large white flower hat and a baby bonnet. Some actors double as musicians. Their skills shine when playing instruments, along with singing, dancing, and acting!

This show delivers delight and joy, and bursts with creative twists and turns. For a whimsical outing, don’t miss it! You’ll leave with a smile on your face.

“My Fair Lady” –book & lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, music by Frederick Loewe, direction by Sara Kannen Dean, choreography by Lysander Abadia, musical direction by Debra Lambert, set design by Louis Stone-Collonge, costumes by Trish Files, lighting by Carsten Koester, sound by Chris Beer, at The Pear Theatre, Mountain View, California.

Info: thepear.org – extended to March 14, 2026.

Cast: Emily Acosta, Ray D’Ambrosio, Lela Gannon, Kristin Hill, Corinna Laskin, Melissa Mei Jones, Thomas Nguyen, Skyler Riordan, Ralph Shehayed, Adam Strauss, Sarah Thermond, Alex Walleman, Mark Wong, Qian Zhang, and Debra Lambert.