CENTRAL HIGH'S 'MY FAIR LADY' ABOUNDS WITH BEAUTY AND LOVELY MUSIC (PLAY REVIEW)

The "Pygmalion" plot of "My Fair Lady" endures -- most recently in the movie "She's All That" -- perhaps because we all hope our flaws can be transformed into beauty, and perhaps because every one of us would like that transformation to look like and be like Audrey Hepburn.

With smart period costumes and some fine singing and acting, the Central High School version of "My Fair Lady" is a fit heir to the legacy.

The musical opens at 7:30 tonight and continues at the same times Friday and Saturday. The director is Cynthia Wyatt.

Theirs is a tempestuous relationship from the moment Professor Henry Higgins calls flower seller Eliza Doolittle an "incarnate insult to the English language." He is arrogant, she is strong-willed and determined to become "a lady" no matter how much it hurts.

From a 21st century perspective, Higgins' lack of consideration for Eliza's feelings is a bit discomfiting. Fortunately, "My Fair Lady" is sprinkled with charming, melodic songs by Lerner and Loewe, beginning with "Wouldn't It Be Lovely?," continuing with "On the Street Where You Live" and culminating with "I've Grown Accustomed to her Face."

The leads in this production, Beth Bishop and Ben Carter, sparkle with talent. Bishop's Cockney accent is perfect and makes the transformation to more rounded tones under the professor's tutelage. She is a sterling performer, both as an actress and a singer, while Carter holds up his end with charm and able singing, especially on "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face."

The most pleasing surprise in this production is the enthusiastic performance of Aaron St. Clair as the ne'er-do-well Alfred Doolittle, Eliza's father. St. Clair sings "With a Little Bit of Luck" in a big baritone and swaggers about the stage with unusual self-confidence for a newcomer.

Other standouts are Charles Haugland as Col. Pickering, Higgins' alter ego, and reliably on cue Liz Robertson as the professor's knowing mother, Mrs. Higgins. Casey Mueller gives Freddy Eynsford-Hill, Eliza's suitor, a strong presence.

There is nice ensemble singing on "Wouldn't It Be Lovely?" The "Rain in Spain" cha-cha is another highlight.

Some of the music is difficult. Orchestra director Steve Schaffner wisely has chosen a large ensemble augmented with a number of talented community musicians. They make the singers' jobs easier.

The student director is Maggie Clark, the vocal director Dina Strickert, the technical director Dr. Al Nicolai. Sara Little is the stage manager.

Members of the female chorus are Amber Cox, Martha Stoecker, Katie Kunz, Katie Rose, Krista Olson, Molly Reynolds, Mesha Russel, Becky Bell, Christy Schlosser, Amy Rauls, Becky Komorech, Trisha Bennett, Cindi Ulrich, Alisa Uzoaru, Erica Hileman, Mackenzie Price and Bethany Burchyett.

Members of the male chorus are Thomas Clayton, Corey Lewis, Clay Schermann, T.J. Bishop, Jared Holloway, Matt Brandt, Chris Wise, Aaron Walker, Leon Carson, Champ Friend, Derick Teague, Chris Hahn and Tyler Roeger.

Members of the orchestra are Marquita Brookins, Sarah Vogel, Heather Cowsert, Bruce Dirdren, Laura Crump, Renee Shoulders, Jean Maguire, Christina VanNostrand, Calvin Maginel, Michael Mercer, Kyle Miller, Jay Buerck, Patty Cheung, Colin McLain, Jim Haskell, Tasha Kelley, Eric Wilke, April Slinkard, Beverly Reece, Chris Toretta, Eric Busby, Ron Nall, Karen Walker, Neil Casey, Dr. Gary Miller, Dr. Dan Cotner, Bob Bartley, Billy Keys Augustus Davis, Dina Strickert and Ian Godsey.