"My Fair Lady" is certainly Lerner and Loewe's crowning glory, but in my mind, this is their most perfect creation. Anyone who thinks that Alan Jay Lerner was not able to write and/or adapt a strong book without the help of a G.B. Shaw needs to take in this gem of a musical based on the novel by Colette.
Although the creators were American, it is so effervescently French in spirit and tone. Lerner insisted that he and Loewe actually live temporarily in Paris while writing the score and screenplay so that they could incorporate the mood and feel of the city into their collaboration. This move paid off in spades. Paris is as much a character in this story as any of the protagonists, and it is displayed beautifully here. There is such color, joy, and romance in this musical. I also happen to think that it's extremely funny to boot. It is perfectly cast (the three main characters are all French, including the legendary Maurice Chevalier), the Cecil Beaton costumes are incredible, and the score is scintillating. The pace never lags for a second.
This musical is a must.
Although the creators were American, it is so effervescently French in spirit and tone. Lerner insisted that he and Loewe actually live temporarily in Paris while writing the score and screenplay so that they could incorporate the mood and feel of the city into their collaboration. This move paid off in spades. Paris is as much a character in this story as any of the protagonists, and it is displayed beautifully here. There is such color, joy, and romance in this musical. I also happen to think that it's extremely funny to boot. It is perfectly cast (the three main characters are all French, including the legendary Maurice Chevalier), the Cecil Beaton costumes are incredible, and the score is scintillating. The pace never lags for a second.
This musical is a must.