The Shubert Theater in New Haven kicks off its Broadway series in October with a show that’s not just a piece of musical theater history, it’s also a piece of Connecticut history.
The theater kicks off its season with a touring production of “My Fair Lady” October 19-22.
Based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, My Fair Lady would go on to become a record-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical, enjoying numerous revivals into the modern Broadway era and helping to launch the musical pundit’s career start Julia Andrews.
But on February 4, 1956, the show’s historic run in Connecticut almost reached a point.
Star Rex Harrison wasn’t sure about singing with an orchestra — at the time when artists relied solely on the power of their diaphragms to project — some of the equipment wasn’t working properly and snow was gathering in front of the Shubert. At one point, Harrison refused to perform, stating he “wouldn’t go on with these thirty-two intruders in the pit,” Brad Schreiber recounted in Stop the Show!: A History of Insane Incidents and Absurd Accidents in the Theater. ”
The show almost stopped. At one point, the cast and crew were sent home, only to be called back at the last minute after director Moss Hart was able to get Harrison out of his dressing room. In a 2018 New York Times story, actor Jerry Adler — last known as Herman “Hesh” Rabkin, Tony Soprano’s consigliere on “The Sopranos” — recounted how he assembled the cast after they were fired .
“I was walking across the street to Loew’s Poli,” Adler told the Times, referring to a movie theater that used to be near the Shubert, “and in the middle of the movie I yelled, ‘Somebody here from ‘My Fair’ Lady’ Occupation? The show is on again tonight!’ We have all but one – Rosemary Gaines (a cast member) who had a bout of appendicitis and was in the hospital.”
At 8:45 p.m. that night, “My Fair Lady” premiered to a standing ovation mid-show and a sold-out performance before the end of intermission.
The show was as successful as a film in 1964, with Audrey Hepburn taking on the role of Andrews’ Eliza Dolittle. She won a Golden Globe for her performance in the film. Harrison reprized his role as Henry Higgins and received an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his role.
Next, the Shubert will continue its tradition of performing musicals as it hosts the technical rehearsals and tour launch for “A Soldier’s Play” December 8-11. The 1982 thriller won a Tony in 2020 when it was revived by the Roundabout Theater Company.
The nine-time Tony Award-winning Book of Mormon comes March 3-5, 2023, followed by On Your Feet! The musical, which runs March 23-26, features music by Gloria Estefan and of the Miami Sound Machine while it tells the story of Estefans and husband Emilio’s rise to iconic stars in the ’90s.
The series’ five-part run concludes with Jesus Christ Superstar, which runs April 21-23.
“My Fair Lady” runs from October 19-22, 2022.
A Soldier’s Play runs December 8-11, 2022.
The Book of Mormon runs March 3-4, 2023.
“On your feet!” runs March 23-26, 2012.
Jesus Christ Superstar will run April 21-23, 2023.
“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in re-engaging our customers this season. It has been exciting for me to plan a diverse lineup of shows for my inaugural season,” said Anthony McDonald, executive director of the Shubert Theatre. “Of an enchanting classic, a gripping new production and an inspiring triumph of the spirit; to dizzying, irreverent comedy and a rockin’ iconic musical – I’m confident the 2022-2023 Broadway series will be one of Shubert’s best.”
Shubert subscribers can also add a Blue Man Group performance to their subscription. The Pantone percussionists will be making stops on their North American tour from January 6th to 8th.