THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 2, 1995 TAG: 9511010162
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 19 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
Eliza Doolittle will again be changed from Cockney flower girl to quality lady, at the hands of diction freak Professor Henry Higgins.
The initial Smithfield Little Theater transformation came about in 1974, when Shirley Rogers directed ``My Fair Lady.'' The second will take place with Cecil Gwaltney directing.
``My Fair Lady'' is a Broadway-Hollywood smash hit, featuring such songs as ``Get Me To the Church On Time,'' ``I Could Have Danced All Night'' and ``On the Street Where You Live.''
This production stars theater vets Kristin Wilda and Dr. Rick Hurst.
``Eliza Doolittle is a plum role,'' Wilda said. ``You go from smudged-up street person to something like a princess. The accents are a challenge, but it's a fun role, doubling comedy and drama.''
Wilda, mother of four sons and pre-school teacher at Smithfield Baptist Church, was last on stage about three years ago, as Sister Mary Amnesia in ``Nunsense.''
Hurst, father of three children and pediatrician, was seen productions including ``Annie Get Your Gun'' and ``Lion in Winter.''
He said of his role, ``It's challenging. I work till 6, go to the theater to rehearse, then back to the office.''
Directing this play is the only reason Gwaltney came out of retirement after three years. He has been at the helm for most SLT musicals. Three years ago, he said no more.
Gwaltney is getting expert help from his wife, Linda, producer and stage technician.
Shirley Rogers, who directed in 1974, said she will be in the audience Saturday.
``A lot of the people, mostly those in the chorus, are still around,'' she said. ``Tom Matthews died about eight years ago. Maurice Trotman, now living in Nags Head, was musical director, Beverly Chapman was accompanist. Drew Samuels was Col. Pickering. I haven't seen him in years.''
She does see the actor who portrayed Alfy Doolittle - her husband, Al.
``Linda Matthews was Mrs. Pierce, Carolyn Swindell was Mrs. Higgins, Tim Norman was Freddy. Earl Hall, who has a business in Surry, was in the cast and Duane Stewart came from Portsmouth,'' Rogers said. ``Rob Scott is still around but not active in theater. Jeanne Groves, who was wonderful in ``Nunsense,'' was one of the street people.
Peggy Pile, who was an understudy for Eliza, was killed in a car accident on the James River Bridge a few years after the play. Her picture hangs in the theater in her memory. There is also a picture im memory of Barbara Jones. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by FRANK ROBERTS
Rick Hurst plays Professor Henry Higgins and Kristin Wilda stars as
Eliza Doolittle in the Smithfield Little Theater's musical
production of ``My Fair Lady.''
AT A GLANCE
What: ``My Fair Lady''
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 2 to 5, 9 to 11, 16 to 18; and 2:30 p.m. Nov.
12.
Where: Cotton Gin Theater, Commerce Street, Smithfield.
Tickets: $8
Call: 357-7338.
by CNB