The beautiful Alyssa Bauer is not stranger to the Civic Theatre stage. She delighted audiences as Mary Poppins and carries that same charm in her embodiment of Eliza Doolittle. She shared more about her love of theatre, life beyond the stage, and what it has been like to play this robust character.
What interested you in the role of Eliza Doolittle?
I am drawn to the classic roles Julie Andrews has played. This one has it all— comedy and drama, Cockney English and Proper English, from scruffy to fancy…it’s an exciting journey and a delightful challenge.
What is your favorite line or song from the show?
Favorite line: (As a sassy Cockney girl) “Don’t you be so saucy. You ain’t heard what I come for yet. Did you tell him I come in a taxi?”
Favorite songs: My favorite song to sing is “Without You”, but I also love the moments in “The Rain in Spain” and the music of “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face”.
What has been challenging to you as an actor so far about embodying this character?
Staying present and not allowing myself to act as I’ve seen it previously portrayed by Julie Andrews or Audrey Hepburn, although their performances have certainly influenced me. I’m also trying to make her internal journey as plausible as her external transformation.
When you aren’t on stage, what are you up to?
I have three kids, ages 6, 4 and 1.5. I am grateful to have a super husband who is willing to support our family through months in rehearsal and production. I also work part-time at our church as a Worship Arts Coordinator, assisting with music and productions. And I love baking (eating) cookies.
What do you connect with in this story?
The hope of transformation. There are plenty of things about myself (either internally or externally) that I would like to change. Some are more important than others, but this story addresses the possibilities of both.
What has your involvement in theatre been like?
This time around it has been full and exhausting, in good ways. I can relate with Eliza’s giddiness in the song “I Could Have Danced All Night” because when I am in a production I feel I could do it forever.
What is your favorite show/play of all time?
Typically whatever I’m working on or what my kids are interested in. So, currently My Fair Lady. But The Light in the Piazza, Company, and The Sound of Music are some of the front-runners.
What is something that people should know about the My Fair Lady cast?
They are hard-working and professional. I have been very impressed with their commitment to and work ethic for this production.
Don’t miss Alyssa and the rest of the My Fair Lady cast on stage from February 23-March 18! For more information and to buy tickets for the show, visit https://www.grct.org/events/my-fair-lady/.