Theater Thursday - Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion

We received complimentary tickets to Pygmalion for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion 

Where: Theatre Row, Theatre Five

              410 W. 42nd St.

              New York, NY 

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

When: Through November 22, 2025

In honor of their 20th Anniversary, Gingold Group is presenting what many consider George Bernard Shaw's masterpiece, Pygmalion. Although some people may be more familiar with the later musical based on it, My Fair Lady, the story of the flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, and her teacher, Professor Henry Higgins, was originally a play. Even fewer people probably know that Pygmalion itself was actually based on and named for a Greek myth.  

This version of the story is framed by a chorus of Greek Gods commenting on the action. In this way, the origin of the story is explained. Allegedly, Bernard Shaw himself wanted to use such a framing device for the film version, but the studio decided against it. 

In some ways, the show is similar to My Fair Lady. In other ways, not as much. In fact, My Fair Lady is based more on the film version of Pygmalion than the actual play. In the play, Eliza is not looking for a companion, nor does she have any desire to dance all night. She is already fairly self-sufficent. She just needs the tools to be able to provide for and take care of herself, which a proper education will give her. Higgins, on the other hand, is just completely wrapped up in his work and ignorant of common social graces, but he still comes off as a pompous, mysogonistic ass at times. 

The roles of Eliza and Henry are played by Synnove Karlsen and Mark Evans, respectively. They both do a good job in their roles. However, Karlsen does mumble a bit when she first appears and speaks in a heavy cockney accent, so it's sometimes hard to make out what she's saying. Her diction does improve as the show goes along, even before Eliza makes her full transformation.

They are joined by Carlson Elrod, Tersea Avia Lin, Liza Mitchell, and Matt Wolpe, all of whom play various characters in the show as well as the various Gods making up the previously mentioned Greek chorus. Whether you have seen My Fair Lady or not, you won't want to miss a chance to see a production of such a classic as Pygmalion. Besides, any venue where a  Gingold Group production is appearing is always one of the warmest and friendliest places you can be. Director David Staller can usually be found walking around, welcoming people, and answering any questions they may have about the show they are about to see. 

And that's our view.  For more about Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion or to purchase tickets, visit gingoldgroup.org/productions/pygmalion-4/

Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday.

Photo credits: 

All Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion production photos by Carol Rosegg

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Address any concerns regarding image usage here.