Jessica Wagner :: Loves Eliza's Journey in 'My Fair Lady'

Jessica Wagner is playing the iconic role of Eliza Doolittle in Ocean State Theatre Company's (OSTC) production of Lerner and Loewe's Broadway classic, "My Fair Lady," which opens on September 24.

Adapted from George Bernard Shaw's 1912 play "Pygmalion," "My Fair Lady" tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a cockney flower peddler, who agrees to take speech lessons from the opinionated linguistics professor Henry Higgins in order to fulfill her dream of working in a flower shop. The original production ran for nearly seven years on Broadway, which made it the longest running show of its time. The score features songs as "Wouldn't It Be Lovely," "The Rain in Spain," "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face," and "I Could Have Danced All Night."

Directed and choreographed by Producing Artistic Director Amiee Turner, the cast includes Richard Costa as Henry Higgins, Todd Berkich as Colonel Pickering and Peter Tedeschi as Alfred P. Doolittle.

Wagner is a seasoned theatre veteran, having appeared as Maria in "The Sound of Music" and as the Lady in the Lake in "Spamalot." She also played the character of Eliza Doolitle in a regional theatre production. The role is unabashedly her favorite of all the shows in which she's performed.

"She has such a beautiful journey that she takes in so many ways," Wagner told EDGE. "She really becomes (Higgins) equal by the end. It's beautiful to watch."

Wagner also feels the story is "timeless" due to its themes of women's independence and the class differences in society.

Working at Ocean State Theatre has been a joy for Wagner, who appreciates the skills of her fellow actors as well as her director.

"I really love working with Aimee," Wagner said. "She really comes in knowing what she wants."

Wagner's passion for performing began when she was growing up outside of Dallas. She studied musical theatre in college and went on to appear in a number of off-Broadway productions.

"When I'm on stage, I really feel at home," Wagner said. "I really love acting and I love telling stories."

"My Fair Lady" will be presented at Ocean State Theatre from September 24 - October 19. Previews are scheduled for Wednesday, September 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, September 25 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m. All other performances will be held Wednesday (except October 1), Thursday (except October 16), Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Thursdays (except October 9 & 16), Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. (except September 27) and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

The theatre is located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI. Tickets are $39 for preview performances and $39-$54 for all other performances. Tickets are also available online 24 hours a day at www.OceanStateTheatre.org and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 921-6800.