RELATED EVENTS

• My Fair Lady

Lisa O'Hare will star as Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady," presented by Broadway Across America from March 4 through March 9 at Clowes Hall.

He is a crabby college phonetics professor who brags that he can make any woman speak like a duchess. She is a flower seller with a strong Cockney accent and an even stronger demeanor.

The match between Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle was not exactly made in heaven, but rather, thanks to a wager between Higgins and a friend. The relationship has long been famous, first because of George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion," and then Lerner & Loewe's stage musical "My Fair Lady."

British actors Christopher Cazenove and Lisa O'Hare" -- who also played Mary Poppins in London -- have the roles of Higgins and Eliza during the U.S. tour that will arrive Tuesday at Clowes Hall. We caught up with O'Hare by phone to talk about the production.

It's interesting that you played one role Julie Andrews was known for, Mary Poppins, and are now doing another. How does that feel, and have you met her?

It's fantastic. I mean, I love Julie Andrews' work in film. She created a lot of these roles. It's fantastic to be fooling with what she did, her creations. I have, actually, met her. We did a gala performance for her in "Mary Poppins," and then had a party. She is a beautiful, graceful and lovely lady.

How might Andrews' chemistry with Rex Harrison years ago be different from yours and Christopher Cazenove's?

What comes between the characters is never complex. Basically, they thrive off of each other and off arguments, conversation and constant conflict. I never saw Julie Andrews play it, but I believe she and Rex Harrison had a kind of maturity, and I guess, aggressiveness. They have to be aggressive, but you have to have a soft spot for them as well, because they can't be hated characters. In my eyes, this production does not suggest a romantic thing between them in any way, but they definitely can't live without each other. That's for sure.

How do you make Eliza your own?

With my ballet background, I guess it helped ... but I also was brought up in the north (of England), and I know how gritty the English working class can be. I've seen that side, so I brought bits of my background to make it my own. I'm keeping her innocent, but also very fiery. Otherwise, you don't see the transformation.

Has "My Fair Lady" been presented more consistently in England or in the U.S.?

I think this is something the English like to think is their own. It's absolutely not. It's set in England, but ..... it's definitely in the American hearts.

Where in England do you live?

I've lived in London since I was 11. I now live in South London with my boyfriend.

How long will you tour with "My Fair Lady?" and what then?

We're involved into June or July. Afterwards, I don't have anything planned. I like to leave things to fate.