not bloody likely

Through August 24 - Pygmalion at Cal Shakes.  Back when I first read George Bernard Shaw's play in high school I remember regarding the ending as a complete tragedy, my teenage self preferring the hokey pseudo-romantic ending of My Fair Lady.  However I was happy to note as I watched Jonathan Moscone's spectacular new production earlier this week that I now see Eliza's final exit as a triumph for women everywhere.  Irene Lucio is hilarious as Ms Doolittle and a fiery match to Anthony Fusco's Henry Higgins, ye olde confirmed bachelor himself (and prototypical clueless dude).  Their extended scene together in the last act is absolutely riveting as Higgins tries to come to grips with the fact he no longer exerts any control over his supposed creation.  When Eliza ultimately bids him farewell (sorry: spoiler) it is the exact opposite of a Hollywood ending, but she is free to choose her own fate by utilizing a whole set of newly-gained tools, including language.  And that is the happiest ever after of all.