“Pygmalion” May 29-June 7 at Farmstead Arts Center

The Lord Stirling Theater Company will perform “Pygmalion” in the English Barn Theater at the Farmstead Arts Center, 450 King George Road, Basking Ridge, NJ. “Pygmalion” will open on Friday, May 29, at 7:30PM, with additional performances on May 30 at 7:30PM, May 31 at 2:00PM, June 5 and 6 at 7:30PM, and June 7 at 2:00PM. Tickets are $25 general admission, $23 for seniors (65 and over) and students, $20 for Farmstead Arts members, and $15 for children under 12. Tickets may be purchased online at https://farmsteadarts.org/what-we-do/theater.html or at the door (cash only).

The Lord Stirling Theater Company’s bold new staging of George Bernard Shaw’s iconic play about identity, class and the power of language brings fresh energy to Shaw’s razor-sharp wit, illuminating the timeless struggle for self-definition in a world eager to label us.

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The story follows Eliza Doolittle (played by Erin Feith of Florham Park), a spirited flower seller whose chance encounter with phonetics expert Henry Higgins (Rick Brown of Verona) sets off a life-changing experiment. As Higgins attempts to mold Eliza into a “proper lady,” she discovers her own voice—one far stronger than he ever anticipated.

Directed by Ruth Otterburn of Bloomfield, this production blends period charm with contemporary resonance, highlighting the play’s humor while underscoring its enduring social critique.

Additional cast members include (in order of appearance): Christie Storms of Westfield as Clara Eynsford-Hill, Julianne DiPietro of West Orange as Mrs. Eynsford-Hill, Amy Lewis of Basking Ridge as Sadie the Parlor Maid, Matt Marino of Bernardsville as Freddy Eynsford-Hill, Jim Quickstad of Berkeley Heights as Colonel Pickering, Eileen McShane of Bernardsville as Mrs. Pearce, Eric Williams of Mount Tabor as Alfred Doolittle, and Stacey Petricha of Stirling as Mrs. Higgins.

“'Pygmalion’ is a comedy that bites,” says director Ruth Otterburn. “It’s funny, fierce, and deeply human—and Eliza’s journey feels more relevant than ever.”

The Lord Stirling Theater Company’s past productions at the Farmstead Arts Center include “Hound of the Baskervilles,” “She Stoops to Conquer,” “Black Coffee” (nominated for the 2025 NJACT Perry Awards for Outstanding Production of a Play, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play, and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play), “The Wisdom of Eve,” “A Murder Is Announced” (nominated for the 2024 NJACT Perry Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play), “Blithe Spirit,” “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies” (received the 2023 NJACT Perry Award for Outstanding Properties in a Play and nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play), “Cobb” (received the 2022 NJACT Perry Award for Outstanding Stage Management of a Play and nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play and Outstanding Sound Design of a Play), “Dracula” (nominated for the 2020 NJACT Perry Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play), “The Importance of Being Earnest” (received the 2019 NJACT Perry Award for Outstanding Costume Design of a Play and nominated in six other categories, including Outstanding Production of a Play), “Treasure Island,” “Othello,” “Arsenic and Old Lace” (nominated for the 2018 NJACT Perry Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play), “Of Mice and Men,” “And Then There Were None,” “The Dresser,” “Frankenstein’s Fate,” “The Tempest,” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

A dynamic community of creative artists based in Basking Ridge, the group is committed to presenting innovative theater for diverse audiences, through readings and full productions of classical theater and new works, as well as exploring the American experience through compelling productions that illuminate and celebrate our history, culture, and literature. The theater group fosters the next generation of theater artists and audiences by providing unique hands-on educational programming and training in all aspects of theater production. For more information, visit our website at www.lordstirlingtheater.com.

The English Barn Theater is wheelchair accessible. Anyone anticipating the need for additional accessibility services please send an e-mail in advance to farmsteadartscenter@gmail.com. The barn is neither heated nor air conditioned; please dress accordingly.

This event has been made possible, in part, by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.