[Apples2for10]

Would "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" (or all of Higgins' songs, really) necessarily have to be spoke-sung? My guess would be "no", seeing as Higgins' songs were written for Rex Harrison, who was not a trained singer. My question is, could Higgins' songs be rearranged to suit a trained singer?

[JIJane]

Yes they can be sung, they were sung in the most recent West End production of My Fair Lady. I don't think it matters whether they are sung or spoke sung, what matters is that you get the character right and give it your own personal interpretation paying careful attention to the lyrics and the intentions at every single moment of your performance. What matters most is - making it real.

[Salome]

it should NOT be sung! ever.

the rythyms and tempois of the song are such that the spoke-sung approach is the only legit way to do any of higgins songs.

Jane, I tihnk you mean in the recent london production the actors (i.e. pryce and andrews) sung more notes on purpose than harrison or ricxhardson did..but it was still spoke-sung.

[JIJane]

Yes I didn't mean singing in the style of Brent Barrett. Just a tad more...legit than just spoken.

[actor]

Frederick Loewe wrote Higgens' songs to be spoke-sung with natural dips in the voice at the end of phrases.

[Salome]

at lerner's request you mean.[/b]

[Monsieur D'Arque]

I insist again, upon hearing this, that the only good Higgins left who hasn't played Higgins would be John Lithgow, as his work as Lawrence in DRS is incredibly Higgins-esque, and he makes the transitions between speak-singing and just singing effortlessly in his songs.

[Salome]

Lithgow played Higgins a few seasons ago in los Angeles. Melissa Errico was his Liza.