Charles Shaughnessy Stars in My Fair Lady at TBTS

Charles Shaughnessy, the stage and television veteran, is starring as Professor Henry Higgins in Theatre by the Sea’s new production of My Fair Lady, opening Jun 24. The story is based upon George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe.

“It’s the best musical created,” said Shaughnessy, who has appeared in other productions of the show. “I’ve always loved the character, loved the dialogue.”

“What’s so great is there’s a certain enigma to it,” Shaughnessy told Motif. “The relationship between Higgins and Eliza has been left intact from Shaw’s Pygmalion. It’s a more modern romantic comedy-musical. There’s a wonderful question mark about who these people are and what their relationship is and what it is they’re needing from each other.”

Shaughnessy has been doing double-duty: The actor has been performing in the musical Ever After in New Jersey. At the same time, he has been in rehearsals for My Fair Lady in New York with some of the cast members.

Shaughnessy will finish up Ever After just a few days before going to Theatre by the Sea. He likens it to a car rolling along an assembly line, with the various parts being added a little bit at a time.

“It’s a new experience for me and I think for everyone, but it’s actually very exciting,” Shaughnessy said, noting his co-star Kerry Conte is a “fabulous” Eliza Doolittle.

Shaughnessy was born and raised in London, and entertainment has always been in his blood. His father was the principal writer and script editor on “Upstairs, Downstairs,” his mother was an actress and his brother David is a director and producer in television.

Initially, Shaughnessy was pursuing another type of career. After graduating from Eton College, Shaughnessy got his BA in Law at the Magdalene College of Cambridge University. But then Shaughnessy realized he really wanted to be around theater folk, who he considered his family.

He went on to appear in some regional productions before heading to Hollywood. In the 1980s, Shaughnessy was on the hit daytime soap opera, “Days of Our Lives,” but his biggest role came about by a stroke of luck.

In the early 1990s, a CBS programming executive was so impressed by an appearance Shaughnessy made on the hit sitcom “Murphy Brown” that he was sent to audition for “The Nanny,” starring Fran Drescher. “It all seemed to go well,” Shaughnessy said, noting he and Drescher had terrific chemistry together.

Shaughnessy also made some guest appearances on the critically acclaimed AMC series “Mad Men.” “It was a terrific experience being on such an iconic show,” Shaughnessy said.

Shaughnessy credits his longevity in the entertainment business to his willingness to take risks. “When a job comes up, as long as there’s something positive (about it), then do it,” Shaughnessy said. “It might turn out to the best experience of your life.”

My Fair Lady runs Jun 24 – Jul 18, Tues through Sun. Check the website for exact dates and show times. Tickets are on sale by phone at 401-782-8587, online at theatrebythesea.com, or in person at 364 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield.