Swampcott resident Katy Downey performs in Wellesley Players' My Fair Lady

The hummable, quotable, wonderfully enjoyable musical for the whole family! The story, the songs, the characters -- you know and love them. A Broadway hit when it debuted in 1956, this fan-favorite musical has gone on to win Tony Awards, launch careers and be adapted into the Oscar-winning beloved film. The Wellesley Players brings together an award-winning team to present this beautiful musical in a manner that speaks to today’s audiences. When Professor Henry Higgins bets he can transform a Cockney flower girl into an aristocratic lady, he doesn’t anticipate that Eliza Doolittle will end up transforming him. Based on George Bernard Shaw’s delightful social satire Pygmalion, Lerner and Loewe’s charming and beloved musical features such unforgettable numbers as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?” it’s no wonder everyone — not just Henry Higgins — falls in love with Eliza Doolittle. This show is the standard by which all others are measured. The production will feature the sparkling two-piano orchestration, crafted with the approval of Lerner and Loewe by the show’s original arranger of dance music.

The cast and crew of Wellesley Players’ production are drawn from talent throughout Eastern Massachusetts, from Ashland to Beverly, from Tewksbury to Winthrop, and some hometown Players from Wellesley. The talented cast includes both Wellesley Players veterans and performers who are new to the troupe.

Among the talented cast is Swampscott resident Katy Downey, a member of the ensemble taking on the role of Maid 4. Among her many roles on stage, Katy’s favorites include Kathy in Company, Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chastity (Reno’s Angel) in Anything Goes. She has also enjoyed dancing as a Red Rat Girl in Jekyll and Hyde, and as a Kit Kat Girl in Cabaret.

Katy has enjoyed many aspects of community theater. “I love hilarious unexpected thing that happen during performances, and you just have to make them work. I’ve had hair pieces go flying off, and wardrobe malfunctions...you don’t wish for these things but they are often funny, and part of the magic of live theatre. The best is when you support each other during these times and pull it off successfully!”

Another important component has been shared moments with cast members, who frequently become good friends. Downey noted, “The littlest moments on stage can really help forge a bond with fellow cast members. There have been times when the first time we ran a number in its entirety was in front of an audience! This can be scary but it can be a thrilling sense of accomplishment when you nail it. I also enjoy the occasional affectionate prank backstage or at rehearsal to keep the journey lively. Another wonderful thing is getting to see and appreciate how hard everyone works behind the scenes! I have been lucky to work with some amazingly talented production/crew members.”

She said, “Meeting great new people, having fun creating something together, and the learning experience of the whole process. Theatre people are like no other people. I have made amazing friends, and it’s great when you get to perform with your friends on stage!”

Among moments on stage, one that was particularly meaningful to Downey was during a recent fundraiser. “I sang “Brave” by Idina Menzel and dedicated it to the Boston Firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. I got a standing ovation, and came off the stage crying! It was an awesome moment.”

When not doing community theater, Downey is a Massachusetts State Trooper. She gets to sing for work often - patriotic songs, hymns, etc. at ceremonies and events. She has performed the National Anthem at Fenway Park, the Boston Garden, in Washington DC and in Las Vegas. About 7 years ago she performed in a show in Disney World, and one of her nieces was also featured. Being on stage with her was one of her favorite moments!

Downey is a member of a Voices of Hope, a charity group that raises money for cancer research. She has performed with them at Boston Symphony Hall, the Hatch Shell, Gillette Stadium and North Shore Music Theatre.

My Fair Lady will be directed by Celia Couture with music direction by Art Finstein, choreography by Kelly Murphy and set design by Ruth Neeman. Director Celia Couture has taken shows to the National Drama Festival three times, including once with the Wellesley Players. Her Radium Girls with the Burlington Players won the National Best Show Award in 2013.