The progenitor of this show is the Greek myth of Pygmalion, an ivory sculpture brought to life via the sculptors prayer to Venus. George Bernard Shaw borrowed the theme for his play Pygmalion, with the metaphor of Eliza Doolittle being "brought to life"by Professor Henry Higgins. Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe used the same theme and characters in their musical My Fair Lady. 
In the time between Shaws Eliza and the Eliza of Lerner and Lowe, Garson Kanin wrote this play, 'Born Yesterday', revived by Crowded Kitchen Players at McCoole's in Quakertown, visiting the Pygmalion metaphor of an ideal woman brought to life again.
In Kanins treatment, Billie Dawn, played by Rebecca Burroughs, is a courtesan for the corrupt trash tycoon Harry Brock, played by William Gibson. Brock wants Congress to pass a law to allow him to import trash from WWII in Europe to the U.S. without paying tariffs. Brock brings Billie and moves into a fashionable Washington, D.C. hotel to push his initiative. The play is set in this posh hotel room.
The play begins with Brock and Dawn moving into the hotel. Senator Norval Hodges and his wife, played by Jerry Brucker and Suzy Barr Hoffman, pay them a visit.
Billie commits several faux pas, and Brock decides she needs polish. Billies lack of education and social grace leads Brock to hire the reporter, Paul Verral (Dan Ferry), to tutor her to make her suitable for display in Washington society.
Brock bribes the compliant Senator Hedges to guide the legislation through Congress. Ed Devery, Brocks lawyer, played by Jay Fletcher, abets his efforts.
Paul and Billie fall in love, get married, and foil their plans.
The first act of the play was slow to develop. However, the second act was shot out of a cannon and flew like greased lightning until the curtain.
The functional set, designed and constructed by Ara Barlieb, supports the flow of the play. Light blue pastel murals painted by Nora Oswald add delightful spice to the tableau. These pictures that represent windows looking at Washington landmarks would make a suitable decoration for the finest homes in the Lehigh Valley.
The highlight of the show, which is so bright the rest of cast struggled to leave its shadow, is the portrayal of Billie Dawn by Burroughs.
She is a perfect, believable Billie who transitions from the uneducated to the semi-knowledgeable Billie such that I never once thought she was acting. Her attention to the details inherent in the role was captivating.
Gibson powered his way through the play and almost balanced her. He developed a greedy, mean, compelling Brock that was easy to loathe. The emotional impact of his performance will remain with me for a long time.
Ferry, playing the reporter Paul Verrel, was at his best in the teaching scene where he is helping Billie understand the books he assigned her to read.
This was a nuanced bit of acting between two simpatico actors delivering emotional content with touching subtlety.
The remainder of the cast included Michael Thew as Eddie, Brocks cousin and strong arm, and Suzy Barr Hoffman and Stefan Goslawski playing a variety of supporting characters.
Ara Barlieb directed the show.
Performances are given at McCooles Arts and Events Place in Quakertown. You can have dinner at McCooles before the show or drinks and snacks after.
Shows are at 8PM on March 15, 16, 22, 23 and 2PM on March 10 and 17.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $14 for seniors and $10 for students.
For more information, call 610-395-7176 or visit www.ckplayers.com.