Long a staple of community theaters and big-budget revivals, “My Fair Lady” doesn't seem like a first choice for Ten Thousand Things Theater. After all, the company’s unique mission — presenting the shows to prisons, treatment facilities and community centers to reach audiences who may have never seen a play before ­— doesn’t lend itself to big sets, epic production numbers and dancing Edwardian bachelors.

True to form, there’s little of that here (well, the bachelors do dance a bit). Instead, this stripped-down edition cuts right through all of the window dressing to the conflicts of class and gender that drive the story.

That difference comes sharply into focus on “Wouldn’t it be Loverly.” Typically a sweet number that presents Eliza as a plucky young thing ready to take on the world, here the song comes off as almost a desperate plea —­ there’s nothing cute about her need for a safe, steady place to stay or enough food to eat.

A cast of five highly talented actors,­ under the spry direction of Lear deBessonet,­ turn Eliza Doolittle’s transformation completely into her story, as she learns not just to act like a lady, but to fly free on her own intellect.

Kate Eifrig leads the cast with a force-of-nature rendition of Eliza. She's all fire and anger here, even when she’s dressed to the nines in rented jewelry for the ball. This is a character who knows that she deserves better than what she has in life.

Steve Hendrickson gives us a misanthropic, crusty Higgins who never becomes all that sympathetic. In numerous roles, Luverne Seifert and Kimberly Richardson bring the various characters alive, from Seifert’s commanding Mrs. Higgins to Richardson’s harrumphing Col. Pickering. Bradley Greenwald picks up the rest, including turns as lovelorn Freddy and concerned housekeeper Ms. Pierce, including one scene playing both at the same time.

That sense of play rides throughout the show, from Peter Vitale’s spare musical arrangements ­ — “With a Little Bit of Luck” is led by a booming bass drum ­— to Jim Lichtscheidl's delightful (as always) choreography.

“My Fair Lady” runs through May 30 at the Minnesota Opera Center, 620 N. First St., Minneapolis. Tickets are $25 ($15 student tickets for Sunday performances). For information and tickets, call 612-203-9502 or visit online.