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| Bette Midler. Photo by Julieta Cervantes |
Hello, Dolly!
Book By Michael Stewart, based on Thornton Wilder’s The Matchmaker
Choreography by Warren Carlyle, based on the original choreography by Gower Champion
Directed by Jerry Zaks
Shubert Theatre
By Lauren Yarger
Well, Hello, Dolly! It;s so nice to have you back where you belong!
This is going to be a very short review. Go see this show. That is all.
The first new production of the classic Jerry Herman musical (based on a Thornton Wilder play) to appear on Broadway since it opened more than 50 years ago is the sensation of the season.
It's star, Bette Midler as matchmaker Dolly Levi, leads a dream cast featuring the always delightful David Hyde Pierce as her intended, Horace Vandergelder, with Gavin Creel and the silvery voiced Kate Baldwin as romantic interests Cornelius and Irene. All are at the top of their game, no doubt fueled by the crazy energy in the house as people can barely contain themselves. The house lights come down and applause breaks out. The orchestra (led by the capable Music Direction of Andy Einhorn) hits familiar tunes in the overture and there is more enthusiastic applause.
When Midler finally makes her appearance on stage, the house (peppered with celebrities throughout) goes nuts! The show is the hottest ticket in town (well, if you don't count last year's sensation, Hamilton). In its first full week of regular performances, the show shattered box office records at the Shubert Theatre. It might be hard to find a ticket, but you really should try.
Everything is a delight. Santo Loquasto's lovey sets and period costumes give the production an old-fashioned charm. They are the perfect backdrop for the big dance numbers elegantly staged by Warren Carlyle. He recreates the feel of Gower Chapion's original choreography while putting his own clever and precise stamp on the work.
While some of the actual blocking had me wondering why people were walking around in circles on the stage, Director Jerry Zaks gets the matchmaker of the year award by putting just the right creatives and performers together. Bette as Dolly. What could be better than that? "Before the Parade Passes By" stops the show. Look for her and the musical to take home some Tony awards on June 11.
It's star, Bette Midler as matchmaker Dolly Levi, leads a dream cast featuring the always delightful David Hyde Pierce as her intended, Horace Vandergelder, with Gavin Creel and the silvery voiced Kate Baldwin as romantic interests Cornelius and Irene. All are at the top of their game, no doubt fueled by the crazy energy in the house as people can barely contain themselves. The house lights come down and applause breaks out. The orchestra (led by the capable Music Direction of Andy Einhorn) hits familiar tunes in the overture and there is more enthusiastic applause.
When Midler finally makes her appearance on stage, the house (peppered with celebrities throughout) goes nuts! The show is the hottest ticket in town (well, if you don't count last year's sensation, Hamilton). In its first full week of regular performances, the show shattered box office records at the Shubert Theatre. It might be hard to find a ticket, but you really should try.
Everything is a delight. Santo Loquasto's lovey sets and period costumes give the production an old-fashioned charm. They are the perfect backdrop for the big dance numbers elegantly staged by Warren Carlyle. He recreates the feel of Gower Chapion's original choreography while putting his own clever and precise stamp on the work.
While some of the actual blocking had me wondering why people were walking around in circles on the stage, Director Jerry Zaks gets the matchmaker of the year award by putting just the right creatives and performers together. Bette as Dolly. What could be better than that? "Before the Parade Passes By" stops the show. Look for her and the musical to take home some Tony awards on June 11.
The show is not just about Bette, though. The other principals all delightful as well. Rounding out the top-billed roles are Taylor Trensch, Beanie Feldstein, Will Burton, Melanie Moore, KevinLigon and Jennifer Simard.
It Only Takes a Moment -- get on down to the Box office at the Shubert, 225 West 44th St., NYC for two and a half hours of pure enjoyment.
On Tuesdays beginning June 13 Tony-winner Donna Murphy will play the role of Dolly Levi as well as June 27 - July 2, July 5 - 9, Sunday evening July 30, Sept. 6 - 10, Sunday evening - Oct. 15, Monday evening - Oct. 30, Nov. 1 - 5, Friday - Nov. 24 at 2 pm, and Sunday evening - Jan. 7.
Bette Midler will perform the role of Dolly Levi on Tuesday - Nov. 21.
Bette Midler will perform the role of Dolly Levi on Tuesday - Nov. 21.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FACTORS:
Additional casting:
The ensemble includes Cameron Adams, Phillip Attmore, Giuseppe Bausilio,
Justin Bowen, Elizabeth Earley, Taeler Cyrus, Leslie Donna Flesner,
Jenifer Foote, Jessica Lee Goldyn, Stephen Hanna, Michael Hartung,
Robert Hartwell, Aaron Kaburick, Amanda LaMotte, Analisa Leaming,
Jess LeProtto, Ian Liberto, Kevin Ligon, Nathan Madden, Michael
McCormick, Linda Mugleston, Hayley Podschun, Jessica Sheridan, Michaeljon Slinger,
Christian Dante White, Branch Woodman, Ryan Worsing, and Richard Riaz Yoder.
Additional credits:
Additional credits:
Natasha Katz (Lighting Design), Tony Award® winner Scott Lehrer (Sound Design), Andy Einhorn (Music Direction), Tony Award® winner Larry Hochman (Orchestrations), Tony Award® winner Don Pippin (Vocal Arrangements), David Chase (Dance Arrangements)
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