I saw Hello, Dolly! on May 31st and purchased my ticket last October when the Bette Midler as Dolly Levi frenzy was in full bloom. As a result, my seats were fantastic (and very expensive). Further, I am happy to report that the show is fun. If you go to see Hello, Dolly! primarily to watch Bette ham it up and hoof it around the stage while playing Dolly for laughs, laughs, laughs, then you will be smiling while basking in the audience lovefest for every second Ms. Midler is on the stage. If, like me, you were looking for a great revival of Hello, Dolly! with the character of Dolly Levi fully explored with all her humor plus her vulnerability and pathos, then you’re likely to be a tad disappointed, despite the grand proceedings. Sadly, Ms. Midler’s singing voice was not quite up to the task at hand either.
Surrounding Ms. Midler are a slew of excellent performances notably by David Hyde Pierce as Horace Vandergelder, Gavin Creel as Cornelius Hackl and Kate Baldwin as Irene Malloy. Having seen a number of Ms. Baldwin’s recent stage appearances, this one was my favorite. As usual, her voice is outstanding but I loved her character which felt truly different (and spot on) than the other types she has played. A big thank you to Taylor Trensch (Barnaby Tucker) and Beanie Feldstein (Minnie Fay), who were hilarious and memorable in their roles. The only real miss was the normally funny Jennifer Simard as Ernestina, in an odd characterization that did not work for me.
It’s Hello, Dolly! The waiters dance! We get to put on our Sunday clothes! We watch Bette descend the staircase! We have a great time! If only this Hello, Dolly! was a truly great revival. Oh well. Perhaps we dream next of Annaleigh Ashford as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl…..
One Reply to “Hello, Dolly!”