Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/06
David10225 said: "Frequent reader never poster here but we traveled up from DC to see the show this afternoon and I don't remember when I last laughed so hard. Both my wife and I loved the show and it is easily in our all time top 3. I so glad we chose this over Charlie. Place was packed! It made this old guy well up at the end. You guys are so lucky to have all these wonderful choices of entertainment.
So glad you enjoyed it. I saw Bette but I keep recommending to people to see this production with Donna for the lower price. I don't think they'll be sorry!
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I'll add that I've now seen DHP in this three times and his performance is the most variable IMO. The first time I saw him in previews he was sort of disengaged and didn't make much of an attempt to sing. The second time I saw him (this past Tuesday) he was hilarious. And he was really singing out in "Penny in my Pocket." This afternoon he was sort of disengaged again.
He seemed like he was having fun during "Penny in My Pocket" today, but the rest of the time he acted like he was counting the minutes till he could get offstage.
I really think DHP is the weakest in the cast. He just doesn't look right on stage and he always seems uninterested the whole show. I'm not sure if it's a character choice or something, but it really doesn't work. I wonder if they called the wrong guy from Fraiser to offer the part to. Kelsey Grammer, who I'm generally not a huge fan of, would have been a much better choice for Horace.
GeorgeandDot said: "I really think DHP is the weakest in the cast. He just doesn't look right on stage and he always seems uninterested the whole show. I'm not sure if it's a character choice or something, but it really doesn't work. I wonder if they called the wrong guy from Fraiser to offer the part to. Kelsey Grammer, who I'm generally not a huge fan of, would have been a much better choice for Horace.
"
I think Horace is sort of an awkwardly written character. After all his biggest appeal is that he has some hard cash available. But I also think it's the rest of the cast: Midler/Murphy, Creel, Trensch, Baldwin, Bernstein et al are all very warm, extroverted performers. DHP isn't that and won't ever be that. I could see him fitting in with a cast that was more introverted. For instance, it's not likely to happen but I think he could be a great Torvald for A Doll's House 2.
PalJoey said: "
As must this one, by Sally Struthers:
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Wanted to chime in.
I saw Bette as Dolly twice... once in previews, and once shortly after opening. I returned today to see Donna (couldn't resist the discount from TodayTix with no fees).
The show remains an absolute delight. The ensemble is amazing, and it is hard to not smile for the entire 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Donna Murphy was absolutely amazing. She sang very well (as expected), but looked stunning in those costumes. Her comedy was also great... at times her comedy style reminded me of Andrea Martin (a compliment, in my opinion). While I love love loved Bette... I did not miss her today. The production thrives with a different leading lady. During intermission I was daydreaming of all the other amazing people they should/could bring in for short stints. I would certainly return for each new actress.
It was sad to see so many empty seats in the Mezz (for act one anyway), especially compared to the SRO crowds I experienced with Bette... but it seemed that everyone in the theatre fell in love with Donna's Dolly.
I do have to mention that multiple people in the line to go in were saying they had no idea Bette wouldn't be in... and when I asked them where they got their tickets- they said directly from Telecharge. I don't understand how anyone could possibly miss the disclaimers... but they did.
David10225 said: "Frequent reader never poster here but we traveled up from DC to see the show this afternoon and I don't remember when I last laughed so hard. Both my wife and I loved the show and it is easily in our all time top 3. I so glad we chose this over Charlie. Place was packed! It made this old guy well up at the end. You guys are so lucky to have all these wonderful choices of entertainment."
Are you kidding? D.C. Has some of the best theatre in the U S , so you also have a lot of wonderful choices of entertainment.
I saw this at the end of May with Bette and I was bowled over by everything, for a show from the sixties this felt fresh and exciting. Each and every person on that stage earned every buck, as did all the creatives. Looking back a little over a month now what do I remember, Bette, Bette, Bette, Gavins enthusiasm and energy, DHP's perfect journey from grumpy to desire and Jennifer Simard as Ernestina Money, why aren't people mentioning her more. I loved every choice she made, every thing she did. she made me howl with laughter. What a great night at the theatre. I would love to see the show again and hope that it crosses the Atlantic to come to London. I am sure that Donna does an amazing job, every other casting choice was right so why wouldn't Donna be? Bette just added that extra wow-wow-wow fellas, seeing her meant that I had seen a legend live.
Out In The Sticks said: " What a great night at the theatre. I would love to see the show again and hope that it crosses the Atlantic to come to London. I am sure that Donna does an amazing job, every other casting choice was right so why wouldn't Donna be? Bette just added that extra wow-wow-wow fellas, seeing her meant that I had seen a legend live.
"
And that is exactly why I am spending bib bucks to see her over and over again. Bette has always been a presence for me in my life and for many others. A star from the days that stars were really stars. That is why she is worth every penny to many. And that is why her run is basically sold out. Dolly has always been a great show and a great showcase for its leading lady. Looking forward to many more ladies taking their turn. But Bette is a event. One that sadly there probably won't be many more of left in my lifetime.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
I love reading comments by people who have fallen in love with HELLO, DOLLY! the way I did 53 years ago.
Let me tell you a little secret: when I'm in the city to see another show, I rush over to the Shubert to see if DOLLY has let out yet. If they havain't, I wait until it does so I can see the smiles and "the Dolly Glow" as the audience comes out.
I went to buy tickets yesterday afternoon at the box office to see Ms. Murphy on Wednesday. While I am purchasing them (btw...the extremely cute box office guy is extremely kind and not pushy) I could hear Donna sing "Dolly Will Never Go Away Again" through the doors and the audience errupted. She sounded amazing! I got that heart skip a beat feeling in my chest! I couldn't stop smiling.
What made it better was after having dinner with my friend, we were walking though Shubert Alley and the barricades were set up outside the stage door with about 30 people quietly waiting and we saw Ms. Murphy signing every autograph and taking photos. I stopped to just admire her kindness, she stopped and took time to speak and listen to each person in line. She was smiling and interacting. Made me want to see and support her even more. She is a true CLASS ACT!
Just thought I would share. I can't wait to see her on Wednesday!
With all of these flourishing comments above, What more to expect from a 2 time tony winner!
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
How many Tony Awards has Kevin Kline won? How does he treat his fans?
I'm seeing the show Thursday and I couldn't be more excited!!!
Robbie2 said: "
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Gorgeous picture! Where'd you get it? Production photos are so hard to find for this show.
Gorgeous picture. The colors in this production are blindingly beautiful.
So I'm seeing the production again next month with Donna and I've decided to see the show from the rear balcony this time. I'll be sitting row H, seat 10. I've never sat up there in the Shubert before and I have been told that there are some poles up there. Do you think it will obstruct my view at all?
GeorgeandDot said: "Gorgeous picture. The colors in this production are blindingly beautiful.
So I'm seeing the production again next month with Donna and I've decided to see the show from the rear balcony this time. I'll be sitting row H, seat 10. I've never sat up there in the Shubert before and I have been told that there are some poles up there. Do you think it will obstruct my view at all?
No, the poles are further over, closer to the outer aisle. Here was my view from seat K 8 in the balcony.
http://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/72845/Shubert+Theatre/section-Balcony+Right/row-K/seat-8/
CT2NYC: I have never seen this website or app. THANK YOU for sharing it. It is amazing! I must be out of the loop, but am so happy you shared. Thanks again!
http://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/72845/Shubert+Theatre/section-Balcony+Right/row-K/seat-8/
"
HunterK said: "
CT2NYC: I have never seen this website or app. THANK YOU for sharing it. It is amazing! I must be out of the loop, but am so happy you shared. Thanks again!
http://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/72845/Shubert+Theatre/section-Balcony+Right/row-K/seat-8/
You're quite welcome, and I'm glad you like it! I use it all the time, and I try to post a pic whenever I go to a show.
Broadway Star Joined: 5/5/17
Quick off-topic note, but since people do travel to NYC: For airplane seat reviews there's Seatguru.
10086Sundays said: "Quick off-topic note, but since people do travel to NYC: For airplane seat reviews there's Seatguru.
I am a Flight Attendant with Delta, this is an AWESOME app as well. Thanks 10086 for mentioning it. People will get such good use out of it!
I bought the souvenir program...very expensive. Disappointed in quality of pics.
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