Dame asked about creative changes in the Pearl Bailey/Cab Calloway version of Hello, Dolly! I had the pleasure of seeing her twice on Broadway. Prior to seeing her I had seen Channing, Ginger Rogers, Martha Raye, and Betty Grable either on Broadway or in touring productions, so I was very familiar with the show. Every star who portrayed Dolly brought her own unique "interpretation" to the role (for example, during the title number Betty Grable hiked up her skirt to show off those famous Grable "gams." Pearl Bailey, as evident in this video, brought her own style to the part, but I was not aware of any changes in the script or staging. Lucia Victor, who had been an assistant to Gower Champion, staged the production following the well-established template of her mentor. The sets were the same. For Bailey, the costume in the second half of the first act (hat shop through Before the Parade) was yellow, rather than the green and lilac outfit worn by earlier Dollys. (NOTE: For Merman, that costume was pink.)
But the new star and cast managed to breath a freshness into the show that kept it running well beyond when it might otherwise have closed. She starred for about two years in the role.
One innovation of their production was what she called "Act Three." Following curtain calls, Miss Bailey inevitably addressed the audience, engaged in a bit of banter and some of the schtick for which she was well known (I recall her slipping off her shoes complaining about her feet being tired). After dismissing the rest of the cast she and Cab Calloway would do a song. The audience ate it up.
Perhaps others will have their own memories. During one of her shows I had my 9 year old brother with me, and a seat in the front row. During the curtain call as she came around the runway, I held my brother up and she leaned down and kissed him on the forehead. For many years I saved the handkerchief with the lipstick I wiped off his head.
Ray is the author of the Brad Frame mystery series, and two suspense novels. He is also the author of a one man play based on Ben Franklin. http://www.rayflynt.com
