DHP as Horace
DHP as Horace
actorsnonactors
Chorus Member Joined: 12/20/12
#1DHP as Horace
Posted: 3/26/17 at 1:55am
I have thought this was an odd choice from the very beginning, because he's just so gentle in so many of his roles...so, without getting overly spoiler-y, can someone tell me what his "hook" is as Vandergelder? What's the angle? Or is he just playing the heavy and taking down the old familiar road? Thanks!
#2DHP as Horace
Posted: 3/26/17 at 3:55am
I can give no answer to your question but I had a similar thought when I read that Tony Sheldon recently played Horace--and I believe he was excellent.
I will be interested to read responses to both actors performances--maybe it's how they play against their Dolly and obviously take direction.
I only know gruff Walter Matthau and he is worlds apart from the 2 actors mentioned.
10086sunset
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/8/16
#5DHP as Horace
Posted: 3/26/17 at 9:39am
His performance is excellent. He truly makes the character his own. He's unrecognizable in the role, which is the highest compliment I can pay.
BrodyFosse123
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/06
#6DHP as Horace
Posted: 3/26/17 at 11:17am
David Hyde Pierce is a perfect Horace. He infuses his own David Hyde Pierce-ism which flavors his performance and plays Horace stern, gruff and masculine without losing himself in the characterization. His stage comic chemistry between Bette and his fellow cast is fantastic.
#7DHP as Horace
Posted: 3/26/17 at 11:19am
I was sceptical, too.
And then I saw the show Thursday night.
David Hyde Pierce is a wonderful, delightfully eccentric Horace. I thought he gave a sensational performance, making the character completely his own and a gorgeous partner for Bette Midler's Dolly.
"Penny in My Pocket" was a wonderful moment for Horace to shine.
You will go in expecting to adore Bette's matchmaker, and you won't be disappointed. But you'll also come out delightfully surprised by Pierce.
#8DHP as Horace
Posted: 3/26/17 at 11:34am
I saw this show last night and I thought DHP's performance was the part that worked the least for me. I'm not sure it's his fault, but the chemistry between him and Midler was non-existent, so the finale didn't have the impact it could have had. In fact I see Horace's half-million headed towards a divorce settlement. Also, his singing voice is extremely weak and in a cast with Bette Midler, Gavin Creel, and Kate Baldwin the way he dodges around actual singing stuck out like a sore thumb. I think he's a great actor, just doesn't fit in this particular production.
#9DHP as Horace
Posted: 3/26/17 at 12:39pm
Pierce and Bette are still finding some of the humor, but by opening in three weeks, they should nail it.
#10DHP as Horace
Posted: 3/26/17 at 12:57pm
Exactly what kind of singing voice were you expecting for a Horace Vandergelder? It's a very simple part to sing and DHP even gets an extra song. He sounds just fine.
Videos