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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
