Got the chance to catch this one this week - in short, it’s far from ready…however, it’s very fixable and there’s definitely good bones. If they can make the proper cuts o could see this one being entertaining enough to be critic proof, like MJ or BEAUTIFUL.
the first act is absolutely plodding, like watching a funeral procession. Lots of gaping pauses in book scenes, low stakes, and seemingly endless (95 mins). The second act moves breathlessly fast and only goes skin deep in terms of real drama, but it has energy, tender scenes that showcase Dolly’s relationships, particularly with Carl Dean, and is packed with all her biggest hits. The audience was cheering for female-empowerment one-liners from Dolly throughout Act 2, moving to the music, and were clearly enjoying themselves after being nearly silent for almost all of Act 1. If they can economize Act 1 to match the energy of Act 2, it’ll be fine and will run forever.
The other major problem is that the two leading ladies are simply not in the same league. Katie Rose Clarke is giving a Tony-worthy performance as the eldest Dolly. She disappears into the role; nailing Dolly’s vocals, sense of humor, cadence, and body language. The same unfortunately cannot be said of Carrie St. Louis as middle Dolly, who feels like an imitation of Megan Hilty in 9 to 5, but with less power. Ms. St Louis is not driving the scenes at all, and is surprisingly vocally very weak in power and off pitch (a sequence at the Opry where Dolly yodels, meant to be impressive, fell so flat it hurt). Why they aren’t following BEAUTIFUL’s model where one adult plays the role through adult life is beyond me…Ms. Clarke could easily play younger and do the role throughout. It only makes things more confusing that John Behlmann and John Zjdrolski play Carl and Porter throughout their years, but Dolly isn’t given the same rules. It would also help the overall flow of the show to follow one actress throughout so we could really invest in her journey and root for her to win.
So, all in all, it was rough…and high art, even with lots of work, this is never going to be. But if they can just get over this rough patch, make some tough decisions, and excise the fat in Act 1 - this has the bones to be a long running, tourist-driven hit.
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