Ginger Rogers Singing "Before The Parade Passes By" from "Hello Dolly"! — Page 2

markypoo said: "Oh, how I would love to hear Ginger's take on "I Put My Hand In."

Bet it was sublime."

Here you go. Curious as to why the long pause after she reveals herself on the trolley during “Call On Dolly”?

Dollypop said: "The pause was because of the red wig. Audiences didn't recognize her at first."

Wait. Are you kidding me? I mean, by the time she joined the production I’m sure most knew how Dolly makes her entrance so you’d assume she’d get the entrance applause all Dolly Levi get. When I heard this, I was thrown off as it’s quite a few seconds before the audience erupts into applause.

I can understand that. I’m sure those out-of-towners expected “Ginger Rogers” to come out spinning as a platinum blonde in a white satin dress with plumes like in one of her Astaire dances from the 1930s. Then there’s this red head announcing “Dolly Levi” so they’re probably looking around the stage for Ginger before it hit them: THAT is Ginger! Sadly, most non-Broadway savvy folks don’t pay attention as on other threads here people have said they heard audiences thought Sutton Foster’s understudy was Sutton and Beanie Feldstein’s standby was Beanie even though inserts in the Playbill clearly make it clear the understudy is on.

Or maybe Loretta Swit!

David10086 said: "Loretta needs to join Paradise Square to boost the box office."



A remarkable idea. Give her star billing!

Ah! La Swit!

One thing that has always impressed me about HELLO, DOLLY! is that it's a show that "swirls": the sets swirl, the dancers swirl and the costumes swirl. Ginger Rogers was a tall, graceful woman who gave the impression of swirling, therefore letting her fit in with all the swirling around her.

BJR said: "Dollypop said: "BJR said: "Who would there be? Goldie Hawn comes to mind but there aren't many other "stars" today who could carry the show. The producers ruled out a revolving door of real housewives and Joy Behar tirned them down."

I feel like there was endless talk on here at the time.

From what I recall, folks mentioned Reba (a rumor for a second, though I doubt with much truth), Queen Latifah (doesnt wanna do Bway), Catherine Zeta Jone, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Faith Prince, Beth Leavel. Chime in folks, I know I'm forgetting many!

Oh, and Joy was offered the Nat'l tour. Still bizarre, but yeah. How odd they went to her before going to Buckley..."

Not odd. Because of the View, her name would have sold more additional tickets (over subscription base) than Buckley. No question.

As much as I adore Buckley and believe she was a knockout in the role, I just can’t imagine her as Dolly. Especially on tour, where she’s not exactly a household name, or appreciated like she is on Broadway. They definitely should have gone with a pop singer or TV actress/personality. Valerie Bertinelli would have been a good choice (and I think she can carry a tune).

Bette Midler is 5’1”. Noticeably tinier than Ginger Rogers.

Dollypop said: "Bernadette Peters and Donna Murphy might also be short."

Bernadette Peters: 5’3”

Barbra Streisand: 5’5”

And then there’s the Amazonian Donna Murphy at a towering 5’8”!

I'm guessing that the tallest Dolly's were Pearl Bailey, Phyllis Diller and Ethel Merman

Updated On: 7/8/22 at 04:01 PM

When Channing originated the role she was 5'10"



How about Grable?