HELLO, DOLLY! Previews — Page 19

For the 8:00 show tonight tickets are also down to the $40-50 dollar range ... I just saw this show last Saturday but if you haven't now might be your chance ...

TerrenceIsTheMann said: "So I bought a ticket on Stubhub for today's matinee for 62 plus fees. It was the best investment I've ever made on a theatrical experience. Bette Midler is everything. Sure, she has the crowd in her palm from before the first note the orchestra plays, but she lives up to expectations and shows why she has the stardom she's acquired over the years. She's got that Tony on lock. In a very large show, David Hyde Pierce brings a refreshing and unique take of Horace to the stage. He is simply fantastic, and brings out every little detail of his performance, making Horace an OCD crab, rather than a stereotypical miser. Gavin Creel was out, but I honestly was very happy I got to see Christian Dante White. I feel like I have a good idea of what Creel would've brought. So White was a delicious, energetic surprise with an unbelievable voice on par with Creel's, that rang particularly well on "LISTEN, BARNABY!". The crowd essentially gasped when he hit the notes. This cast is definitely top notch throughout, and I feel like any cover or understudy will service the show just fine. Kate Baldwin's voice is superb as expected, but she also adds some flavor to the role of Irene that you don't look for typically. Beanie was HILARIOUS as Minnie Fay, Taylor Trensch was ever FUNNIER, and Jen Simard is flat out hysterical in a bit part. The ensemble sound is the best I've ever heard on a stage. The dancing and choreography is spectacular, yet not over the top and overbearing. The costumes are lush, the set is the perfect mix between grand and classic, and the orchestrations by Larry Hochman are nice and humble. Literally the best time. Gonna have to see it again somehow.



"

I guess you ditched class. Good Choice! I got one for $70 in the Mezz. What can I say it was incredible even though I had very little familiarity with the show going in. Sad I missed Creel, but the u/s was great.

Just curious. How in the world did you find a ticket on StubHub for $62/ticket plus fees? I just went to that site (never been on it) and picked a random Wed evening and saw the cheapest price was $110 before fees for the last row of the balcony! Along with much higher prices for various sections. Is StubHub luck of the draw? By chance? You just have to keep looking frequently and different prices pop up?

Thx.

You have to go to stubhub a few hours before the performance when the unsold scalpers are panicking. They drop prices then.

EthelMae said: "Just curious. How in the world did you find a ticket on StubHub for $62/ticket plus fees? I just went to that site (never been on it) and picked a random Wed evening and saw the cheapest price was $110 before fees for the last row of the balcony! Along with much higher prices for various sections. Is StubHub luck of the draw? By chance? You just have to keep looking frequently and different prices pop up?

Thx.

"

If you wait until right before the show the prices drop. most of the tickets on stubhub especially for this production are from scalpers so the price for a ticket in a week or two will be well above face. But as it gets really close and they have nothing to do with their tickets they drop in price. Today was odd that there were so many tickets available though. I'm just glad I got a ticket for more than 50% off face.

Thx so much, guys!

I took advantage of the stubhub 'sale' for this evening's show and wow wow wow, Christian Dante White was definitely on par with Gavin Creel (I saw the show a week ago.) Bette didn't have any flubs but I felt she was funnier this time around especially with her facial expressions! I'm so glad Bette gave Christian Dante White the honor of bowing again after her bow at the end of the show.

Best decision ever to buy that ticket from stubhub. I did find it rather odd that even the Wednesday evening show got really cheap prices but I'm not complaining.

I do hope Gavin is ok. Kudos to Christian Dante White for his performance this evening!

For anyone else attending upcoming shows, please keep me posted about Gavin. I am in town this weekend and hope to go to the show Saturday. I grew up with his sister and really wanted to catch a show of his. I hope he returns soon. Thanks.

Electric!

That's how I would describe this production. Yes, everything is top rate from the music, acting, costumes and set, but what put it over the top was the audience's attention and engagement. From the moment Bette peeks out she has the audience eating from her hand. They responded big... to her every little joke, every little glance, and every little dance step. It was one of those great moments in theater where the audience was part of the whole spectacle.

Kudos to Christian Dante White for ably filling some very big shoes. I was in the orchestra, and much of the crowd there was older. I had a lovely chat with a man who was breathing form an oxygen tank. The audience really supported Christian and cheered him at the end. When I see the show again in June, I look forward to seeing Gavin.

There was one stage flub when the Harmonia Gardens was unveiled. A coverlet stayed on one of the curtained private tables and a stagehand had to come take it off.

As a lifetime fan of the show I found myself singing along quite a bit — silently of course. I also had a case of the waterworks twice — both times at the beginning strains of Hello, Dolly. I left the show red faced, but so, so happy.

Updated On: 3/30/17 at 08:49 AM

OH MY EPHRAIM GAWD!!!

HELLO, DOLLY! is what truly epitomizes Broadway! I was fortunate to secure a front row (though partial view) ticket for Wednesday night, March 26. To sit so close to see the facial expressions, see the iris of their eyes, the sweat running down each face of the amazingly costumed performers on a grandiose sets...SPECTACULAR!

No words can describe how beyond beyond Bette is in this role.

David Hyde Pierce is equally at home in his role of Horace while gently stepping back, just enough, for his Dolly.

Gavin was out and I was truly disappointed. This is the second time I've had a front row ticket to see him close (other was for Hair) and both times he was out! AARRGHH! Christian did a fantastic job but my mind was still being difficult with me because I wanted to see Gavin.

Kate Baldwin is visually and vocally stunning!

Beanie Feldstein is AMAZING. I LOVED her facial expressions!

Melanie Moore (Ermengarde) I know it's the role but her shrill shrieks can peel the paint off the walls. Tone it down a notch please!

"It only takes a moment..." but tonight had SO many moments yanking on my emotions.

When "Before the Parade Passes By" (avoiding spoilers) I felt the hairs rise, the goosebumps move on me, the thrill running up my spine - WOW!

It goes without say that the "Hello, Dolly" number was fantastic but the buildup by the waiters just prior to it was OMG and each of the dancers is SO handsome@!

It will be another 100 shows before I'm as enraptured as I was tonight!

Oh...I liked the show too.

For those who love show merchandise. Bring credit cards...they are SO ready to help you part with your money. There are half a dozen t-shirts @$30, a zip up track style sweat shirt @$70, 2 different tote bags (The Vandergeld smaller was @$20 and I think the logo bag larger @$30), 2 pins @$10, key chain, mug, silk scarf @$70, magnets, show poster, etc those are the only prices I remember. At intermission there is a small concession in the lobby - the stand downstairs inside the theater has everything but you need a ticket to get down there unless I imagine you sneak in once all the doors open at the end of the performance. 8pm show finished at 10:35pm last night.

p.s. so what am I going to do with my original tickets that I purchased for September...I AM GOING!

The Dolly logo tote is $25. I bought pins to put in welcoming bags for my group, but got one tote for myself.

I'm a long time "lurker" on these boards, but I just wanted to share my experience at the Tuesday night performance of Hello, Dolly because it truly reminded me of why I love theatre. And I'm sorry if this post is long or indulgent, but I truly feel the need to describe that amazing night.



First off, getting into the theatre was enough entertainment for the night. As anyone who's seen the show knows, the crowd control with the massive lines of Anastasia and Dolly is practically nonexistent. And the pouring rain and jumble of umbrellas did nothing to help.



You'd think we didn't have assigned seats. Once the doors opened everyone was jostling and trying to cut. And all around people were reprimanding others or realizing they were in the wrong line. I myself had managed to get mixed up in a line for Anastasia, along with a bunch of other Hello Dolly ticket holders. A very nice person let me hop in front of them as it was just me who noticed. Closer to the doors, the number of older audience members arguing with security and refusing to let down their umbrellas until they got in the lobby was laughable.



Once inside, it was clear people were willing to do everything to get their seats. People were shepherding their older parents slowly down the aisles, while other people pushed past. A man was so winded going up the stairs he had to stop moving after every step and people just rushed past, only a couple offered help. It truly felt like every man or woman for themselves.



I was way up in the Balcony, row F. The view wasn't terrible. There was a pole in my way but very little blocked it. And I only missed some small portions where they used the extension past the pit opening.



As for the show itself, everyone's said it all, so I won't go into a critique of every aspect. But it's pure bliss. I did not stop grinning from start to finish. The audience took every chance to applaud and cheer. The costumes and set were stunning. And all the ensemble numbers just made me feel so happy. There's no other way to put it, it's beautiful.



I have never seen a show with that much palpable energy to see a star. And during Act II "Hello, Dolly" number, (while I absolutely DO NOT condone this) the number of people pulling out their phones to snap a pic of Ms Midler coming down the staircase was insane. And while it was a total distraction at first, it almost added to the euphoric, "iconic moment" feeling I had while watching the show. People were already on their feet before the song was even done.



I am so thankful I got to see this production. End of rant :)

Updated On: 3/30/17 at 12:05 PM