HELLO, DOLLY! Previews — Page 20

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

Wick3 said: "Front row is partial view? Is this orchestra center front row or side orch front row?"

No...front row is not entirely partial view. I specifically was the second seat from the right and the seat next to me (third from right) was $650. The wall was directly in front of me but it was fine looking to my left so it requires sitting slightly turned. I missed 2 minor 'moments' but for purchasing the ticket this past Saturday, at regular price and sitting in the first row...it was worth it for me.

However, the first row premium ticket holders made me think of Bette's familiar joke about American Express Gold Card Holders "The pay extra to watch me like this:" (and she tilts her head completely back to look directly up)

As for picture takers...I did not see anyone in my vicinity taking pictures. I actually did look around at the curtain call. Why would anyone jeopardize being thrown out - the ushers have buttons on their vests that say "no cameras". I also did not see ushers at the curtain call in the aisles watching the crowd for cameras as I have in other theaters.

adamgreer said: "phantomcrazy14 said: "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 don't find anything remotely "euphoric" about people pulling out phones to take video or pictures in the middle of a live show. I'd be beyond annoyed, quite honestly. Where were the ushers? Why is this allowed to happen? Is this a regular occurrence?

I can only imagine what would happen if someone tried this nonsense in a show that Patti was in.





"

Totally get this. Let me clarify and rephrase. Before the number, I noticed that ushers were coming down the aisle almost to get ready for it. So I'm not sure if that commonly happens. They were very quick to shut down any people who took their phone out.

As for distracting, I'll be very honest, not only was I in an extra giddy mood from the show, but what was happening onstage was so exciting I glanced for a moment at what was happening with the phones but then my attention went immediately went back to the stage.

Believe me, I get very annoyed with any phone use. But for some reason in the moment I just rolled my eyes and went back to the performance

adamgreer said: "I don't find anything remotely "euphoric" about people pulling out phones to take video or pictures in the middle of a live show. I'd be beyond annoyed, quite honestly. Where were the ushers? Why is this allowed to happen? Is this a regular occurrence?

I can only imagine what would happen if someone tried this nonsense in a show that Patti was in.





"

Oh, good grief! A beloved star in a bright red dress walks down a flight of stairs. Taking a photo isn't something I would do, but as the OP implied, it isn't surprising in a show that has always been a star vehicle and, this time, is as much an "event" as a play.

It isn't Willy Loman's funeral.

ACL2006 said: "phantomcrazy14, i never understood the point in lining up outside the theater an hour before the show starts. This seems way too common these days. There's so much to see and do in NYC, if anything else, go grab a drink somewhere before the show. People always feel the need to be the first ones in the theater these days. Whether I'm by myself or with friends and/or family, we always wait until about 15 minutes before the show to get inside. I always laugh when I walk by theaters to see people lining up extremely early to get inside.



"

What a ridiculous statement. Sure I would rather have them unapologetically stumble to their seat during the opening number. I have no problem with people being "too early" to see theatre. I don't appreciate people who wait till 15 minutes before to climb all over everybody to get to their seats.

And it's illegal!

No.

Some idiot said: (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. (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.



Let me be blunt: I would be delighted to see anyone who pulls out a cell phone during this (or any other) show tasered, dragged out of the theater and strung up in Shubert Alley to die before they have a chance to disturb my enjoyment of the show.

Tasered. Dragged out. And strung up in Shubert Alley to die.

That was incredible. It's my first time ever seeing it, yes I never saw the movie. Bette is wonderful. I feel Gavin is wasted. DHP is great. We had one understudy, who was outstanding. Worth waiting for SRO TICKETS.

Updated On: 3/31/17 at 10:53 PM

But "distracting" from what?



For one, it distracts from my concentration and enjoyment of the show. If I see a phone light up near me, my eye is instantly drawn to it, distracting me from what's happening on the stage. It's pure disrespect to other audience members and the actors on the stage.

Secondly, I don't partake in mid show standing ovations and I didn't during the first preview of this great production. I don't have a problem if people do it, but it's just not for me. Plot heavy or not, they could be mildly distracting, but nothing is worse than the phones.

Updated On: 3/30/17 at 11:57 PM

Christian Dante White performed tonight (Thursday). I thought he was fantastic.

Re: the photo taking discussion. The production uses an apron stage with a narrow opening for the orchestra pit (that has netting over it). The playing and particularly the dancing area is very shallow. As much as I loved the production the precariousness of the dancing so near this open pit pulled me out of the show a few times too many. It was a bit circus-like and it's actually used for stunts during the Waiter's Ballet. But some idiot could do real damage by aiming a flash at the dancers and actors while they're negotiating this tricky playing area.