HELLO, DOLLY! Previews- Page 8

[Kad]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 11:30am

So thrilled to hear of the enthusiastic reception to this production. This could've been something that rode the coattails of its baked-in ticket sales for Midler, but I'm glad it's doing more than that.

I'm seeing it next Friday- and taking my folks- and cannot wait.

[Jimmyb1969]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 11:31am

What a FABULOUS night at the theatre! You're going to absolutely LOVE this production! It's well worth the mortgage on your house you'll need it to afford the ticket prices but it will leave you grinning ear to ear and singing the songs long after.  It's all been said over and over but let me start with huge props to the ensemble/dancers...all the numbers were fantastic. They're definitely on their game! And I loved the runway around the orchestra pit and how Warren has the dancers jump over it...fresh and fun! Warren Carlyle gives the dance numbers his fresh touch and it shows. And who doesn't love a big orchestra? Also a huge shout out on the costumes...nothing tired here...the chorus are all done in shades of pastels and they're stunning. The attention to detail is flawless. Bette's 6-7 costumes are magnificent. The red Harmonia dress with the elaborate diamond necklace is just out of this world. And you can tell she just loves it and feels good in it. But it doesn't stop there...the lighting and sets..the hat shop--all done in shades of pinks and purples make this just scene literally pop off the stage! Like an Easter egg.  AND THAT TRAIN! Phenomenal! The audience gasped--I looked around and everyone was just in awe. Huge smiles. I also loved the drop setting the scene before we enter Harmonia Gardens...the restaurant has never looked better. And now...saving the best for last BETTE and the entire cast are all first rate. Bette just knows how to work the crowd...was it 5 standing ovations throughout the show? Maybe 6? Come on! That's a STAR! And she's everything you hope for in the role...she's warm and funny and touching and PERFECT in every way. DHP has made Horace all his own and Gavin Creel and Kate Baldwin are scene stealers. I like Kate's gutsy approach to the role and Gavin is so handsome and winning that you're just rooting for both of them from the first time you meet them. This show at preview one already feels like it's revving on all cylinders. I cannot wait to see how this matures when I see it again in a month. Run don't walk to see this! Scott Rudin is a GENIUS and it was nice to see the entire creative team in the house last night. Bravo! I feel like I don't ever need to see another production of this show...I felt the same way after seeing LuPone in Gypsy and O"Hara in King and I and South Pacific. In a word. Perfect!

 

[jayinchelsea]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 11:50am

I first saw DOLLY as a Brooklyn teen back in January, 1964 (and my tickets said DOLLY: A DAMNED EXASPERATING WOMAN, the original title, I should have kept those stubs), and two weeks later won a school lottery and saw Channing again, and this time met the wonderful Alice Playten (she had gone to school with my "date". Thus began my "DOLLY odyssey" which included Betty Grable, Pearl Bailey (several times) and Ethel Merman (and even Molly Picon at Philadelphia Playhouse in the Park, where she apologized at the end for not doing her famous cartwheels, but her dress was too tight!).

Reading the online comments brought tears to these aging eyes; it sounds as though DOLLY really is back where she belongs. I'll be seeing it next week, and then again in May, and will also buy tix for Donna Murphy. Will be seeing this along with SUNDAY (rapture), DEAR EVAN HANSEN and THE NEW YORKERS at Encores! I probably won't sleep until then...

[DAME]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 11:55am

Thrilled and excited we all get to witness a good old fashioned star turn on broadway.  It has been way too long.  I keep refreshing the page hoping Dollypop has gotten himself together to write the rest of his thoughts.

[FiddleMeThis]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 12:18pm

I was there for the first preview. I can agree with most of what everyone seems to be saying- the energy in the room was flat out unbelievable and Bette lived up to it. The keys are in the basement but it doesn't matter. She seems to know when to push it and when to hold back. She pulled off every number. TONS of comic business in act two that the audience just ate up. Most surprising to me was how touching the monologues were. A lovely hush settled over the audience during these moments, as we ate out of the palm of her hand. 

 

Quibbles: the shop set is rather ugly and cramped feeling but perhaps that's how it usually is. Kate Baldwin has a way with a tune but is miscast here. She seems to be trying too hard and it would have been more fun to see this role go to a quirkier actress. The direction is rather weak-the book is hard to follow and I blame Zaks

 

Gavin outdoes himself with his second act monologue- I see a tony nomination for him here. The addition of a curtain raiser for DH Pierce is inspired and really allows him to charm the audience and deepen his character. I see a nom for him as well. The ensemble is STUNNING, they sound and look amazing, though I really fear for everyone's safety with that giant pit and very narrow playing space in front of it. Choreo seemed classic but fresh and very very exciting. Taylor injured himself in the dress shop and had to leave the stage, causing quite a commotion among Rudin and the creatives in the back row, but he returned for his next scene. 

People will HAVE to see this. It's a show with a weak book that requires a star of this magnitude to pull it off, which she handily does. Brava, Bette!

[luvcaroline]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 12:21pm

You know that this show must be extra special for Michael Bennett and After Eight to come back on here and leave their comments. It's great to hear from both of you, particularly about this show. I've been getting goose bumps with each review I've read, and I am about to die in anticipation of our performance tonight. My partner loves theatre almost as much as I do, but he's not as obsessed as I am.  Now even he is getting excited with each comment I've read to him from this thread (we particularly love that this is "musical theatre porn," which sounds heavenly!). This is the earliest that we've ever seen a show in previews, and I'll be sure to come on here and leave feedback as soon as I can gather myself after the show. 

Dame, I'm with you. Im excited to hear Dollypop's comments soon. 

Updated On: 3/16/17 at 12:21 PM

[luvcaroline]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 12:21pm

Double post

Updated On: 3/16/17 at 12:21 PM

[Musicaldudepeter]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 12:25pm

What overture are they using by the way? The original published overture in the score is dire, and the OBC only has a truncated 'Dolly' theme as its prelude. The '94 recording uses a new one altogether. Did they arrange a new one for this revival, presumably? 

[PalJoey]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 12:39pm

 

Thank you all for your comments, Not only does this show seem to be bringing back everything that was once wonderful about Broadway, but also this thread is bringing back everything that was once wonderful about BroadwayWorld.

For that I am grateful to Bette, to Jerry Herman, to Jerry Zaks--and to everyone who has posted.

I have tickets for April 21, but I just bought two more for the Wednesday evening after the Tony Awards. 

As the kids say, this show is giving me life.

 

 

[DAME]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 12:41pm

PalJoey said: " 

Thank you all for your comments, Not only does this show seem to be bringing back everything that was once wonderful about Broadway, but also this thread is bringing back everything that was once wonderful about BroadwayWorld.

For that I am grateful to Bette, to Jerry Herman, to Jerry Zaks--and to everyone who has posted.

I have tickets for April 21, but I just bought two more for the Wednesday evening after the Tony Awards. 

As the kids say, this show is giving me life.

 

 

 

"

Me too Joey.  Me too!  I hope Jerry is well enough to attend this.  Am I correct in saying he is 88?  Google is providing with different ages.

Updated On: 3/16/17 at 12:41 PM

[HeleneIsASlut]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 12:51pm

Could someone elaborate on how the younger supporting cast is? Will Burton? Melanie Moore? Beanie Feldstein and Taylor Trensch.

Also if anyone is interested the understudy list has been posted on playbill vault! 

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 1:11pm

"Kate Baldwin has a way with a tune but is miscast here."

All due respect, but Kate has played the role several times regionally. So I don't think she's miscast.

[KitKatBoy24]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 1:12pm

luvcaroline said: "Now even he is getting excited with each comment I've read to him from this thread (we particularly love that this is "musical theatre porn," which sounds heavenly!). "

Hahaha thanks! 

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 1:25pm

DAME said: "PalJoey said: "I hope Jerry is well enough to attend this. Am I correct in saying he is 88? Google is providing with different ages."

He's 85. I heard he's planning on taking a train to New York for opening night.

Updated On: 3/16/17 at 01:25 PM

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 1:43pm

This is a absolute triumph.   Bette needs to take this production all over the world.

[MichelleCraig]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 1:46pm

Regarding the overture, I read somewhere (probably here) that a new overture was written specifically for the 1967 cast album... I'm not sure if it was used in the theatre...or if it's the overture used in the '94 revival. Will have to compare album tracks this weekend.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 2:08pm

Ever since this production was announced, I knew this would be the most anticipated show of the season - if not of my lifetime! The Carol Channing DOLLY OBCR was among the first I ever owned and I know it backwards and forwards. Every song is infectious and I was longing, in my 35 years on this planet, to one day be able to see and hear a full Broadway production of this show.  Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think it would be this wonderful, this joyous, and exceed my expectations. Last night was the happiest I have been since November 7 - New York City, the United States, and frankly the world, needs this show right now.

Thank you to the creative team - those beautiful sets and backdrops, the show curtain, the gorgeous costumes, THE TRAIN - we all paid an arm and a leg to see this show, and it was worth every penny in our pockets spent!

A lot of credit also has to go to the amazingly hard working ensemble. Sunday Clothes, Dancing, Parade, the Waiters Gallop, the title song - they were all on point for all of it and it just added to the splendor of the evening. Taylor Trensch was great and appeared as if he was so excited to be playing Barnaby Tucker, Beanie Feldstein was glowing in her Broadway debut and fit right in with the old pros around her, and Jennifer Simard was perfectly cast as really knows how to make a small role memorable.

Kate Baldwin - that voice!  Ribbons Down My Back gave me chills. Just stunning.  Gavin Creel was perfection as Cornelius.  Whizzer, who I was sitting next to last night, commented that his voice sounds just like it did on the Millie recording - and that was 15 years ago! Sunday Clothes was a tour de force and It Only Takes a Moment was breathtaking. He was incredible last night, and I imagine, will improve even more as previews continue.  David Hyde Pierce was also fantastic. I had not peeked in the playbill at the song list so when he started singing Penny in My Pocket at the top of Act 2, I totally freaked out and smiled even wider and was so happy.  The beaming glow on my face continued as DHP delivered the song with charm. Then, towards the end of the show, when DHP has a moment with Dolly that brings us right back to the Penny in My Pocket song, I was so touched and so grateful to be alive. (I don't want to spoil this moment for anyone...you need to see it for yourself) He was a wonderful leading man and, in case some folks are still bitter about him beating Raul Esparza, this show proves without question that he is a musical theater star.

Now onto La Bette. What can I say that hasn't already been said? This woman is an A-list star. She has already given so much to the world, done so much for gay rights and for humanity in general.  Currently at age 71, instead of leisurely enjoying her older years and doing one-off concerts or benefits here and there, she decides to get to work in the brilliant star vehicle that is Dolly Levi and give the world 10 months of her time so that we can cheer and applaud and cry and laugh and give her multiple standing ovations and breathe the same air as she (a little overdramatic, I know). She commands the stage with such triumph and holds the audience in the palm of her hand at every moment.  I Put My Hand In, Motherhood, Parade, the title song, So Long Dearie. What a privilege we have to be able to see her in this role and sing these songs - and what a privilege it is that she is also spectatular in this role!  Bette Midler honestly looks like she is having the time of her life out there on that stage - and she moves and dances around like she is at least 10-15 years younger than her actual age. The entire scene at the Harmonia Gardens restaurant was perfection - and that red dress with the necklace.  She looked stunning.  It is honestly impossible to describe it in words - it must be seen in person to be believed. Oh how lucky we are in NYC right now.  Thank you, Bette.

Ever since last night, I have been singing these songs...I am singing them aloud at work today.  In anticipation of hearing Elegance last night, Whizzer and I were up in the balcony singing every verse during intermission before the second act even began! That's how engaged and enraptured this production makes the audience feel. I sincerely hope that both Jerry Herman and Carol Channing can make it to see opening night on April 20th.

If you don't already have tickets to see this, yes, it is worth paying premium prices for - since those are likely the only tickets left - and worth waiting on the cancellation line for. If you have to take out a second mortgage, it will be worth it. What an honor it was to share last night with my two best friends, and I am so fortunate to be able to share this with my partner and his family on March 25 and with my aunt on April 19 - the final preview performance.  No doubt, once the SRO policy is implemented, I will be taking advantage of it as often as I can. HELLO, DOLLY! is the answer to making america great again. Thank you creative team, Bette, and the rest of the cast, for giving this brilliance to the world.

Updated On: 3/16/17 at 02:08 PM

[carnzee]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 2:20pm

Michael Bennett, it's so nice to have you back where you belong! 

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 2:24pm

They are not using the 1994 overture whatsoever. I actually love that one though.

[haterobics]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 2:26pm

Jeez, this thread is making June seem so LONG from now...

[BakerWilliams]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 2:37pm

I can't think of a better thing to do with your tax break than to see this show. Reminds you of what a real Broadway musical can do. If this is really successful (and I think it will run long after Midler departs), I hope it encourages a resurgence in un-ironic musical comedy.

[Jimmyb1969]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 2:37pm

In response to:

Could someone elaborate on how the younger supporting cast is? Will Burton? Melanie Moore? Beanie Feldstein and Taylor Trensch.
 

Beanie and Taylor were darling...perfectly cast. Simard...very funny. She took a small part and really gave it some teeth! I think they're missing a golden opportunity to play up the exploding tomato cans more. This is supposed to be one big hilarious mess and the sound and visual effects seemed lackluster for this big comedic moment! Play it up!

Also Will's long hair/wig was a strange choice to me? I wouldn't say it was very flattering at all...it look fried and fake. And both Will and Melanie were very one dimensional to me. Easily forgettable in a sea of amazing performances and it doesn't have to be that way if they find some nuance in their roles. Just look to Simard to know what to do with a small part to give it life and make it memorable!

 

 

Updated On: 3/16/17 at 02:37 PM

[bk]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 2:41pm

Jimmyb1969 said: "What a FABULOUS night at the theatre! You're going to absolutely LOVE this production! It's well worth the mortgage on your house you'll need it to afford the ticket prices but it will leave you grinning ear to ear and singing the songs long after.  It's all been said over and over but let me start with huge props to the ensemble/dancers...all the numbers were fantastic. They're definitely on their game! And I loved the runway around the orchestra pit and how Warren has the dancers jump over it...fresh and fun! Warren Carlyle gives the dance numbers his fresh touch and it shows. And who doesn't love a big orchestra? Also a huge shout out on the costumes...nothing tired here...the chorus are all done in shades of pastels and they're stunning. The attention to detail is flawless. Bette's 6-7 costumes are magnificent. The red Harmonia dress with the elaborate diamond necklace is just out of this world. And you can tell she just loves it and feels good in it. But it doesn't stop there...the lighting and sets..the hat shop--all done in shades of pinks and purples make this just scene literally pop off the stage! Like an Easter egg.  AND THAT TRAIN! Phenomenal! The audience gasped--I looked around and everyone was just in awe. Huge smiles. I also loved the drop setting the scene before we enter Harmonia Gardens...the restaurant has never looked better. And now...saving the best for last BETTE and the entire cast are all first rate. Bette just knows how to work the crowd...was it 5 standing ovations throughout the show? Maybe 6? Come on! That's a STAR! And she's everything you hope for in the role...she's warm and funny and touching and PERFECT in every way. DHP has made Horace all his own and Gavin Creel and Kate Baldwin are scene stealers. I like Kate's gutsy approach to the role and Gavin is so handsome and winning that you're just rooting for both of them from the first time you meet them. This show at preview one already feels like it's revving on all cylinders. I cannot wait to see how this matures when I see it again in a month. Run don't walk to see this! Scott Rudin is a GENIUS and it was nice to see the entire creative team in the house last night. Bravo! I feel like I don't ever need to see another production of this show...I felt the same way after seeing LuPone in Gypsy and O"Hara in King and I and South Pacific. In a word. Perfect!

 

 

"

Warren has nothing to do with the dancers jumping over the pit onto the runway - that is all Gower Champion as I assume the rest of that number is (and, from what I've been able to discern, many of the others).

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 2:43pm

The original 1964 production didn't have an overture.  The overture printed in the piano score is (I believe) one that was released specifically for stock / amateur roll-out.  The Pearl Bailey cast recording includes an overture, but I'm not sure this was actually heard in the theatre (Dollypop would likely know the answer to that).  The overture in this production is entirely new.

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 3/16/17 at 2:52pm

Why do they charge this much for the first row? I'm thinking about getting a ticket for the second row. Is it too close?