HELLO, DOLLY! Previews — Page 9

I haven't posted on BWW in quite some time, but I try to check in on this site from time to time. Reading this thread has made me extremely happy and I feel like I have to chime in. It warms my heart to see many revered posters of days gone by like Michael Bennett share their exhilarating and heartfelt comments about the much anticipated Hello! Dolly revival. It's been wonderful for me to hear about the sheer joy of this production and what it means to so many of my fellow lovers of theater. Thanks to you ALL for sharing your thoughts in this forum. I am truly looking forward to my visit to NYC in 2 weeks time and cannot wait to see Bette, David, Gavin, Kate and the entire company of Hello Dolly at the Shubert Theatre on April 1.

-Jungle

Michael Bennett said: "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.

I saw the original Broadway production nine times between 1967 and when it closed in December 1970. I do not recall an overture. I found it exciting to hear just a few measures of "Call on Dolly" before the curtain rose.

Subsequent revivals added an overture, I believe.

"

I don't believe the show ever had an overture for the entirety of the Broadway run - and that's the way it works best.

I have a side question. Can anyone tell me more about Bette Midler compared to Donna Murphy, just in general (as we obviously can't compare their performances at this point)? Why is Bette such a big deal?

pnewelljr said: "I have a side question. Can anyone tell me more about Bette Midler compared to Donna Murphy, just in general (as we obviously can't compare their performances at this point)? Why is Bette such a big deal?"

They're both extremely talented women but...is this a real question?

My Wednesday flight home was cancelled so I scored two front row seats at a tiny fraction of the cost. What a dream of a show! Very well rehearsed and the dancers were particularly strong. I went into it thinking that DHP was miscast, but he was a delight. The only weak supporting players was Melanie (too shrill) and her boyfriend (forgettable). Taylor was a real surprise. I predict big things for him. And Bette. What can I say that hasn't already been said. She was on fire and was connected to the love in the room. One of my Broadway lifetime highlights!

IdinaBellFoster said: "pnewelljr said: "I have a side question. Can anyone tell me more about Bette Midler compared to Donna Murphy, just in general (as we obviously can't compare their performances at this point)? Why is Bette such a big deal?"

They're both extremely talented women but...is this a real question?"

This was very much a real question. I am a millennial, not that that is an excuse, just a fact, and I recognize her name, but I wouldn't be able to tell you anything she's done. After looking at her wiki, of course, I recognize "Wind Beneath My Wings," I guess I was just wondering why she is THAT BIG A DEAL. Not saying she isn't, I just still don't understand why, even after looking at her wiki.

For example, why isn't Sunset Boulevard as big of a deal, Glenn Close is famous, no?

To answer one question: The overture used on the Pearl Bailey recording was never used in any theatrical version of the show. I honestly can't remember if an overture was used when Pearl revived the show a few years later. I do know that all of Channing's revivals used an overture because Jerry Herman wanted one.

Whateverjsays said: "pnewelljr said: "IdinaBellFoster said: "pnewelljr said: "I have a side question. Can anyone tell me more about Bette Midler compared to Donna Murphy, just in general (as we obviously can't compare their performances at this point)? Why is Bette such a big deal?"

They're both extremely talented women but...is this a real question?"

This was very much a real question. I am a millennial, not that that is an excuse, just a fact, and I recognize her name, but I wouldn't be able to tell you anything she's done. After looking at her wiki, of course, I recognize "Wind Beneath My Wings," I guess I was just wondering why she is THAT BIG A DEAL. Not saying she isn't, I just still don't understand why, even after looking at her wiki.

For example, why isn't Sunset Boulevard as big of a deal, Glenn Close is famous, no?



"

A millennial knows how to use google. Thanks for that vapid comment."

I'm a millennial as well...and I could run off a laundry list of reasons why The Divine Miss M is an icon.

SUNSET is proving to be a bigger deal than many thought - just take a look at the grosses. Big difference is that Bette Midler is returning to Broadway for the first time leading a musical. Not to mention a beloved musical that has only one other time been revived without Carol Channing.

pnewelljr said: "IdinaBellFoster said: "pnewelljr said: "I have a side question. Can anyone tell me more about Bette Midler compared to Donna Murphy, just in general (as we obviously can't compare their performances at this point)? Why is Bette such a big deal?"

They're both extremely talented women but...is this a real question?"

This was very much a real question. I am a millennial, not that that is an excuse, just a fact, and I recognize her name, but I wouldn't be able to tell you anything she's done. After looking at her wiki, of course, I recognize "Wind Beneath My Wings," I guess I was just wondering why she is THAT BIG A DEAL. Not saying she isn't, I just still don't understand why, even after looking at her wiki.

For example, why isn't Sunset Boulevard as big of a deal, Glenn Close is famous, no?"



You may be a millennial (as am I) but you're also lazy to an insulting degree and asking us to do your homework.

My friend is at tonight's performance and she said they just stopped the whole show and called for any doctors in the audience.

On a side note, a couple center orchestra seats popped up for tomorrow night in the $200 range. I hope everyone in the cast in crew is okay. I guess we will here more from reports.

pnewelljr said: "I have a side question. Can anyone tell me more about Bette Midler compared to Donna Murphy, just in general (as we obviously can't compare their performances at this point)? Why is Bette such a big deal?



"

I'm speaking of Bette Midler in her prime here. Donna Murphy is almost certainly a superior actress; Bette Midler is the greatest entertainer I have ever seen live. In her day, there was real danger in a Midler concert, a palpable feeling that she just might--and often did--say or do ANYthing! In later years, she learned (had to learn, really, after collapsing on stage) to save her voice, energy, etc., so that her outrageousness is more show than reality. But it is still damn, good show! She actually sings better and her comic timing has lost nothing in the process.

As for Midler v. Murphy, I'd be thrilled to see either one. But the role calls for a bravura performance more than acting skill, which is why Midler is starring and Murphy, as good as she is, is doing Tuesdays.

(I too was surprised by your question at first. But then I really couldn't see anything wrong with it. Scanning a list of credits doesn't really tell one why a performer has appeal. I know WHY Mary Pickford and Louise Brooks were important based on their resumes, but that means little in terms of why they had so much appeal.)

I am green with envy of those of you who get to see her in DOLLY!

Updated On: 3/16/17 at 09:30 PM