HELLO, DOLLY! Sets August 25 Closing Date; Bette Midler to Return July 17- Page 23

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/25/18 at 9:27pm

Spotted Rudin in the lobby. Still trying to spot Buckley

[Zamedy154]

Posted: 8/25/18 at 11:04pm

Victor Garber was several rows ahead of me. Jerry Zaks just came out the stage door.

What a night. Hard to put words to right now. Best audience I've ever been a part of in a theatre. I literally lost count of the standing ovations. I think there were three in the title number alone. The audience was on its feet for the last quarter of the song.

Gavin broke down during his speech in 'It Only Takes A Moment.' David and Bette were both visibly emotional during the finale.

The only 'disappointment' was that there was no speech.

Goodbye, dear friend.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/25/18 at 11:09pm

I’ll post lots more later, but first things first: I will never, ever forget Gavin Creel’s bittersweet break and crying in the middle of his “Takes a Moment” monologue—and the standing ovation in his honor that followed. Sweetest moment in the entire world.

[Timothy Davis]

Posted: 8/25/18 at 11:18pm

That was literally the best thing I’ve ever seen. And Jerry Zaks was 4 seats down from me.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/25/18 at 11:43pm

A whole segment of my life is over--from the 17 year old boy who saw the show with his mother in 1964 to the 71 year old man who was there at tonight's closing. It was 94 performances and incredible amounts of love.

Goodbye dear friend. 'See you in the touring company.

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 12:01am

Dollypop said: "A whole segment of my life is over--from the 17 year old boy who saw the show with his mother in 1964 to the 71 year old man who was there at tonight's closing. It was 94 performances and incredible amounts of love.

Goodbye dear friend. 'See you in the touring company."

I’ve loved reading your posts regarding this revival, Dollypop. I feel lucky to have caught the production twice, but I’m happy you were able to have this amazing full circle experience. 

[EddieP]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 12:03am

Did you say you saw it 94 times???

My wife is on my case for seeing it 10 times (in 6 months.)

What is it about that show?

The first time I saw it I actually didn't like it so much -- that's the crazy thing.  (It was two weeks after my mother's funeral, and I was having a hemorrhoid attack.).  My Professor at Rutgers vouched for it. and I went back and began to realize how incredible so many things about it was -- including the costumes and vocal arrangements.   So, I began going to see it -- and it helped me through a difficult move to NYC, settling in, the death of my mother -- in fact, I finally landed a job at a fancy restaurant.   (Management at the oldest Japanese restaurant in NYC.)

My viewings were all Bernadette and one Donna (last week.)

I can't get over the magic of the show -- I've always considered Kiss Me Kate to be one of my favorite musicals -- but there's something about Dolly and I can't put my finger on it.  I mean, its uplifting, but not in a saccharine way.  There's lot's of fun -- but it never gets corny.   The costumes are breathtaking.   The ending is -- well -- to be honest, not quite buyable, but still -- it works.  Whatever, I'm 46 now.  I'm sure it'll be revived within my lifetime (at least, I hope.).  I really wonder if the next production will be as good... whatever the case, I just don't understand why my apartment is now fully of Dolly cups, Dolly playbills, a Dolly blazer... Dolly, Dolly, Dolly...  I feel a bit sad tonight. 

[EddieP]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 12:03am

Updated On: 8/26/18 at 12:03 AM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 12:20am

Let me share a secret:

Every time I lose a loved one, I come home from the funeral, light a few candles in the living room, shut off the lights and play the DOLLY cd. Of course I cry, but that's part of the grieving process, but by the time the title song comes around, I'm beaming and singing along. It reminds me that good times are around the corner.

[The Pecan Sandies]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 12:28am

One of the greatest nights of my life. So glad I was able to experience that, truely a night I will never forget!

[bfreak]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 12:32am

It's wonderful to hear how terrific the final performance was, but I'd definitely love to see more detailed reviews posted! I saw the show three times and it truly was a magical, beautifully crafted production.

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 12:34am

Gavin. Effing. Creel. Without question, "It Only Takes a Moment" was the highlight of tonight's show, for me. He has been and always will be my favorite part of this production.

Updated On: 8/26/18 at 12:34 AM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 12:40am

My vote goes to Charlie Stemp. He defies gravity when he dances!

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 12:43am

The standing ovations (yes, plural) during the title number were insane. First of all, there was a thoroughly well-deserved standing O after The Waiter's Gallop. Then a few moments later, when the first "SIIIIIIRRRRRR!!!" came screaming down the stairs, the audience, knowing what was about to come, burst into applause for about 15-20 full seconds. Scattered applause kept building as all the waiters rushed onstage until the Harmonia Gardens curtain finally opened... and there she was. Full house immediately on its feet, screaming, for at least 30 seconds. The best part was when Bette came around the passerelle later in the song, the audience leapt back onto its feet in succession with her as she moved across the theater—almost like the wave! As someone before posted, we stood with her for the final full minute or so of the song. It was wonderful.

Speaking of wonderful, it was a top-notch performance all around. I said this every time I saw this production, but the cast is seriously on fire. The chemistry between Bette and DHP, especially during the Harmonia Gardens scene, was electric. Bette was hamming it up so much that she tossed SEVERAL dumplings to the conductor in the pit (and at least one caught onto the passerelle netting and stayed there for the rest of the show!). 

DHP also got a standing O after "Penny in my Pocket," which was lovely. Bette was the only one to get a standing ovation on her entrance, but all of the principals got extended entrance applause. Kate Baldwin got a pretty lengthy entrance applause, which made Minnie Fay's "THANK YOU!" immediately after all the more hilarious—and then that got extended applause!

And like I wrote before, watching sweetie pie Gavin Creel break down during his monologue leading into "Takes a Moment" was a life memory. It wasn't an emotional performance until those final few scenes. 

I will miss this show so, so much.

Updated On: 8/26/18 at 12:43 AM

[Timothy Davis]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 1:15am

Dollypop said: "My vote goes to Charlie Stemp. He defies gravity when he dances!"

Yes!! Charlie Stemp was so amazing!!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 1:17am

And talking about missing this show...I' going into a period of mourning.

[Wick3]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 1:31am

I agree with all the previous posters... it WAS AMAZING!!! I sat in the box for the very first time and it was actually pretty good viewing angle despite not seeing one half of the Harmonia Gardens scene.

Some observations from this viewpoint:

1) The conductor Andy Einhorn is SO PASSIONATE! I mean, wow! We saw him mouthing (is that a word?) all the words to most of the songs while he conducted. Whenever the singers were off my sightlines I would just observe him! I've never seen a Broadway conductor like him (then again most of the time I don't see conductors.)

2) The conductor (Andy) wasn't there when Bette threw him the food items. Also, the conductor doesn't throw the baton in "Before the Parade Passes By" One of the ensemble members stand next to the conductor during that segment and throw her the baton.

3) During the big number "Hello Dolly", I saw Will Burton and other female ensemble members backstage on the side watching Bette do her magic. Must be a treat for them at every performance!

That's all I can remember for now but if I do remember more will write again sometime tomorrow morning.

It was great to finally meet DOLLYPOP and other fellow bww members at Sardi's before the show!!!!! :) :) :) Great meeting you guys!!!

[trowalicious]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 1:32am

Gavin Creel's "It Only Takes a Moment" will forever be one of my all time favorite theater memories. The other standing ovations, as thrilling as they were, were more or less predictable but this one was unexpected (and much deserved!).

Were the actors in the Harmonia Gardens left booth trying to crack Bette up when she peeked in? I think I saw Charlie completely shirtless in there - who knows what the other three were up to!

[LadyJane4]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 2:31am

trowalicious - I have always wondered what is going on behind those curtains in Harmonia Gardens when the actors are awaiting their cues. 

I was in center mess, 1st row, and I really do think I saw big real tears in Bette's eyes when she was giving her monologue preceding "Before the Parade Passes By." I think we really saw her transform or...come alive again during that number tonight. 

I think there were a few times where the actors were giddy and got a little more hammy than usual. Kate Baldwin got a huge standing o after "Ribbons Down My Back" and grabbed her hat and did a little shimmy. She's truly amazing at staying in character. 

DHP sputtered out a couple of cry-laughs while singing the reprise, which made me cry even more. 

I don't think there's a more magical moment in theater than when that frigging train comes out during "Put On Your Sunday Clothes." You have the entire cast on stage, well, aside from Vandergelder, and it's just such an electrifying number. I feel like you could feel the room shaking tonight. 

Charlie Stemp's dancing is incredible, but it's that enormous smile that makes him so infectious. 

Updated On: 8/26/18 at 02:31 AM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 3:14am

Someone in the cast just texted me that Charlie was not only barechested but had a temporary tattoo "of a naughty nature" on his chest.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 3:14am

Someone in the cast just texted me that Charlie was not only barechested but had a temporary tattoo "of a naughty nature" on his chest.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 6:39am

The only person of note I saw was Warren Carlyle as I was entering the theatre.
I attended with a friend who was seeing this production for the first time. She was absolutely enchanted.

Some random thoughts. Seats D 5 and 7 were empty in the mezz. What a truly special evening it was. I concur what others have already written. It was sweet to see Bette tear up during Parade. I thought Molly Griggs was absolutely adorable as Minnie Fay. Gavin's courtroom speech was a highlight. The ensemble was on fire, but they were always spot on during my 12 visits to this production. I'm sooo happy that the Waiter's Gallop got a well-deserved standing ovation.

I am one who watches the ensemble when I've seen a show several times. I guess Max Clayton but just came back as he was not there when I saw it 2 weeks ago. I loved Darius Crenshaw's kicks during the Waiter's Gallop. I missed seeing Zachary Downer, but understand he injured himself last month.

Ugh, I will miss this show!

[n2nbaby]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 7:44am

Charlie Stemp was definitely shirtless in the booth when I saw the show last week.

All of these reports are amazing. I’m truly heartbroken that I wasn’t there last night but so happy you all had an amazing time!

[Stage Door Sally]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 7:49am

My husband and I attended the final matinee and I was very surprised how this was the first performance for so many people I spoke with, and they were LOVING it. All the extra "ad libs," glances, and business were met with howls of laughter. Have engrained in my mind the sight of Beth leaning against the side of the stage feigning (or maybe not) to be out of breath, and the extra lines — "Hope you like red, because you are going to be seeing a lot of it for a while," and "This dress is heavy."

Charlie Stemp's athletic prowess was a delight. Gavin and Kate were exquisite. A girl next to me made a flirty whooping call during Gavin's moment speech and he acknowledged it with a sly, amused look that cracked up the audience. It was that kind of night, pure FUN.   

To top it off, as the curtain call began, I told my husband I was making a run for it... and raced to the front of the stage, which in hindsight, was not really that difficult from my Row H aisle seat. As Bette walked the stage, she shook both my hands as I told her, "You are divine."

A more perfect time in the theater I can not imagine.

[After Eight]

Posted: 8/26/18 at 7:50am

I attended last night's performance, and am glad to have been able to see this wonderful show again. It was a fine  performance, and Gavin Creel's emotional moment was very touching. I am very sorry that this beautiful work is no longer on Broadway to provide us with a lift when we feel down and out --- and even when we don't.

As others have indicated here, the standing ovations throughout the show were multiple. The sentiment was genuine, I am sure, and they were intended to make a special evening even more special. But the performance would have played just as well, if not better, if people had done all their cheering while seated.

Truth to tell, the practice of standing during the performance has gotten out of hand. People were standing during an entire section of the "Hello, Dolly!" number. Was that really necessary? What about the people who did not wish to or could not stand to watch it? They had to miss a part of the biggest number in the show. Clapping in time to the waiters' number also struck me as overkill.

The show is magic. Just let it cast its spell on its own. You'll be sky high all the while sitting in your seat.