Official Bernadette Peters in Hello, Dolly! performances thread- Page 11

[Jarethan]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 2:13am

poisonivy2 said: "I never saw Carol Channing or Pearl Bailey but I have friends who did who said they sometimes went up in lines too and ad-libbed jokes when they went up on lines. Is it sort of a Dolly schtick? I'm asking because on the surface I wouldn't think it'd be that hard of a show to memorize."

C'non.  Bernadette had given two whole performances by that time; other than when Bette was on vacation, Donna got to do Dolly one whole time a week.  

I have seen a number of understudies over the years who had to be prompted multiple times during the performance, because they were were performing it so rarely.  Practice makes perfect.

[BJR]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 8:37am

The fact people are questioning why she and Garber wouldn't have a polished performance, only a handful into performances when their opening isn't for a month is baffling. It's previews. You need time in front of an audience. They'll get there.

(Also, when I saw it Saturday, I was struck by how huge the role of Dolly is. And there is *so much* business!)

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 8:46am

Coming in as a replacement into a well-oiled machine like Hello, Dolly! is not an easy task (or for any Broadway show for that matter).  You don't have the luxury of rehearsing as unit like the original cast did.

I saw Donna Murphy both times she was filling in for a vacationing Bette Midler.  She didn't go up on any lines that I can remember.

[After Eight]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 9:18am

BJR wrote: "The fact people are questioning why she and Garber wouldn't have a polished performance, only a handful into performances when their opening isn't for a month is baffling."

 

I guess it depends on how one defines "polished." I do know that I have been to countless first previews of new shows, where flux had no doubt been a constant prior to previews, in which performers gave very smooth performances. In fact, I would say that that is more the rule than the exception.

It's all a question of degree, I suppose.

In any case, I'm very happy to hear that the performance is already going more smoothly.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 9:37am

I'll be at tomorrow's performance. I'll try to report back on anything interesting.

[musikman]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 9:42am

I'll be there on Friday and really looking forward to it after all these first reports

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 9:43am

I’ll be there this weekend and cannot wait.

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 10:50am

BJR said: "The fact people are questioning why she and Garber wouldn't have a polished performance, only a handful into performances when their opening isn't for a month is baffling. It's previews. You need time in front of an audience. They'll get there.

(Also, when I saw it Saturday, I was struck by how huge the role of Dolly is. And there is *so much* business!)"

I doin't think that was being questioned.  What was being questioned was George's comment that they haven't had as much rehearsal.  When in fact; they have.  They even had a sitzprobe(sp?)  for goodness sake.  I have no doubt that Bernadette and Victor will get there.  

Updated On: 1/24/18 at 10:50 AM

[GeorgeandDot]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 11:03am

^It's not so much that I'm saying they haven't had much rehearsal. I'm saying that they haven't had nearly as much rehearsal as Bette and David had, so to expect them to be at the same level as those two at this moment is a bit much.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 11:19am

....and I remember when Angela Lansbury replaced Constance Towers in THE KING AND I for three weeks. She invited the critics in on her very first performance and was letter perfect.

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 11:26am

GeorgeandDot said: "^It's not so much that I'm saying they haven't had much rehearsal. I'm saying that they haven't had nearly as much rehearsal as Bette and David had, so to expect them to be at the same level as those two at this moment is a bit much."

Hopefully no one is expecting them to be at their level.  But at their own level.  

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 11:28am

Reba was sensational at her very first performance of AGYG. And she only had the standard put in ( if I remember correctly).

[GeorgeandDot]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 11:33am

Angela and Reba weren't nearly 70 years old however.

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 11:34am

GeorgeandDot said: "Angela and Reba weren't nearly 70 years old however."

 

You are going to have a excuse for everything.  

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 11:34am

I am really torn. I saw it with Donna Murphy and Christian Dante White was on for Creel. I was on cloud nine when I walked out of the theater. As much as I want to see Bernadette, and with some cast members gone, I don't want to go in for her and come out not as excited as I was when I saw it.

[binau]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 11:37am

Exactly. Reba was a young woman. Make no mistake though people this is not Elaine Stritch in A Little Night Music. It is basically fully realised with a couple of hitches (at least at the first performance). Not a disaster. I didn’t expect any flubs because I haven’t seen Bernadette make a mistake like this before, so I was surprised - but life goes on. This is live theatre. Enjoy the legendary performance you are observing on stage. If you weren’t a Bernadette fan before the show I’d be surprised if you aren’t afterwards.

[binau]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 11:40am

uncageg said: "I am really torn. I saw it with Donna Murphy and Christian Dante White was on for Creel. I was on cloud nine when I walked out of the theater. As much as I want to see Bernadette, and with some cast members gone, I don't want to go in for her and come out not as excited as I was when I saw it. "

You have at least three reasons to go back: Bernadette, Creel and Stemp. I personally would regret not going if I were you. This is a role with such a big personality it won’t erase your memories of Murphy. You’ll love it (though don’t expect some of Donna’s vocals!)

[Bette's Turban]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 11:42am

uncageg said: "I am really torn. I saw it with Donna Murphy and Christian Dante White was on for Creel. I was on cloud nine when I walked out of the theater. As much as I want to see Bernadette, and with some cast members gone, I don't want to go in for her and come out not as excited as I was when I saw it."

I am really torn as well. Bette was so sensational in this.  My love for her and my love for Dolly was so well served.  The last few shows I have seen with Bernadette I have felt meh about.  It kind of started with her vocal struggles during Goodbye Girl and continued with Gypsy.  She was ok in Night Music so people overpraised.  I wasn't thrilled with her turn at Follies either.  But I will be there this Saturday.

[GeorgeandDot]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 11:53am

Smokeylady, you pop up once in a blue moon just to be negative and nasty. I don't need that right now. Apparently that's Dollypop's new goal now too.

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 12:00pm

GeorgeandDot said: "Smokeylady, you pop up once in a blue moon just to be negative and nasty. I don't need that right now. Apparently that's Dollypop's new goal now too."

 

I was being truthful!  I even put a smiley face at the end .   Are we here to just blow smoke and say how wonderful everything is when it isn't? ?  Or can we have a discussion?  And I agree.  I don't know what is up with Dollypop.  That fat suit comment was really nasty.  Something must have irritated him when he saw the show Saturday.  I wish he would just talk about that and skip the viciousness.  

Updated On: 1/24/18 at 12:00 PM

[binau]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 3:30pm

I know it almost seems pathological to give updates like this but at intermission on a sleepy Wednesday matinee (4th performance). Bernadette has coughed twice and the end of the first/main “put my hand in” was very strained - kind of like the See Me On a Tuesday (or whatever it was) Forbidden Broadway parody. Perhaps contradictory she actually overall sounds in better voice to me than the first performance. I find the vocals actually impressive today rather than just merely serviceable (at least so far).

She is really nailing the comedy in my opinion. A lot of good facial expressions, tone of voice punchlines and physical expressions. A lot of 4th wall breaking. It’s a big, broad wide comedy performance - which unlike Night Music doesn’t feel too big for this stage.

For those that actually like her vulnerability, we are definitely getting a good serving of this at the beginning of Parade - no tears from her but definitely eyes watering and emotive vocals. I love it. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see tears at some stage here.

Garber is SO much more comfortable today. He feels right at home now compared to a slight deer in headlights. I do think it’s going to be hard to match the comedy of DHP though - part of why he was so funny is he was a dweeb with no self insight. Garber doesn’t have the physical statue to have the same effect.

[all_that_jazz]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 3:54pm

I managed to get a last minute great seat and saw the show last night. Third performance for the new cast and let me say....its a well oiled machine. Bernadette is luminous. You cant be a fan of broadway and not see this gem of a show with a true broadway star. Victor was hilarious and seemed like hed been doin this for years.Gavin slectacular as always. Kate was a knockout. This Charlie kid is adorable and hilarious and him and Gavin have amazing stage chemestry...someone write something for the two of them please. And Molly Griggs who apparently is new....good god shes funny as hell. Stole the scene when Kate entered. The show is woth the admission just for the title number. To see Bernadette in it is a theatrical moment that can not be missed. Shes not Bette shes not Donna both whom I love and put their stamp on it. But now its Bernadettes Dolly.

[AllThatJazz2]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 4:09pm

Seeing this Saturday and can't wait...so glad to hear that everyone seems to be settling into their roles nicely. 

[haterobics]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 4:56pm

uncageg said: "I am really torn. I saw it with Donna Murphy and Christian Dante White was on for Creel. I was on cloud nine when I walked out of the theater. As much as I want to see Bernadette, and with some cast members gone, I don't want to go in for her and come out not as excited as I was when I saw it."

I haven't heard anything indicating one should avoid seeing Bernadette, just give her more time to settle into the role, which is always a good idea.

[ljay889]

Posted: 1/24/18 at 5:11pm

I saw the matinee today and it was a very good performance. Bernadette was clearly a little under the weather, as she was slightly hoarse and coughed a couple of times. She definitely plays Dolly as you’d expect it, and that’s not a bad thing. Her Parade is without a doubt the best I’ve seen compared with Bette and Donna. She seemed to save her vocal strength for Parade, as she really sang it full out. She sings all of the optional higher notes that Donna sang.
Also, she used more vocal and spoken ad libs in the title number than Bette and Donna. It was a nice touch.
So Long Dearie has certainly been reworked for her, to say the least, lol.

I think her performance will keep getting stronger by opening night. She doesn’t go out of her way to create a completely unique character like Donna, but it’s absolutely the Dolly that an audience wants from Bernadette Peters.

Garber was good and appeared completely comfortable in the role. His Penny was very enjoyable.

Stemp was charming, but his accent was in and out throughout the entire performance. I missed the awkwardness that Trensch brought to the role. Griggs was fine but is no Feldstein.

Major shoutout to Creel and Baldwin who are still nailing it and keep their performances fresh. Baldwin is now feistier than ever, while Creel exudes even more charisma than when the show opened. I love how he plays to the entire house whenever he sings, it’s something I notice every time I see the show. He’s a real pro.

I definitely would like to check out the new cast again after the opening, I think they’ll be even more settled in their roles.

Updated On: 1/24/18 at 05:11 PM