Official Hello, Dolly! Sidecar thread. — Page 11

greenifyme2 said: "CT2NYC - Just got out of Dolly with Bette.

You were right- the seat was perfect. Fantastic view. Also from that angle I was way less scared about the actor's falling into the pit (from my side partial view on Tuesday I was terrified the whole time they were going to fall in!) The people around me all paid $300 each for their tickets but talked a good amount throughout, ugh. Little comments or repeating lines the actors just said. Super annoying.

Some thoughts- Donna is clearly a stronger, younger vocalist and she had great moments, but I didn't believe her as Dolly. Bette really was Dolly, and she made me smile, but often felt a little rushed.

I do wish it was possible to have had Tuesday's audience with Bette's performance. The audience today was OLD. Holy walkers. They only applauded for Bette. I had never been in a more reactive audience than on Tuesday- with love, strong applause and belly laughs for the entire cast. Such as the appearance of Gavin, Kate, and Beanie ad-libbed a line when Kate appeared behind her and got applause. I missed the little things like that and wished the rest of the cast had gotten the love they deserve. (No applause when the full company first came out for Sunday Clothes). Everyone was laughing so hard in Tuesday I really felt like I missed 1/4 of the show, and while it was nice to see the whole stage, I realized I didn't miss as much as I thought.

The part where Bette was dishing up the food was hilarious. She was throwing lettuce and dumplings into the pit. Seeing her descend from the staircase in the red dress was cool- I couldn't even see the top of the staircase on Tuesday.

Speaking of the 'dumplings'- does anyone know what they actually are made of? Both her and Donna fit like 20 in their mouths!

So basically my conclusion- Bette IS Dolly but try to go on a weeknight! And Donna is a perfectly fine sub if you can't see Bette because the rest of the cast is so stellar. The rush seat is not great but better than I thought it was.

glad I went :)

 

I had a similar experience the second time I saw it with Bette, on a Wednesday matinee. The first time I saw it, during previews, the audience was the most enthusiastic I had ever seen. The second time, the audience was horrible, much like today's sounds, from your description. Then I saw it with Donna, and the crowd was almost as exuberant as the first time with Bette, even though the theatre wasn't nearly as full. It sounds like that same kind of magic happens at most Donna performances. I'm assuming it has to do with the fact that her audiences have made a thoughtful decision to see the show with her, rather than Bette's audiences, who, depending on when you go, might be full of people there simply to see Bette, or just because it's a hot ticket. I'm glad the seat worked out for you, though!

Updated On: 8/19/17 at 05:53 PM

CT2NYC said: "greenifyme2 said: "CT2NYC - Just got out of Dolly with Bette.

You were right- the seat was perfect. Fantastic view. Also from that angle I was way less scared about the actor's falling into the pit (from my side partial view on Tuesday I was terrified the whole time they were going to fall in!) The people around me all paid $300 each for their tickets but talked a good amount throughout, ugh. Little comments or repeating lines the actors just said. Super annoying.

Some thoughts- Donna is clearly a stronger, younger vocalist and she had great moments, but I didn't believe her as Dolly. Bette really was Dolly, and she made me smile, but often felt a little rushed.

I do wish it was possible to have had Tuesday's audience with Bette's performance. The audience today was OLD. Holy walkers. They only applauded for Bette. I had never been in a more reactive audience than on Tuesday- with love, strong applause and belly laughs for the entire cast. Such as the appearance of Gavin, Kate, and Beanie ad-libbed a line when Kate appeared behind her and got applause. I missed the little things like that and wished the rest of the cast had gotten the love they deserve. (No applause when the full company first came out for Sunday Clothes). Everyone was laughing so hard in Tuesday I really felt like I missed 1/4 of the show, and while it was nice to see the whole stage, I realized I didn't miss as much as I thought.

The part where Bette was dishing up the food was hilarious. She was throwing lettuce and dumplings into the pit. Seeing her descend from the staircase in the red dress was cool- I couldn't even see the top of the staircase on Tuesday.

Speaking of the 'dumplings'- does anyone know what they actually are made of? Both her and Donna fit like 20 in their mouths!

So basically my conclusion- Bette IS Dolly but try to go on a weeknight! And Donna is a perfectly fine sub if you can't see Bette because the rest of the cast is so stellar. The rush seat is not great but better than I thought it was.

glad I went :)

 

I had a similar experience the second time I saw it with Bette, on a Wednesday matinee. The first time I saw it, during previews, the audience was the most enthusiastic I had ever seen. The second time, the audience was horrible, much like today's sounds, from your description. Then I saw it with Donna, and the crowd was almost as exuberant as the first time with Bette, even though the theatre wasn't nearly as full. It sounds like that same kind of magic happens at most Donna performances. I'm assuming it has to do with the fact that her audiences have made a thoughtful decision to see the show with her, rather than Bette's audiences, who, depending on when you go, might be full of people there simply to see Bette, or just because it's a hot ticket. I'm glad the seat worked out for you, though!

 

"

 

My last visit was on a Bette matinee two weeks ago and the audience was on fire.  Singing along to Dolly during the overture in unison and standing ovations for both Sunday and Dolly.  I agree that Bette is definitely the stronger Dolly in character, presence, and comedic chops.  But boy can Donna sing.  I think that for now what you are seeing on a Donna night is the hardcore broadway  audience devotees .   They will hoot, holler, and applaud at anything as if on cue.   But when I last saw Donna it was in the middle of Bettes vacation on a Friday night and the energy from the audience was just not there.   Also.. I have now sat everywhere in that theater for this production.  And in my opinion the best seats in the house are the very front Mezzanine.   If you are going for cheap...I have a preference for the obstructed view rear box seats.  They are definitely obstructed.. but you are very up close and the pasarelle scenes with Bette are truly magical.. 

Updated On: 8/20/17 at 01:05 PM

There's two seats for tomorrow's matinee in the orchestra. Non-premium.

It'll be Loretta Swit 

I got out a short while ago and Donna was great! I can see what has been said on the thread about not inhabiting the role as much as Bette Midler may have, but her singing was great, and the audience was just fantastic. Kate was pretty much the only one without entrance applause, which was kind of confusing, and Beanie's was kind of muted, but everyone else got a really enthusiastic response. It was so visually stunning and I've never been able to see the show live, so tonight was kind of a special day.

The merch is insane, btw. I'm surprised other shows don't go all out with the merchandise like they did here and like An American in Paris did. I bought a t-shirt.

There wasn't entrance applause for Kate when I saw the show Saturday evening.  

Don't understand saying that Donna Murphy doesn't inhabit the role as much as Bette Midler does. I think they are entirely different and entirely wonderful. Both their speeches before Before the Parade Passes By brings me to tears. And Donna's final notes at the end of Parade as the curtain falls is thrilling. You're not getting second best with Murphy, IMHO.

Updated On: 8/23/17 at 11:36 AM

RagtimeRay said: "I haven't seen Bette Midler, BUT, having seen Carol Channing, Ginger Rogers, Martha Raye, Betty Grable, Pearl Bailey, Ethel Merman, and a few others as Dolly Gallagher Levi, Donna Murphy inhabits the role with the best of them.

 

"

So then I don't understand the need for the comment.   

EthelMae said: "Don't understand saying that Donna Murphy doesn't inhabit the role as much as Bette Midler does. I think they are entirely different and entirely wonderful. Both their speeches before Before the Parade Passes By brings me to tears. And Donna's final notes at the end of Parade as the curtain falls is thrilling. You're not getting second best with Murphy, IMHO.

 

I prefer Donna to Bette. They're both spectacular and an event, but Donna just inhabits the role better and you can see her whimsy and emotion all throughout the show, imo. Her entrance applause when she descended that staircase is the most I've heard for anyone, live or recorded. I won't call her the best Dolly, only because I've solely seen Bette and her in the role and don't know what most of the others brought to the table. 

 

4 great seats available on Telecharge for tomorrow's 2:00 p.m. show (8/27), center orchestra row F 103-104 & F 109-110, $229 each. 

Updated On: 8/26/17 at 10:00 PM

NYfanfromCA said: "CT2NYC said: "4 great seats available on Telecharge for tomorrow's 2:00 p.m. show (8/27), center orchestra row F 103-104 & F 109-110, $229 each. 

Wow!  Great seats!  I hope I'm lucky for my September dates!  Wish I were going tomorrow.

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you. If I see anything for your dates, you'll be the first to know!

 

I have to say this...

DOLLY was the first musical I was ever in during high school. I love the music and the fun storyline. But it hasn't been until all these years later, after seeing this production several times with Bette and this company, that I truly 'got' it. And what I mean by that is truly getting Dolly rejoining the human race, and the significance of every line during 'Parade,' and the pure joy in the title number.

It all finally hit me as I was watching Bette's monologue before Parade in July (it was the second time seeing the show.. the first time was in previews with obstructed seating). It was just so.. moving. And I wasn't expecting it. The way she said with a feeling of pure exhaustion "And I'm TIRED Ephraim" followed by Jerry Herman's perfectly manicured lyrics.

Before the parade passes by
I've gotta go and taste Saturday's high life
Before the parade passes by
I'm gotta get some life back into my life

I'm ready to move out in front
I've had enough of just passing by life
With the rest of them
With the best of them
I can hold my head up high

For I've got a goal again
I've got a drive again
I'm gonna feel my heart coming alive again
Before the parade passes by!

Look at that crowd up ahead
Listen and hear that brass harmony growing
Look at that crowd up ahead
Pardon me if my old spirit is showing
All of those lights over there Seem to be telling me where I'm going....

And this.. THIS is why her arrival.. why her walk down that Harmonia Gardens staircase is one of the greatest moments in musical theatre history. THIS is Dolly's 'coming out' party. She is BACK and back in all her glory. And that's why the anticipation is off the charts (or should be if done right). We are about to see a reborn Dolly in all her glory. It's the first time we see her in Act 2 and it's time for us to see her 'extreme makeover.'

It's all so simple yet so brilliant and delicious and cotton candy perfect.

This show..and this production in particular.. is the greatest medicine for my heart and soul.

Thank you, Mr. Herman.

Great left orchestra seat, row S 3, available on Telecharge for tomorrow's (8/30) 8:00 p.m. performance, $189.

Updated On: 8/29/17 at 10:22 AM