Saw the show again on Tony Awards Sunday, and loved every minute of it all over again. First time was from front row mezzanine, and this time was from a rear box (not for nothing, it was the perfect vantage point for a second viewing ). Anyway, my only gripe the second time around was Beanie Feldstein, who mugged her way through the entire show. Her mouth was agape for 95% of the show... a la Clyde Alves. Is this a production mandate, or just sloppy performance?
In this part of Long Island we have a severe deer problem and are limited to what kinds of plants we can grow in our gardens lest the deer munch them down to nothing. One safe plant is the geranium and a local garden center was selling a variety that was a beautiful, deep red and I decided to celebrate the return of the Harmonia Gardens by planting a garden that was solely red. I bought dozens of these geraniums and have to say the over-all effect is stunning.
I saw Martha Raye as Dolly one month after seeing Carol Channing on tour as Dolly. I saw Channing from the next to the last row of the balcony in a 2400 seat theatre, and saw Martha Raye from the front row of the St. James. I was familiar with Raye from TV, and she was always quite the comedic cut-up. I thought of her as "mugging" quite a lot. However, she played the role of Dolly quite legitimately, sang well, and her comic talents worked well in the hat shop scene and the eating scene.
By the time Martha Raye did the show, it was running out of steam. The producers offered deeply discounted tickets to US Servicemen. This was during the Vietnam War era, and Martha Raye was known to the troops because she often traveled on USO shows.
Betty Grable followed her for a short run. Then Pearl Bailey rejuvenated the show with a two year run.
I did not see Phyllis Diller.
Ray is the author of the Brad Frame mystery series, and two suspense novels. He is also the author of a one man play based on Ben Franklin. http://www.rayflynt.com
I'm posting this today because I've joined the DOLLY cast's "No Text Tuesday":
Several BWW members have mentioned that they will be attending this Wednesday's matinee. Would anyone be interested in meeting up? I'll be easy to find. There aren't' too many old men dressed in Harmonia Gardens red in a state of euphoria.
I see that prices were raised to $229 + fees for all remaining tickets when Bette is on.
However, there a few sparse dates towards the end of the run (ex: 1/3) when tix are $189 tops (Orch/mezz) and Bette is not scheduled out as per the notification.
Willy Loman2 said: "Who did you like better? Channing or Raye?"
I preferred Channing to Martha Raye.
My favorite Dolly in the original run was Pearl Bailey.
Ray is the author of the Brad Frame mystery series, and two suspense novels. He is also the author of a one man play based on Ben Franklin. http://www.rayflynt.com
Guys this is totally random and off topic but I didn't want to start a new thread...I downloaded the cast recording of Hello Dolly through Apple Music and now Put On Your Sunday Clothes and It Only Takes a Moment are no longer available. Anyone else experiencing this or know the reason why? The message I get is Item not available/this item can;t be played. So frustrating!