Patti LaBelle in Hello, Dolly!

[Dolly_Levi]

Posted: 7/3/04 at 11:39pm

Several years ago I heard rumblings that Miss LaBelle was perhaps going to hit the road in a new production of Hello, Dolly! that would eventually land on B'way.

Now almost five years later - no Dolly, no Patti, no nothing...

Did anyone else ever hear this rumor? Or did I simply dream this?

What would you think of Patti as a possible Dolly?

[Albin]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 11:04am

Oh the horror...where's Dollypop when you need her?

[CastAlbumFan]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 11:56am

Reno Sweeney as Dolly? Pass!

I could see Beth Fowler or Angela Lansbury, but not Patti Lupone!

The problem with Dolly is that the role is too closely identified to Carol Channing. They'd have to reinvent the role similar to what was done with Lou Diamond Phillips in THE KING AND I. And he was STILL getting comparisons to Brynner!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 12:18pm

This thread is about Patti LaBelle, NOT Patti Lupone!!!!

I saw Patti LaBelle in a production of HOUSE OF FLOWERS many years ago at the Westbury Music Fair. It was directed by Geoffrey Holder and was choreographed by his wife Carmen Delavande (I think that's her name). It was a poor production and LaBelle proved that she was in no way shape or form anything close to Pearl Bailey. She couldn't toss away her lines the way Pearlie Mae did and she really didn't know what to do with herself when the focus of a scene wasn't on her. The production was touted as being headed for Broadway, but nothing ever came of it.

The show began weirdly as Geoffrey Holder stood center stage and had the audience repeat the Apostle's Creed. The patrons of the Westbury Music Fair are largely Jewish and there were lots of unhappy people there, although I don't think anyone walked out.

Updated On: 7/5/04 at 12:18 PM

[CastAlbumFan]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 1:18pm

Note to self: Don't post three seconds after naptime.

My goof!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 2:35pm

By the way, Carol Channing is indeed the originator of the role--and certainly steller in her interpretation of it, but Pearl Bailey, Mary Martin, Ginger Rogers, Martha Raye and Ethel Merman all made that part their own when they played it. Even TGC had nothing but praise for Pearlie Mae's performance, saying that Pearl "made that part her own".

I think that TGC has toured with the show and revived it so many times in the past 40 years that she is associated with the role more than anyone else.

Now Dolly_Levi, let me comfort you in knowing that a major revival of our favorite show is planned for the year 2006. A very good source at Craig Zadan's office has told me that Bette Midler will do a limited run of the show on Broadway and it will then be filmed as a TV movie.

Something to look forward to, I'm sure. FINALLY a movie version of TWHM!!!!

[mominator]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 2:48pm

"Ms.M" as Dolly? Well there is something I'd love to see.
But who could play Horace?
B

[Dolly_Levi]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 2:54pm

Dollypop, you are my hero.

Thank you for the best news I've heard in a long time. I was scared that amongst all the "La Cage" and "Mame" revival hoopla, our "Dolly" would be lost in the shuffle and never see the B'way light of day.

It'll be nice to have her back where she belongs.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 6:10pm

No, Dolly_Levi, there is a three show deal with the Nederlander organization. They will revive all three of Jerry Herman's greatest hits. I understand the biggest problem right now is casting Mame. I'd love them to get a truly regal English woman like Diana Rigg or even Joan Collins. The more sophisticated the actress, the funnier th roel becomes.

[starlyricist]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 6:17pm

what about Charles Busch reprising his role from Auntie Mame in Mame? Something new...

[sean martin]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 6:44pm

>> A very good source at Craig Zadan's office has told me that Bette Midler will do a limited run of the show on Broadway and it will then be filmed as a TV movie

Now that is just too cool for words...

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 7:08pm

Now, I will let Charles Busch play Mame (and I'm sure he'd be wonderful!) after I play Dolly. Agreed?

[starlyricist]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 7:17pm

hell, i'll pay to see that!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 7:19pm

I'll have you know I do an exceptionally fine Dolly Levi. Ask any member of this site who has seen me perform excerpts from the show!

Updated On: 7/5/04 at 07:19 PM

[starlyricist]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 7:22pm

hey, i don't doubt it. as long as i get to reprise my role as Barnaby!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 7:25pm

When I play Dolly, I always kiss Barbaby when everyone returns to Yonkers to collect the loot Vandergelder owes them. Could you deal with it?

[starlyricist]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 7:27pm

I might be able to cope As long as I get a really cute Cornelius to co-star with...

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 7:29pm

My only shoice for that role is Eric McCormack. Would you mind be trapped under the feed and grain set with him?

[starlyricist]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 7:30pm

*fans self*...well, if i HAVE to. might have to make this a Dolly for the adult crowd tho...

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 7:32pm

John Goodman is my Horace

[starlyricist]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 7:36pm

i LUV it. inspired Dollypop. he's just a loveable lug.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/5/04 at 7:38pm

Rebecca Lucite is Mrs. Molloy