Talkin' B'way Review of Rachel York in Hello, Dolly!

[lovesclassics]

Posted: 6/24/09 at 6:06pm

I saw the show opening night and couldn't agree more. The torch has been passed. Rachel York IS the heir apparent to this treasure of a role.

Somebody please bring her to B'way in the next revival.
Review of Rachel York in Hello, Dolly!

[sondheimboy2]

Posted: 6/24/09 at 9:25pm

They're using both the original sets and the original costumes?!?!?! If it doesn't transfer, I hope that someone films it!

As for Rachel York, she was so phenominal in that "Camelot" tour with Michael York, I seriously doubt that there is anything that she can't do...

[Dollypop]

Posted: 6/24/09 at 9:27pm

Judging from the photo, Rachel York is much too young to play Dolly at this poin in her career. Maybe in another 20 years--when I'm dead.

Updated On: 6/25/09 at 09:27 PM

[madbrian]

Posted: 6/24/09 at 9:31pm

"Judging from the o, Rahel York is much too young to play Dolly at this poin in her career. Maybe in another 20 years--when I'm dead."

York turns 38 in August. Channing was 43 when Dolly opened on Broadway.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 6/24/09 at 9:33pm

We all know Dollypop is never going to accept anyone but Carol Channing. I don't know why you even bother arguing.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 10:14am

Ulgh, I wish it was playing longer! I was debating making the trip up, but I'm sick, so this weekend wouldn't be a good time to go.

But so happy for Rachel's reviews, and for all those lucky folks who get to see her!

[madbrian]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 10:26am

I wish I could see this or any other quality production of Dolly, to try to erase the memory of Tovah Feldshuh at the Papermill.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 11:12am

Wasn't the Papermill production dreadful? Tovah coming down the staircase in the black cape made her look like Dracula.

[madbrian]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 11:18am

It was awful, and I'm working on purging it from my memory. However, Tovah did get tons of laughs from the scene where she's chowing down.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 11:25am

And the choreography was all hip-hop. Since when does "Sunday Clothes" require pelvic gyrations?

Getting back to PG2: I have seen many fine Dollys in addition to Channing: Martha Raye, Mary Martin, Pearl Bailey, Ginger Rogers, Ethel Merman and Phyllis Diller (YES! Phyllis Diller!)

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 11:28am

Nice! Now I'm even more excited to see this tonight!

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 2:10pm

[nealb1]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 2:52pm

Guys, we all know that Dollypop is the only person on the entire planet who knows everything about "Hello, Dolly!" Certainly not Jerry Herman, Carol Channing, a director, or any of those people. Why in the world would they know more than he does??

After all, how many productions of "Hello, Dolly!" has Dollypop done throughout the years?

Rachel looks terrific!
Updated On: 6/25/09 at 02:52 PM

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 3:07pm

Beautiful pictures! She looks perfect for the role.

Thanks Brody!

[nealb1]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 3:17pm

She looks absolutely gorgeous! These sets look very familiar to me. I think we used them the first time I played Cornelius, here in LA. Could be?


Updated On: 6/25/09 at 03:17 PM

[madbrian]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 3:21pm

I hope that very soon she finds the right role on Broadway that will bring her fame that is commensurate with her talent.

[WestVillage]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 4:13pm

The pictures look great, but they are not the original costumes ... close to it, but not identical. Especially the red Dolly gown and feathered headress. Dollypop's avatar is the original Channing costume, and you can see Rachel's is more like a hat with feathers whereas Channings is just plumes of feathers without a visible hat. Also, Channing's gown has no shoulder straps as York's does. Rachel is not wearing a necklace, and the beadwork on the gown is lighter and different. Similar, yes, but the oringal Broadway costumes? No.

And yes, I agree that Papermill's Dolly with Tovah was horrendous. Talk about the "dark version" ... who ever knew there could be dark version of Hello Dolly!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 5:16pm

Please note that Pearl Bailey's red headdress was also more of a hat. The original red gown had brocade that swirled in such a manner as to suggest hearts. The panels were even shaped like hearts. It was very fitting for a character who was a matchmaker.

What Rachel York is wearing isn't even close to the original.

Updated On: 6/25/09 at 05:16 PM

[matineeidol2013]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 8:03pm

Rachel York is stunning isnt she? So beautiful, especially in that red wig!

From the pictures it looks like York's orange dress is original, the Sunday Clothes costumes look original too. I've seen other pictures from the Reagle Player production, and the Irene costumes are certainly original designs as well.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 8:45pm

Yes, Rachel does look quite beautiful.

It also seems that this Dolly has an additional costume. White blouse and black skirt in the hat shop scene.

[BroadwayBound115]

Posted: 6/25/09 at 10:02pm

She is a beautiful woman...please put her in more shows so I can at least look at her!

[lovesclassics]

Posted: 6/26/09 at 9:51am

Ok, I couldn't help myself. I had to go again last night! Gotta grab these chances in my own back yard when I can.

After the costume discussion here, I noticed that her headpiece for the Hello, Dolly! number was different from the one in the picture on this thread. It was the one with all the ostrich feathers like in Dollypop's avatar. So now I can't remember if that's the headpiece from opening night or if they've changed it. I THINK they've changed it but can't be sure. I guess I'd be lousy as an eye witness!

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 6/26/09 at 11:05am

I saw it last night and Rachel was fantastic!

[matineeidol2013]

Posted: 6/26/09 at 8:40pm

is there footage of this production anywhere? like offical proshot footage? its a shame reagle players seems to only post pictures, and even the production photos arent posted on reagle's offical site...

[Dollypop]

Posted: 6/26/09 at 9:00pm

The photos that were posted here most likely were taken at a special rehearsal and it's possible that Dolly's headdress wasn't completed. What is shown in that picture may have been a temporary substitute. It must have been hard for Ms York to negotiate her way around on opening night with a new headpiece. That is something you have to practice with for a long while.
(I should know. I wear mine around the house all the time--just in case I'm called to play the part on short notice!)