Goodspeed Musicals, East Haddam, CT
through September 14, 2013
by Walt Haggerty
 |
| Photo by Diane Soboloewski |
America’s long-term love affair with Dolly Gallagher Levi
was officially launched in 1963 with the arrival of “Hello, Dolly!” on Broadway
with the incredible Carol Channing as Dolly. At Goodspeed Opera House, Klea
Blackhurst brings her own brand of charm, exuberance, and show-stopping
delivery to a Dolly that has the audience cheering at frequent intervals.
Blackhurst’s Dolly has captured the heart of the character and deserves to be
ranked up at the top of the list of exceptional Dolly interpretations. She is
extraordinary!
Goodspeed’s production of “Hello Dolly” has been handsomely
produced by Michael Price, with flawless direction by Daniel Goldstein. The
choreography of Kelli Barclay is miraculous. Her dancers are seldom given
breathing space, spending most of the evening airborne. In the "Waiters
Gallop" they are magnificent.
As Horace Vandergelder, Tony Sheldon has totally absorbed he
character down to the last double take. It would be difficult, if not
impossible, to find a more captivating Irene Malloy than is portrayed by Ashley
Brown. She is pure joy, as is Catherine Blades as her assistant, Minnie Fay.
Spencer Moses as Cornelius Hackl, Mr. Vandergelder's Chief
Clark, and Jeremy Morse, as Assistant Clerk Barnaby Tucker, are superb. Their
frantically executed romp in the hat shop is a masterpiece of choreographic
execution and timing, quickly followed by the inspired hilarity of “Dancing.”
Jack Doyle deserves special credit for his excellent dual role performances as
the Judge and especially as head waiter Rudolph Reisenweber.
Creating the foundation for these marvelously endearing
characters is the book by Michael Stewart, based on Thornton Wilder’s original
play “The Matchmaker.” The score by Jerry Herman, who contributed both music
and lyrics, is one of his best, filled with a series of show-stopping solos,
duets, quartets, and full company ensemble numbers. It is a pleasure to hear
such glorious, infectious music from a Broadway show performed with such
enthusiasm and professionalism.
As is customary at Goodspeed, everything that could possibly
be done to create a memorable afternoon or evening at the theatre has been
accomplished to perfection. “Hello, Dolly!” is another treasure of America’s
glorious musical theatre past impeccably restored to vibrant life.
