When it debuted in 1964, Hello, Dolly! set a record for the most Tony Awards, which it held for the next 37 years. (The Producers moved into the top spot when it won 12 awards in 2001). The cast recording of the original Broadway production reached No. 1 on the Billboard album chart in 1964 and was replaced by Louis Armstrong's recording of Hello, Dolly! The show's cast recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002.
The local production currently onstage at The Legacy Theatre lives up to the reputation of those impressive accolades and more. Awash in nostalgia and brimming with lights, color and likable characters, Hello Dolly! is a joyful walk down the lane of hummable songs, old-fashioned romance, plenty of laughs and a healthy dose of heartfelt tenderness.
The musical is based on Thornton Wilder's play, The Matchmaker, with music and lyrics by the wonderful Jerry Herman and a book by Michael Stewart. It follows the story of Dolly Gallagher Levi, a strong-willed widow promoting her wide-ranging services with a card for everything, including not only matchmaking/meddling but liver testing, nail painting and alterations... to name a few.
She arrives in Yonkers, New York, to arrange a match for the miserly "well-known, unmarried half-a-millionaire" Horace Vandergelder. Unbeknownst to Horace, Dolly already has plans for the two of them. Along the way, she cleverly manipulates others into love, life-affirming choices and even out of possible jail time.
Not wanting to be a "fool alone," she searches for a sign from her beloved deceased husband, Ephraim, that marrying Horace is the right thing to do. Knowing Dolly's intentions from the start makes for a fun journey and the audience revels in her quick wit and not-so-subtle convincing, which eventually wins over Horace.
With impeccable style, the show moves through a kaleidoscope of colors, thoughtful details and strong production values. Major kudos to the costuming team, led by Mary McDonald and Betty Ring, for their sumptuous creations, including shimmering brocade skirts (with pockets even!), beaded gowns, voluptuous hats, tailored coats and matching uniforms. Alongside Scott Richardson's charming set designs, they raise the bar once again and set the right tone for the piece.
The character of Dolly Levi is often considered a star vehicle for the actor playing her, but there is a nice balance across the entire cast. Rich Beans as Horace Vandergelder entertains with a convincing, subtle accent and a great voice as he's continually flustered by Dolly's antics. Allison Means is a lovely hat shop owner Irene Malloy, and Brooke Seacrest matches her well as her assistant, Minnie Fay. The two are swept up in a New York adventure by two of Vandelgelder's clerks, Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker, exuberantly played by Will Moffett and Tim Connor, respectively. These two are a great complement to one another and excellent song-and-dance performers, evoking vaudevillians of the past. The entire cast is very enjoyable.
And as an example of that aforementioned nostalgia, I have to mention a sweet bit of casting. Missy Cartwright as Ernestina is playing the role her mother played at The Muni decades earlier. Having seen both ladies perform the same role with comic ease is going to keep a smile in my heart for some time.
Cynda Wrightsman, on her second go-around in the role of Dolly, anchors her character and the show with warmth, pleasing vocals and grounded confidence. She said of playing the role 30 years apart: "I think being more mature has colored my portrayal of her. At this point in my life, I have dealt with loss, which is central to who Dolly is and why she is busy trying to make ends meet. I think she also wants to keep busy to hold grief at bay. I don't believe she is marrying just for money. One line says, 'I certainly will make him happy.' She is ready to live again."
Director Ed MacMurdo has not only cast and staged a well-paced and delightful show, but he was also the choreographer. His distinctive approach is evident in many numbers, but especially notable is the energetic "Waiter's Gallop." – what a feat! Samantha Mool and Melissa Blankenstyn have the vocals and orchestra sounding top-notch and audiences will love hearing the old favorites including, "Put on Your Sunday Clothes," "It Only Takes a Moment," and of course, "Hello Dolly!"
And in case you still need a hint about what to expect, just remember, "Pudding!"
Hello Dolly! continues July 17-21 and 24-28. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 the day of show with reduced rates of $28 for seniors and children. For tickets, visit atthelegacy.com.
Mary Young was born and raised in Springfield and has been performing in, producing and directing live theater for decades.
