PRESS AND PUBLIC REVIEWS FOR HELLO, DOLLY! 2008 UK TOUR
                                                                                                 

                                                               

                                                                                       SAY HELLO TO A GREAT SHOW

Sunderland Empire - 19 August 2008

IF the recent credit crunch has left you unable to visit New York City for real, take a trip to the Sunderland Empire this week. You'll be transported across the Atlantic and back to 1890 in this musical extravaganza. Hello, Dolly! has toured the country and is now nearing the end of its current run. The extravagant costumes are colourful and glamorous, the dancers are acrobatic and the singing is amazing. It's a surprise that with a voice like Anita Dobson's, her husband, Brian May, hasn't asked her to front Queen! Her range is tremendous, but what came as the biggest shock of the night was her unwaveringly accurate Bronx accent. Dobson was not the only one who gave a brilliant performance though. The entire cast were exceptional throughout. Dolly Levi (Dobson) is a widow who is finally going back out into New York society after a prolonged period of mourning following the death of her husband, Ephraim. She is a jack of all trades - a dance teacher, a marriage broker and well-loved busy body. Dolly is trying to fix herself up with the rich Horace Vandergelder (David McAllister), while his shop clerks Barnaby (Hamilton Sargent) and Cornelius Hackl (Darren Day)skive off work to visit the bright lights of NYC. While they are there, they meet Minnie (Amanda Salmon) and Irene Malloy (Louise English). Dolly encourages  Cornelius and Barnaby to take the girls out dancing to the most expensive place in town - somewhere they can't afford until Barnaby's empty wallet gets mixed=up with Horace's bulging purse. Mayhem ensures as Dolly sets Horace up on false dates in order for him to realise she is the one he wants. The sets are as lavish as the costumes in this wonderful journey back in time. Darren Day was a pleasant surprise, playing the bumbling Cornelius perfectly. It was really difficult to imagine him as the love rat he is made out to be in the Press. Dobson looks comfortable on the stage alone and is a wonderful Dolly. The performances mean this revived West End show is of the highest calibre. It was a shame to say Goodbye Dolly at the end of the night!

                                                         Victoria Watson reviewing Hello, Dolly! for -Chronicle Live, Newcastle at the Sunderland Empire.

                                                                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   

 
HELLO, DOLLY - Sunderland Empire
Author: Steve Burbridge Viewed 322 times.
Category: UKTheatre Reviews  
 

 

Hello, Dolly!

UK National Tour

Reviewed at The Sunderland Empire

 

Just ask any aficionado of musical theatre and they’ll tell you that Hello, Dolly! is the biggest show-stopper in the history of the genre. It has all the necessary ingredients required of a classic musical: a wonderful story, memorable songs and one of the most iconic characters ever created – Dolly Gallagher Levi!

Hello, Dolly! played for 2,844 performances on Broadway at the St. James Theatre, winning ten Tony Awards including Best Musical, New York Drama Critics Circle Award for a Musical, 2 Outer Critics Circle Awards and a Drama Desk Award. The London production played for 794 performances, over nearly three years, at the Drury Lane Theatre in the West End. This touring production, the first major new revival for 20 years, began in February and plays its final week at Sunderland Empire Theatre.

It is a delightfully nostalgic comedy musical that follows the exploits of the widow and professional matchmaker, Dolly, the woman “who arranges things . . . like furniture and daffodils and lives,” as she sets her sights on conquering a tight fisted Yonkers merchant and becoming “the second Mrs Vandergelder.”

Anita Dobson is a doyenne of hit West End musicals, having starred in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Chicago, The Pajama Game  and Budgie to name only a few, and she inhabits the larger-than-life character of Dolly Levi effortlessly and with great success. Rather than emulating the performances of legendary predecessors including Barbra Streisand, Carol Channing and Ethel Merman, Miss Dobson stamps her own indomitable mark upon the role and the result is a triumphant interpretation of Dolly that is multi-faceted and carefully crafted.  She relishes the opportunity to shine as a comedienne and performs her musical numbers with gusto, her mezzo-soprano voice suiting them well. In addition to the expected sassiness and flamboyance, Miss Dobson also explores the sensitivity and vulnerability of the character. The monologue scenes in which Dolly talks to her late husband, Ephraim, have a poignancy and tenderness that  provide moments of genuine pathos.

Darren Day and David McAlister and lead the fabulous supporting cast and they both deliver consummate performances.  Day, as Cornelius Hackl, works hard throughout and his comedy double act with Hamilton Sargent as Barnaby Tucker is particularly enjoyable. Louise English, who was billed as Irene Molloy, did not perform and was understudied by Louise Stanton. Miss Stanton makes the most of her opportunity and performs  admirably, rising to the challenge that has fallen on her shoulders. David McAlister  is wonderful as the tight-fisted Vandergelder  providing the perfect foil for Miss Dobson’s effervescent and ebullient Dolly. Hamilton Sargent was an energetic and enthusiastic Barnaby Tucker and Amanda Salmon was deliciously over-the-top as the screaming, snorting shop assistant, Minnie Fay. Credit should also be given to Christopher Marlowe and Carol Ball, each appearing as an array of cameo characters.

The ensemble added the necessary pizzazz to the big numbers and they executed David Kort’s choreography with style and precision. The Waiter’s Gallop was a breath-taking sight to behold and the audience responded with rapturous applause. Likewise, the title number oozed with sophistication. Add to this the panache of the orchestra, under the supervision of David Beer, stunning sets by Alan Miller Bunford , sumptuous costumes by Anthony Wright and slick direction from Chris Colby and the result is a high calibre production with a glitzy tone, proving that Hello, Dolly! is still a magical musical masterpiece that sends every member of the family home with a smile on their face.

Steve Burbridge.

                                   

                                                                           DOLLY, DON'T GO AWAY AGAIN - YOU'RE LOOKING SWELL!

Shake those petticoats ... If you've ever enjoyed a musical, says Julie Park, you'll adore this one. This is Good old fashioned entertainment with West End Quality. The cast of Hello, Dolly! let it rip.

Whatever happened to good old-fashioned entertainment? It's alive and fabulous at the Opera House. Most people know that Hello, Dolly! is a musical and could hum a few bars of the eponymous song. Ask about the other numbers, or even the storyline, and most will draw a rare theatrical blank. This leaves the show with no safety net of familiarity - it stands or fails on the quality of its acting, singing and direction. Luckily, in this old-fashioned touring extravaganza, all are amazing. In Gilbert and Sullivan style, the plot is outlandish, the characters over the top and the comings and goings very French farce - so you might as well give up trying to understand it and just enjoy the ride. Dolly Levi makes her living by arranging 'furniture, and daffodils, and lives'. Her main preoccupation is matchmaking couples - until she sets her own heart on the 'half-millionaire' Horace Vandergelder: She, he, his shop clerks and assorted couples all head for the city where they all spend a day dodging each other and the law until... well, it wouldn't be a classic without a happy ending. The set is a work of art, with sections that slide, lift and revolve, often around the dancers still on stage, this ensures that there is no break in the action - even when the train departs with the characters aboard (honestly!). The costumes are outstanding, with petticoats in abundance and several of Dolly's hairdressers that could qualify for their own enclosure at Durrell. The dancing is divine, with more than 20 girls and boys in increasingly flamboyant routines. How the men's chorus must look forward to all those waiter's high kicks and cartwheels, especially as they have to sing the title song straight afterwards. Now to the cast - with apologies to others who will have to share the general 'outstanding' label. The luvvie debate about promoters using 'celebrities' to sell tickets doesn't apply here. Anita Dobson earns her place with every move, every look and every American vowel. A talent much larger than her EastEnders past, this glamorous lady takes on a part written for Ethel Merman and shines. David McAllister, as Vandergelder, masterfully portrays a man grudgingly joining in life, from dance routines to romance. Darren Day, the cheeky Cornelius Hackl, gives all put-upon staff members hope, but the part doesn't do full justice to his beautiful singing voice. His side-kick is Hamilton Sargent as Barnaby, looking like a young John Barrowman. He plays the foil with another grin that never fades. To compare Hello, Dolly! to local shows is unfair. It is a professional show with a professional budget, but what lifts it above the rest is its talent and energy. This production is West End quality on your doorstep. Forego television, postpone social events, cancel weddings: if you've ever enjoyed a musical, you'll adore 'Hello, Dolly!' at the Opera House in the evenings or several matinees until 2 August. A happy ending, great costumes and plenty of smiles and petticoats - what more could you want from a night at the Opera House.

                                                                                                    Julie Park reviewed Hello, Dolly! at the Opera House for - Jersey Evening Post Wednesday 23 July 2008

                                                                                                                                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

                                                                              BRACE YOURSELF FOR ANITA'S TIDAL WAVE

FIRST NIGHT - HELLO, DOLLY! 5 *****

It could be one of those star-is-born moments. And the star's name? Anita Dobson. As professional matchmaker Dolly Levi, a woman for whom the word irrepressible might have been invented, Ms Dobson hits the Cliffs stage like a rehearsal for that tidal wave that is going to wash Southend away one day. There's no point in analysing her singing, her 100-megatonne comedy, or her dancing, the point is that they all combine to wash a poor audience away. The only trouble is that other giant figures, notably Barbra Streisand, Carol Channing and Ethel Merman have already seized the role of Dolly in this legendary musical, so Anita will never be able to claim it as her own. But she gives them all a run for their money. David McAlister, as uptight, skinflint storekeeper Vandergelder, whom Dolly targets as her own husband-to-be, is an equally compelling turn in its own way, and an effective foil to the Dolly character. Darren Day, as Vandergelder's clerk, Cornelius, is charm itself. This is a well-put-together show, with super sets, especially by the standards of a road production. It also offers an ample and well drilled chorus who give the big production numbers like Put On Your Sunday Clothes and the title song, the full slam-bang treatment that they demand. The money-conscious Vandergelder would give this production his seal of approval, since it offers five stars in value for money. As for the feel-good factor, if tidal waves feel as good as this does, then roll on the big one.

                                                                                                                                   Tom King at The Cliffs Pavilion in Southend-on-Sea for Basildon Echo, Wednesday 16 July

                                                                                                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

                                                                                           A DELIGHTFUL SLICE OF THE BIG APPLE   ( Leeds)

You can't beat the good old shows for escapism and enjoyable night at the theatre, as the reaction from a near-full house on opening night showed. Hello, Dolly! has a perfect blend of words and songs and interest is maintained throughout. The scenery and colourful costumes are very effective in this splendid adaption of the Broadway show. It has waltzes, quicksteps, foxtrots and traditional marches and the Waiters Gallop, during the famous restaurant scene, contains some amazing choreography and skilful movements. The sound quality is brilliant, and there's excellent musicianship from the orchestra. A strong cast supports the leading performers, headed by Anita Dobson, The former EastEnder appears as Dolly Levi who, in 1890s New York, is employed by rich merchant Horace Vandergelder, ably played by David McAllister, to be his matchmaker. Anita has the stage presence for such a demanding role. Darren Day is a convincing Cornelius Hackl, who falls in love with hat shop owner Irene Molloy - a lively Louise English - when he hides in her premises. A thoroughly entertaining whirlwind chase around New York.

                                                                                                                                     Telegraph & Argus (online) The Grand Theatre, Leeds) - Thursday 26 June 2008

                                                                                                                                                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Went to see Anita Dobson in Hello, Dolly! in Cardiff. She was brilliant and I enjoyed it much more than the film version with Barbra Streisand. I was very shocked to see her husband Brian May sitting in front of us and then driving the train at the end. I see lots of musicals and this is one of my favourites now as Anita really played the part, she was brilliant and very witty, I never laughed like that in the film. I was wondering if the stage version with Anita would be on DVD, I really want it. I'll remember that night forever. Anita and Brian made it.

                                                                                                                         Gayle George (via email - Friday 27 June 2008)

                                                                                                                                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                                                                                            Hello, Dolly!  (Cardiff)

The role of Dolly Levi is one of the most coveted in musical theatre, and it is without doubt that Anita Dobson stakes a great claim to it in this current touring production of Hello, Dolly!. Adapted by Michael Stewart and Jerry Herman in 1964 it remains the most iconic of musicals, although the question for me remains as to whether the plot or indeed the lyrics have stood the test of time. A large cast show versatility, agility and enthusiasm in a very demanding showcase and this is perfectly highlighted with the hugely energetic Waiters Gallop in the second half involving every male member. The production hinges on the credibility  of the title role, and Anita Dobson effortlessly brings the meddlesome, match-maker to life. Playfully comic, the stage lights up her presence. David McAllister contributes to the quality of the production playing her hapless quarry, Horace Vandergelder with both the wit and charm while Darren Day as Cornelius Hackl and Louise English as Irene Molloy are a very convincing couple, with their solos, Ribbons Down My Back and It Only Takes a Moment remaining memorable. The sets and costumes are both versatile and lavish (it is certainly no mean feat to have a moving rail carriage on stage) and Dolly's big entrance for the show-stopping Hello, Dolly! is suitably jaw dropping. Is Dolly back where she belongs? You have until Saturday to decide for yourselves.

                                                                                                 Jackie Davies at the New Theatre, Cardiff for - South  Wales Argus (Newport Main) Thursday 19 June 2008

                                                                                                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                                                                                             DOLLY WOWS BELGRADE CROWD

HELLO, Dolly! have been the cries of audiences as they have been wowed by a barnstorming production. The world famous musical, which includes songs such as 'Put On Your Sunday Clothes', 'Hello, Dolly!', and 'Ribbons Down My Back', has hit the stage at the new-look Belgrade Theatre in Coventry. Critics have been wowed by this production, calling in at the local theatre thirty week tour of the UK, which stars Anita Dobson as Dolly Levi, and Darren Day as Cornelius Hackl. To see a full review of the show read the review below.

                                                                                                      Heartland Evening News (Nuneaton) Thursday 12 June 2008

                                                                                                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                                                                                           ANITA'S DOLLY AS GOOD AS IT GETS

A BREATHTAKING barnstorming blockbuster of a musical took to the Belgrade stage this week. Led by a pocket dynamo in the shape of Anita Dobson as Dolly Levi, she had the audience with her from her first entrance. This part demands a big character and Anita certainly delivered in full. Her acting was first class with a faultless Brooklyn accent, delivered in a voice that perfectly accentuated highs and lows in the way she delivered them in either a velvety rasp, or sinister low whisper. And her singing was faultless and note perfect, allied to a wonderful gift of comic timing. Dolly is a born fixer and she was soon meddling in almost everyone's affairs including her own, whereby she decides to marry the hapless Horace Vandergelder (David McAllister). David had great stage presence too and a fine singing voice and turned in a nice self deprecating performance as a man whose destiny is soon to be out of his own hands. And Darren Day, although a little chubbier than his TV starring days, gave a solid performance as the naive Cornelius Hackl a shy naive lad with women and rather ironic in view of Darren's own successes with the fairer sex. In fact there were several smiles and gasps, when he came out with such lines as "I've never kissed a girl yet at 33!" But that's showbiz and he carried the part off well with some nice double work with Hamilton Sargent, who played his sidekick Barnaby Tucker and turned in another impressive showing and Darren sang his own standout number It Only Takes A Moment really well. Louise English as the object of his affections once the duo arrive in New York, was in top form, with a lovely voice, especially when she sang the enchanting Ribbons Down My Back. And her assistant Minnie Fay (Amanda Salmon), who was pursued by Barnaby, added to the comic action during the shop scenes where the two men hide from their employer Horace, who has decided to visit the Big Apple. Obviously when the two couples arrive at the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant the fun starts, especially as the two male admirers are cash strapped and trying to impress. And when Dolly makes her entrance later she is greeted as the returning celebrity supreme, by the waiters with a wonderfully rousing rendition of naturally enough Hello, Dolly!. But in the blink of an eye it was time to say goodbye to a wonderful show that had the lot in terms of choreography, costume and orchestra along with a great company who made it all seem effortless theatre.

                                                                                                     TP at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry for Heartland Evening News (Nuneaton) Friday 13 June 2008

                                                                                                                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                                                               EAST END FAVOURITE SHOWS OFF HER WEST END CLASS

A Packed house at the Belgrade welcomed back an old favourite to the stage as Hello, Dolly! hit town. With Anita Dobson in the starring role as the meddling Dolly Levi, the show rattles along from romance to farce and back again. The classic musical centres on the antics of Dolly, who can't resist interfering in peoples lives - especially their love lives. But as well as making matches, she's also making sure she gets her man - the half-a-millionaire Horace Vandergelder - as long as her late husband approves, that is. Darren Day and Hamilton Sargent provide the laughs as Cornelius and Barnaby, determined to find adventure and love in the big city of New York, and the show builds to a night at a posh restaurant and an appearance in the dock before Dolly weaves her magic. Anita Dobson, the one-time queen of the East End, switches from a Walford accent to one from New York to have the crowd laughing along, and there are touching moments when she talks to her dead husband about her need to get married and not spend her life alone. And, as you would expect, there are some great song-and-dance routines for all the favourite numbers, including of course, Hello, Dolly!. It's an old fashioned musical handled really well with a likeable, lively cast - good to have her back where she belongs. ****

                                ****  John West at The Belgrade, Coventry - for Warwickshire & Nuneaton Telegraph - Thursday 12 June 2008 ****

                                                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have just returned from a fantastic afternoon visit to the Mayflower in Southampton and had the extreme pleasure of seeing Anita Dobson in action from the middle of row A. Her version of Dolly Levi is phenomenal and I was entranced! I took 70 of my theatre club from Weymouth to watch Hello, Dolly! and it is definitely one of the best shows we have seen in 11 years of going to London, Southampton and Bristol to watch musicals! If you get a chance to pass on my congratulations to this wonderful comedy actress, I would be very happy. She looked as though she was enjoying every second of the performance. Her 'When The Parade Passes By' was brilliant and brought a tear to my eye. If I didn't live so far from Coventry I would go and see it again next week. Many thanks.

                                                                                                 Christine Taylor (via email - Saturday 7 June 2008

                                                                                                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anita shines as Dolly as only someone like Anita can. With astoundingly quick costume changes, she is on stage for a great deal of the entire show and is word perfect. No emphasis is lost, every word is heard. Anita has on stage that 'essence of special' which cannot be taught. Anita is a grafter and well able to lead an accomplished cast with score that has at times a lot of complexity. Anita can dance, sing and act; she is the complete package and her facial expressions on their own would convey the story of the show. A hugely accomplished professional, she is worthy of centre stage and deserves complete credit for full audience entertainment. Thanks Anita, you made our day today.

                                                                                                    Catherine Ellison (via email - Saturday 7 June 2008, Mayflower Theatre - 2pm Performance)

                                                                                                                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~              

Was a bit dubious about Anita in the role of Dolly, however saw the show last night in Southampton and Anita was AMAZING. Had us laughing out loud, sang like a trooper and we had a great night out. RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE TO SEE HER IN HELLO. DOLLY!. Will definitely see future shows with Anita in.

                                                                                   Steve and Mary x  (via website guest-book 7 June 2008)

                                                                                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                                                                               DOLLY'S BACK IN TOWN

You need a big theatre for a big show like Hello, Dolly!, so this latest production has found a very suitable home at the New Theatre this week and this is a 'big show' full of great well know songs, lavish dance routines and funny dialogue. Like many people I came at this show via the famous film version starring Barbra Streisand, and I wondered what it would be without her distinctive style. But considering it was written for Ethel Merman and it first starred Carol Channing, I realised that this was a role that any musical actress worth her salt could put her own stamp on. In fact, in past productions, Ginger Rogers, Betty Grable and Pearl Bailey all did just that. I knew from her chart success with the theme from EastEnders that Anita Dobson has a pretty good voice, and that her acting credits, particularly in the theatre, extend very far and wide from the role of Angie Watts, the erstwhile landlady of the Queen Vic, so I was intrigued to see what sort of a 'Dolly Levi' she would conjure up for us. I was not disappointed as she carries the show very well. In fact, Dobson is tuneful, playful and has plenty of the necessary oomph! Set at the turn of the 19th Century, the story revolves around her shenanigans as a marriage broker who has decided it is time for her to have her share of the romance she organises for others. Comically, she fixes on the curmudgeonly Horace Vandergelder, a tight-fisted widower from Yonkers, played with a light touch by David McAllister, this 'half-a-millionaire' is whisked off to the big city where Dolly works her magic on him. Also swept up in this rush to the New York Parade are his long-suffering store clerks, Cornelius and Barnaby, who plan to smoke a big cigar, have a fancy dinner and kiss a girl before they come home. Darren Day and Hamilton Sargent make a great twosome in these roles, wooing the city girls with naive charm. Both were in very good voice as was the stylish Louise English as Irene Molloy, Cornelius's love interest. But the evening belongs to Dobson. Everything in the production conspires to bring out the best in her performance. One of the most stunning scenes is for the Hell, Dolly! number when she descends the illuminated staircase into a throng of admiring waiter chaps who serenade their favourite femme fatale. A star performance.

                                                                                                 Review by Angie Johnson for Oxford Times enjoys Hello, Dolly! at the New Theatre, Oxford, Friday 30 May 2008

                                                                                                                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Have just seen the show at the Mayflower Theatre (Southampton) we thought it amazing, didn't dream Anita had so much talent, not only her but the whole cast were marvellous. Thank you.

                                                   Susan Knight - 5 June 2008 (member of the public - via email)

                                                                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                                                                                                      HELLO, DOLLY! RECEIVES A MIXED REACTION

How your comments surprise me? I too went to see Hello, Dolly! at Malvern Theatre (and I've seen just about every stage musical there is) and my view is, it has something for everyone in it, and is immensely entertaining. (I went with my niece who is 7 years old, my teenage children, sister-in-law in her mid forties and dad age 77 - we all had a fabulous time! The casting is superb, (particularly Anita Dobson as Dolly and Darren Day as a rather cheeky but sincere Cornelius Hackl) the performance throughout is absolutely professional and polished and the songs are eternally memorable. Particularly 'Hello, Dolly! and 'Just A Moment' sung superbly by Darren Day as Cornelius Hackl. Anita Dobson is very convincing and comical as Dolly Levi, and as well as humour, the show has unexpected emotionl content also. Dance routines are energetic to say the least, and the whole scene is one of pzazz! What more can anyone ask of an evening out? I am going again on Saturday with more family and friends!.

                                                                                                                 Malvern Gazette (web) Wednesday 4 June 2008

                                                                                                                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                                                                          HELLO, DOLLY! THE CHURCHILL BROMLEY

We have been spoiled rotten so far this year for varying musical shows at The Churchill......but Hello, Dolly! is one of the greats. Carol Channing became a star as Dolly Levi in 1964 on Broadway. Ethel Merman once turned it down, would you believe? But, a few years later, she corrected that error of judgement. And who could forget Barbra Streisand in the film, now almost 40 years ago. Dobson proves she can be a glamorous stage star as well as holding her own in the singing stakes. Anita Dobson, famed for her role as EastEnders Angie Watts, starred as Dolly and sets a cracking pace. Dobson proves she can be a glamorous stage star as well as holding her own in the singing stakes. She plays matchmaker for Horace Vandergelder (David McAllister) but ends up matching herself with him. Vandergelder owns a feed store and employs Cornelius Hackl (a now pleasantly plump Darren Day as his assistant - but he won't even allow him one evening off which is why Cornelius hatches a plan to get a night out in NYC. Jerry Herman's score is just wonderful. Besides the title song itself, we have Put On Your Sunday Clothes and Before The Parade Passes By with the beautiful 'It Only Takes A Moment' sung by Louise English as Irene. The two rising stars here are Amanda Salmon as the hilarious Minnie Fay and Hamilton Sargent as Barnaby Tucker, buddy of Cornelius. Both provide excellent support and manage to stand out individually too.

                                                                      Online Edition News Shopper newspaper.co.uk 5.40pm Tuesday 6 May 2008

                                                                                     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

                                                                                                       SONGS, DANCE AND GENTLE HUMOUR

There is a section of Eastbourne theatregoers who will love Hello, Dolly! There is singing, dancing, no swearing , gentle humour and a finale full of upstanding citizens proposing to each other. However, the plot is too slight and the material too dated to really engage most modern audiences. The action  - which revolves around a day out in New York with various characters convincing each others, and themselves, to tie the knot - zips past pleasantly enough, but lacks the spectacle and emotional clout one might hope for in a musical. The cast seemed to be going through the motions, and the production lacked the spark to elevate it beyond pedestrian. The eponymous song and dance number was the standout scene, with the dancers really earning their money in an athletic display, and Anita Dobson is impressive as meddling matching Dolly Levi - despite the occasional distraction of her voice swooping through the registers for comic effect - and brought some real pathos to her quieter numbers. Darren Day is suitably self-effacing as the put-upon store clerk Cornelius Hackl, and Hamilton Sargent delivers some wide-eyed charm as his side-kickl. Barnaby Tucker. Louise English is also fine as Cornelius's paramour Irene Molloy, and Amanda Salmon delivers plenty of enthusiasm as the squeaking, snorting Minnie Fay. A firmer hand on the tone of the show - and less wobbly scenery - would have given the evening a lot more spark, but fans of this gentle musical should find enough to enjoy. Hello, Dolly! at the Congress Theatre.

                                                                            Review by Laura Sonier at The Congress Theatre for - Eastbourne Herald Friday 9 May 2008

                                                                                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                            

                                                                               HELLO, DOLLY! THE MAYFLOWER

It had a lot to live up to. After winning a clutch of awards during its incredible Broadway run, Hello Dolly! earned itself a reputation as one of the greatest musicals of all time long ago. After an absence from the UK stage 20 years, The Mayflower audience sat down in anticipation before the curtain went up on the new touring version. And they were not disappointed - with great costumes, dancing and singing. Set in early 1900s New York, the show follows Dolly Levi who spends much of her time matchmaking for other people and herself. Anita Dobson excelled in the title role. Many tend to think of her as Angie in EastEnders not realising what a versatile performer she is. With a brilliant voice and great comic timing she deserved to be the star of the show. The casting director must have been sure of Darren Day's acting ability when he gave the reformed love rat the role as a naive man who has never kissed a woman. It was a good choice, though, as Day gave a solid performance. Special mention should go to young Hamilton Sargent whose sprightly portrayal of Barnaby Tucker stood out. I wasn't sure what to expect from Hello, Dolly! But was pleasantly surprised.

                                                                                        Sarah Jones - This is Hampshire.net  11.35am Wednesday 4 June 2008

                                                                                                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

                                                               STAR DOBSON DOMINATES AS DOLLY

While Hello, Dolly! is not a one-woman show, the production at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham, may as well be. Star Anita Dobson dominates the show in every respect. She has fantastic stage presence, a belting voice, great sense of humour and costumes that out-sparkle everything in sight. The terrific role of marriage-making meddler Dolly Levi, immortalised by Barbra Streisand in the 1969 film, is a gem of a role, and Dobson clearly relishes every moment. It is a shame then, that the production as a whole seems to lack the same vitality and sparkle displayed by its star. The whole thing needs to be more lavish. Billed gushingly as having a company of over 40, there are in fact more like 25, so the stage feels a little bare in the big numbers. The orchestra of ten, however, feels for larger, creating a joyous sound throughout. When Dolly appears at the top of a red carpeted staircase, resplendent in sequins and feathers, ready for her triumphant return to the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant, I expect the stage to be filled with people ready for the showstopping big number, Hello, Dolly! The handful of waiters is simply not enough. Putting the thin ensemble aside, some of the leading characters match Dobson every step of the way when it comes to turning in a top performance. David McAlister is wonderfully grumpy as her intended second husband, Horace Vandergelder. Darren Day is likeable as his downtrodden chief clerk Cornelius Hackl, and makes a beautiful job of one of the loveliest songs in the score, It Only Takes A Moment. Hamilton Sargent is hugely entertaining as the naive store boy Barnaby Tucker - and reminds me of a young Michael Crawford. The stage is beautifully set, with many smooth and slick scene changes. The costumes are beautiful, with Anita Dobson's in particular being works of art in their own right. But for my money, this production needs another dozen or so people in the ensemble to give it the scale and impact that it deserves.

                                                                                    JJ for the Newark Advertiser - Friday 23 May 2008  

                                                                                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~                       

 

                            "IT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT TO BE HOOKED A WHOLE LIFE LONG!!!"

I've seen Hello, Dolly! 3 times now, and it hadn't disappointed at any point. The costumes are absolutely outstanding and it surprised me how many songs I knew but hasn't realised were from that musical - obviously that realisation came the first time I saw this fantastic and thoroughly heart-warming show. On my subsequent visits I was singing along and pretty much had to be held back from getting on the stage myself!. Anita Dobson can only be described as born to play the title role. She can have you in stitches one minute and in floods of tears the next, I can count on one hand the actresses who can do that. In fact, having watched the film version following my second trip to see 'Dolly' I would have to rate Anita high above Streisand. The farcical way that 'Cornelius' and 'Barnaby' are hidden in the hat shop scene is one of my favourites, excellent comic timing from all of the cast involved with that scene. Louise English (Irene Molloy) has a velvet voice that carries forth all emotions required for such a moving song as 'Ribbons Down My Back'. Darren Day has the right amount of naivety in his performance as Cornelius and David McAllister is a perfect choice for Horace. I've watched many musicals throughout the years, this is the first that has captured my imagination to the point that I could happily sit through it night after night if I had the time and money!

                                                           Helen Hutchinson 2 June 2008 Oxford

                                                                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~    

                                                        STAR NAME ANITA LIFTS UP MUSICAL

Anita Dobson dazzles as matchmaker Dolly Levi in this new production of Jerry Herman's celebrated musical farce. The former first lady of Albert Square gives an engagingly over-the-top performance as the New York widow trying to make a living in the matrimony business....even when her services are not always appreciated. Dolly doesn't care, "Some people sew," she says, "I meddle." Ms Dobson nails the difficult Bronx accent perfectly, can pull a laugh from the audience with a twist of that smile and, while she may not be a singer to rival Streisand, she is such a damn good actress she meets the musical demands with great style. Her performance is worth the ticket price on it's own - and she is not the only star of the show. Darren Day, David McAllister, Louise English ....in fact the entire excellent company are on terrific form. And therein lies the disappointment because, it has to be said, Hello, Dolly! is less than the sum of it's parts. Today's audiences expect shows to be high octane, packed with great songs and muscle-ripping dance routines. But Hello, Dolly! comes from a different era and, with huge chunks of dialogue, is struggling to keep up with the times. The production values are of West End standard: the sparkling costumes, the convincing sets, which move from Grand Central Station to swish Broadway restaurant where Anita makes her spectacular staircase entrance to belt out the show's only memorable song. But there are huge chunks of dialogue for the players and viewers to handle and while some is whimsical and witty, there is the odd leaden passage to weigh it down. Hell, Dolly! is an enjoyable piece of light entertainment, professionally and skilfully presented, but it did not stay with me for long after I had stepped out into Theatre Square.

                                                                            Andy Smart - Nottingham Evening Post, Wednesday 21 May 2008

                                                                                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                                                              IT TAKES A WOMAN LIKE ANITA TO LEAD THIS BROADWAY HIT

It was a game of two very different halves for the cast of this touring production. It may have been first night nerves, and technical problems with the sound certainly didn't help, but the first few scenes of the classic Broadway musical were slow to warm up. But as the ball got rolling and the musical numbers got bigger, the starry cast built momentum and started to show their genuine talent. The irrepressible Anita Dobson (Angie Watts from EastEnders) shone in the role of Dolly Levi, where she showcased her huge voice, her quirkiness and timing as a comic actor. Her Dolly was complimented perfectly by David McAllister starring as the object of her affection - the miserly Horace Vandergelder. An almost unrecognisably - chubby Darren Day, co-starring as the lovable Cornelius Hackl, made little impact on the first half, but as his role in the story increased he had an opportunity to showcase his still wonderful voice. Ensemble member Louise Stanton was standing in as Irene Molloy. Clearly under-rehearsed, she was off key several times during her first half solo number Ribbons Down My Back but connected well with the audience. Amanda Salmon's hilarious comic performance as the socially inept but loveable Minnie Fay went down a treat. But the highlight of the show was undoubtedly the Hello Dolly ensemble where the male dancers danced up a storm, juggled plate and sang their hearts out to the complex showpiece number. Helped by  fantastic sets and the joy of Jerry Herman's music and lyrics, the Hello Dolly cast sent the audience home with a smile and tapping feet. Go see it, it runs until Saturday.

                                                                                            Nicola Ad - Lancashire Evening Post (Preston) (Main) Wednesday 14 May 2008

                                                                                                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 


 

 

 

Thursday, 6 March 2008

Hello Dolly - National Tour

 
HELLO, DOLLY!
By Jerry Herman & Michael Stewart
National Tour (Lowry Theatre Review)
Reviewed By Steve Burbridge


Just ask any aficionado of musical theatre and they’ll tell you that Hello, Dolly! is the biggest show-stopper in the history of the genre. It has all the necessary ingredients required of a classic musical: a wonderful story, memorable songs and one of the most iconic characters ever created – Dolly Gallagher Levi!


This nostalgic comedy musical follows the exploits of the widow and professional matchmaker, Dolly, as she sets her sights on conquering a tight fisted Yonkers merchant and becoming “the second Mrs Vandergelder.” Anita Dobson is a doyenne of hit West End musicals, having starred in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Chicago, The Pajama Game and Budgie to name only a few, and she inhabits the larger-than-life character of Dolly Levi effortlessly and with great success. Rather than emulating the performances of legendary predecessors including Barbra Streisand, Carol Channing and Ethel Merman, Miss Dobson stamps her own indomitable mark upon the role and the result is a triumphant interpretation of Dolly that is multi-faceted and carefully crafted. She relishes the opportunity to shine as a comedienne and performs her musical numbers with gusto, her mezzo-soprano voice suiting them well. In addition to the expected sassiness and flamboyance, Miss Dobson also explores the sensitivity and vulnerability of the character. The monologue scenes in which Dolly talks to her late husband, Ephraim, have a poignancy and tenderness that provide moments of genuine pathos.


Darren Day, David McAlister and Louise English lead the fabulous supporting cast of over forty performers, and they each deliver consummate performances. A few minor glitches that occurred during scene changes might have threatened to detract from the overall success of the production, but some rapid and ingenious improvisation from the undaunted company ensured that the technical difficulties were covered almost seamlessly. Darren Day, as Cornelius Hackl, works hard throughout and his comedy double act with Hamilton Sargent as Barnaby Tucker is particularly enjoyable. Louise English, as Irene Molloy, exudes grace and charm and has a beautiful singing voice. Her rendition of ‘Ribbons Down My Back’ was spine-tingling. David McAlister is wonderful as the tight-fisted Vandergelder providing the perfect foil for Miss Dobson’s effervescent and ebullient Dolly. Hamilton Sargent was an energetic and enthusiastic Barnaby Tucker and Amanda Salmon was deliciously over-the-top as the screaming, snorting shop assistant, Minnie Faye. Credit should also be given to Christopher Marlowe and Carol Ball, each appearing as an array of cameo characters.


The ensemble added the necessary pizzazz to the big numbers and they executed David Kort’s choreography with style and precision. The Waiter’s Gallop was a breath-taking sight to behold and the audience responded with rapturous applause. Likewise, the title number oozed with sophistication. Add to this the panache of the orchestra, under the supervision of David Beer, stunning sets and slick direction from Chris Colby and the result is a high calibre production with a glitzy tone, proving that ‘Hello, Dolly’ is still a magical musical masterpiece that sends every member of the family home with a smile on their face.
 

Posted by Thepublicreviews.co.uk at 01:06 

                                             

 

Hello Dolly (King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 15th-Sat 19th April 2008)

As far as musicals go, Hello Dolly is one of the few where female manipulation is celebrated, rather than mocked or criticised. Delightfully funny and visually stunning, this is a musical with style and charisma. Anita Dobson put in a sparkling performance as Miss Dolly Levi/Gallagher, our eponymous heroine, the manipulative, head-in-everybody’s-business meddler who will take her hand to any task, to get a bit of extra cash (“As my late husband Mr. Efron Levi always said, money is like manure, it ain’t worth nothin’ unless you spread it around!”). Unrecognisable from her days as Angie Watts in Eastenders, she played the role to perfection, capturing (and in my opinion, bettering) the New York drawl of Barbra Streisand in the film version. Darren Day put in a more than capable performance as Michael Crawford’s Cornelius Hackl, and seemed to have beefed up for the role.

Apart from a hysterical costume malfunction, which, judging by the audiences reaction, they should keep in for the rest of the run, the show ran without a hitch, and with number after breathtaking number, this was an exhilarating performance as you are likely to get at the Kings. The music was spectacular, played by the lively-as-ever house band, and from a vocal point of view, all the cast members were more than capable. Nonetheless, Louise English and Anita Dobson, (English playing Darren Day’s love interest, Irene Molloy) stole the show with their impressive vocal performances, especially, in Dobson’s case, on the title song, “Hello Dolly”, and English in “It Only Takes A Moment”.

Other characters worth mentioning are the bubbly, over-the-top Minnie Fay, played wonderfully by Amanda Salmon, snorts and all (excuse the pun), and the mean and bad-tempered Horace Vandergelder, the main victim of Dolly’s manipulation-played by all-rounder David McAlister. This was undoubtedly one of the best stage musicals I have seen, and to be honest, seeing Anita Dobson in the main role would have done it alone. However, I strongly advise read up on the plot and characters before going to see this show. The plot seemed disjointed and came from all angles, and I feel that snappy dialogue and well rehearsed numbers were given dominance over audience engagement and depth of plot, a trait being seen all too frequently in stage musicals.

David Feeney
 I'd just like to say what a marvellous time I had watching Hell, Dolly! at the Birmingham Hippodrome on Saturday afternoon, the whole cast put their heart and soul into the show and when it came to the last song I was unable to cheer or whistle due to being so choked with tears and my bottom lip quivering. I've told everyone at the school I work in to try and go along to see it. Well done to Anita who was vibrant, versatile and so convincing as an American. 10 out of 10.

                                                                                    Helen Gaskell - A member of the Public, via email Monday 18 February 2008

                                                                                               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It must be over 30 years since I last saw this musical and that was in the West End with the legendary Carol Channing as Dolly and Eddie Bracken as Horace and the memories are still there of a wonderful show. Tonight saw the opening in Birmingham and only the second stop on a long tour which ends in August 2008. Produced by Chris Moreno the direction falls to Chris Colby well known for being resident director at the Theatre Royal, Lincoln (where this show originated a couple of years back) and for being at the helm of a number of long successful musical tours. Anita Dobson sparkled as Dolly Levi both in her costumes and her performance. She was a commanding Dolly and handled all of her dialogue and songs with aplomb. She clearly loved every minute of the role and it worked. Darren Day was well cast as Cornelius Hackl and it was good to see him back on stage doing what he is bet at, entertaining, and he received well deserved applause. He handled all his vocals well and had great rapport with Barnaby and Irene. David McAllister was outstanding as the old skinflint but ultimately lovable Horace Vandergelder and the role could have been written for him. Louise English brought all of her West End experience to the role of milliner Irene Molloy and was a perfect match for Cornelius. She has a charming singing voice and Ribbons Down My Back was a highlight of Act 1. Hamilton Sargent was a lively Barnaby Tucker and was a great hit with the audience. A large cast worked well together particularly in the elaborately set production numbers with memorable presentations of Put On Your Sunday Clothes; Before The Parade Passes By; Hello, Dolly! and It Only Take A Moment. Look out to for the huge train which formed part of the eye catching sets. Choreographer David Kort made good use of an attractive and able cast of young dancers and the stage was filled with both movement and colour. It was good to see the children from the Betty Fox Stage School taking part too. Musical director David Beer led a powerful orchestra with plenty of brass and they were first rate from the overture right through to the finale. Designer Alan Miller Bunford brought together a mixture of quality solid sets and backdrops that define the scenes well and that was a cut above the average touring show and they worked very effectively throughout the production. The lighting design by Colin Wood was well conceived but there were occasions when spot lights were a little slow to illuminate characters  and that still needs some adjustment to achieve the best overall effect. Likewise there were a couple of problems on the sound when the orchestra was playing the big production numbers resulting in a booming effect almost as if the sound level was being forced down. The radio microphones worked mainly well with only minor loss of sound at the very start of dialogue for example during the Waiters Gallop sequence. However, this did not spoil what was an outstanding first night and one that will be as memorable for me as my first time of seeing the show all those years ago. Well Done Cast.

                                                               Clive Fuller - Encore Magazine Saturday 16 February 2008

                                                                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taking on the role of Dolly Levi in the award-winning hit musical Hello, Dolly! must be a daunting task for any actress. Dolly is a musical theatre's biggest and best-loved character and it is obvious that any actress who plays her will, inevitably, have her performance compared  against those of Barbra Streisand, Carol Channing, Ethel Merman and the other legends who have portrayed the irresistible match-making widow. Anita Dobson doesn't just play Dolly - she becomes her. It is almost as though the part was created with her in mind. From the moment she appears on stage, from behind a newspaper in a streetcar, we see the quintessential Dolly Levi emerge. She looks fantastic in a red costume with black embroidery and trimmings and she exudes charm, charisma and glamour as she embarks upon giving the performance of a lifetime. By the end of her first big number, I Put My Hand In, you just know she is having the time of her life and that she's going to ensure that you do, too! Anita's experience as an accomplished West End leading lady is evident as she skilfully manifests each and everyone of Dolly's complex characteristics. Whereas some actresses have used the role of Dolly as a vehicle to showcase themselves, resulting in a superficial performance, Anita opts to explore the heart and soul of Dolly which is far more interesting for the audience and also results in a performance that has conviction and meaning. The monologue scenes in which Dolly talks to her late husband, Ephraim, have a poignancy and tenderness that gives Anita's interpretation of Dolly an added dimension and a certain superiority. Here, presented before us, is a Dolly that we feel for and care about and that pays testament to the ability and innate talent of Miss Dobson. Her comic timing is also superb and the audience are, at times, in stitches. The scene in the millinery store in which Dolly, Irene and Minnie are hiding Cornelius and Barnaby from Horace Vandergelder is a particular highlight. Anita's beautiful mezzo-soprano singing voice compliments a wonderful score and she gives an uplifting rendition of Before The Parade Passes By which closes the first act perfectly. The highlight of the second act, is of course, Hello, Dolly! and Anita delivers the title song with style, panache and a great deal of enjoyment. The orchestra were spot on, too, as they struck the right balance between belting out the music whilst not drowning out the vocals. All in all, this is a fun, feel-good musical that hits all the right notes. The sets and scenery are great, the choreography is sharp and slick; the costumes are stunning and the ensemble are a joy to watch. There were many accomplished supporting performances, notably from Louise English who brings grace and charm to the role of Irene Molloy, David McAllister as skinflint Horace Vandergelder, Darren Day as hapless Cornelius Hackl and Hamilton Sargent as the gullible Barnaby Tucker. However, Anita Dobson as Dolly was the undisputed star of the show and the standing ovation that she received was well and truly deserved.

                                       Steven Burbridge - 26/02/2008 (A member of the public - via email)

                                                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                                                              ANITA IS FABULOUS IN A DOLLY GOOD MUSICAL

'Some people paint, some sew....I meddle' is a magical line which, from the off, endears theatre-goers to the ultimate matchmaker from the world of musicals. Hello, Dolly! follows the hilarious adventures of vibrant Dolly Levi and her quest to marry the eligible businessman Horace Vandergelder, the famous half millionaire. The lavish production went down a sequined storm at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre but the stars were not just confirmed to the stage. Queen legend Brian May cheered his wife Anita Dobson (Dolly Levi) on from the Dress Circle along with Paul Daniels and his glamorous wife Debbie. It was far from a magical moment when I bumped into the couple as I made a beeline for the bar. Returning to the action on the stage, Hello, Dolly! was a mesmerising musical extravaganza. Anita Dobson was fabulous in the lead role and her performance outshone her stunning costumes. Darren Day played an excellent Cornelius Hackl and David McAllister delivered a fantastic performance as the dour Horace Vandergelder. Amanda Salmon and Hamilton Sargent were also brilliant in their own respective roles of Minnie Faye and Barnaby Tucker. The costumes and stage sets were also top-notch and the musical numbers were all excellently executed. Hello, Dolly! is a great production and it is back where it belongs - back on stage!.

                                                                                                         Craig Winyard - Walsall Advertiser Thursday 14 February 20008