[NEohioPAL] Berko review: HELLO DOLLY! @ Porthouse

[Roy Berko]

HELLO DOLLY,
a love affair between Terri Kent and the audience
 
Roy Berko
 
(Member,
American Theatre Critics Association)
 
--THE TIMES
NEWSPAPERS--
LORAIN COUNTY
TIMES--WESTLAKER TIMES--LAKEWOOD NEWS TIMES--OLMSTED-FAIRVIEW TIMES
 
--COOLCLEVELAND.COM—
 
It was
obvious from the pre-performance speech by the iridescent Maryann Black, to the
shouting cheer for Terri Kent’s entrance on stage as Dolly Levi, to the rousing
curtain call, that the open night audience was there to pay tribute to the long
time Artistic Director of the Porthouse theatre.  No matter her near laryngitis from extensive rehearsals, the
throng loved her.  
 
Kent,
returning to the stage after a thirteen year hiatus, portrayed Dolly Gallagher
Levi, as the scheming, irascible matchmaker.  The role is the signature piece of the ageless Carol
Channing and was also a character made famous by Barbara Streisand in the film
version of the show.
 
Hello, Dolly!,which has lyrics and music by Jerry Herman and a book by Michael
Stewart, is based on Thornton Wilder's The Merchant of Yonkers, which Wilder
revised and retitled The
Matchmaker.
The musical was first produced in 1964, winning the Tony Award for Best
Musical.  It was also made into a 1969 film that was nominated for seven Academy Awards.
 
Interestingly, though most think of Carol
Channing as Dolly Levi, the role was originally written for Ethel Merman, who decided
not to do the part.  Dolly was
offered to Mary Martin,
who also declined.  Eventually,
Channing was hired and made the role not only hers for life, but made the show
an international hit. 
 
The story centers on a meddlesome
widow who, out of need for money, and her natural exuberance for controlling
others and searching for a satisfying life, turns matchmaker,  striving to bring romance to others as
well as herself.
The memorable score includes such hits
as It Takes a Woman, Put on Your Sunday Clothes, Before the Parade Passes By, Elegance, It Only Takes a Moment and the title song, Hello Dolly.
Porthouse’s production, under the
direction of Victoria Bussert, is enjoyable, with many highs and some okays.
John Crawford’s choreography is
creative, though maybe a stretch for some of his dancers, some of whom had
difficulty with the lifts and timing.  Jonathan Swoboda’s musical directing is on key, staying under the spoken
and sung words, thus not obliterating the words.  Most of the vocal blendings were good.  
Scenic Designer Nolan O’Dell did the
cast a disservice by creating a set that was too far downstage, giving little
room to move freely and forcing dancers and actors to continually watch
carefully as they walked up and down platforms, thus causing the performers to
break concentration while trying to avoid tripping.  His choice of bland paint colors for this vivid show is also
questionable.
Judith’s costumes were era
correct.  But, watching the actors
sweating profusely in the heavy costumes, on the very hot night, was a little
uncomfortable.
Kent was delightful in her portrayal
of Dolly.  Chuck Richie, as Horace
Vandergelder, the focus of Dolly’s husband interest, was excellent in the
role.  He displayed just enough
huff and puff and underbelly vulnerability.
Eric van Baars did what he does best,
mugging and having one heck of a good time as Cornelius Hackl, the 33-year old
(oh, come now!) boyish clerk in Vandergelder’s store.  Jason Leupold was delightful as Barnaby, Cornelius’s
sidekick.  Jessica Cope was
charming as Irene Molloy, Vandergelder’s intended who winds up with
Cornelius.  Rebecca Wolfe was
adorable as Minnie Fay, Irene’s shop assistant.   
Highlight numbers included:  Dancing, Hello Dolly, It Only Takes a Moment and Put
on Your Sunday Clothes.
CAPSULE JUDGMENT:  The sold out opening night audience got
what they came for—cheering the return to the stage of the charming Terri Kent,
and, incidentally, seeing a nice evening of musical theatre!
 
The show runs until
August 14th at Porthouse Theatre, on the grounds of Blossom Music Center.  For tickets call 330-672-3884 or go
online to www.porthousetheatre.com.
 
 
Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2011, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.  His reviews can also be found on www.coolcleveland.com and www.NeOHIOpal
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