HELLO, DOLLY! Previews

[LesWickedly]

Wilmingtom said: "10086, no I didn't claim to be there on Saturday.  I saw it last night for the first and only time.  I will return after it opens.

 

 

"

Yes you did. In the invited dress rehearsals thread, you said you had gone and pretty much said the exact same thing you said here.

 

[ljay889]

Yeah, WTF? Wilmingtom seems to be playing games.

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

florida theatre kid said: "I was wondering if anyone knew who the swings are in this production? The ensemble cast looks huge!"

The ensemble is really impressive for the show. It is really some of the best dancers on broadway. And when you look at cast credits--wow! I counted at least 5 ensemble members with 8 or more broadway shows under their belt. 

[neonlightsxo]

I think the kids call this "receipts", Wilmingtom

http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.php?thread=1099609&dt=67

[Zamedy154]

VARIETY: While Champion's original model saw multiple return engagements, the current revival, produced by Scott Rudin, is the first new production to appear on Broadway since the show premiered more than 50 years ago..

That statement confuses me. What's the difference between 'return engagements' and this 'revival?' So those previous productions weren't revivals? They all featured casts different than the OBC, with the exception of course of Ms. Channing.

[LesWickedly]

It was the same production with the same direction. This is a new production, new direction, costumes, set etc.

[Lenexajones]

Beyond excited. Our flight home was cancelled so I just went online and scored 2 tix for tonight for what I thought was a super bargain. Even better when I printed them off and saw the original face value was $650 each!  

[Stage Door Sally]

$650 for a preview? I have super premium seats for an upcoming performance that cost $350. Is the high price because it is a first preview?

[carnzee]

Probably front row 

[DAME]

I am excited to hear Dollypop's take on this production.. since his excitement and love for this show has always been affectionate and contagious.  I am so happy for him that he is gong tonight.

[ljay889]

"Penny In My Pocket" from the original out of town tryout is included here for Vandergelder, opening act two.

[ljay889]

"Penny In My Pocket" from the original out of town tryout is included here for Vandergelder, opening act two.

[MichelleCraig]

I hope to be reading reports from Dollypop and Whizzer soon! I do hope Whizzer's going...

[Stage Door Sally]

This is going to be so hard. On the one hand, I really want to enjoy the spectacularness of this show. This music MADE my childhood. On the other hand, I so want to know EVERYTHING, every detail, especially if the actress playing Minnie Fay is any good (I know, of all things, right?), and also if David Hyde Pierce is a fleshed out Horace. But if I continue reading this thread and get too much information, the thrill of the live performance will be spoiled for me. I need that element of surprise and delight.

So, I'm going to have to stop reading this thread — right now. But, as Dolly would say to Ephraim, I would just love it if someone can send me a sign.... is it good, did you like it, did you love it....  That's all I want to know. Anyway, so long dearies... on this thread anyway.

[icecreambenjamin]

To anyone who was there yesterday, how's the orchestra?  Is it large or is it scaled back?

[ljay889]

Quick intermission thoughts. 

Bette is perfection. Everything you'd expect and more. She seems to be in Channing's keys and saved her vocal energy and styling for Parade. This may disappoint some, but there's NO belting here. Some of her vocals even have a hint of Channing, although I don't think it's intentional. Her line  readings are often similar to her Rose in Gypsy. 

DHP playing a bit against type and it works. 

Gavin Creel could be on his way to his first Tony. He is practically stealing the show.

Baldwin is stunning.

Sets are lovely and the costumes are eye popping. 

I believe there's around 22 musicians in the pit. Nice orchestrations but I prefer 1994's orchestrations.

can't wait for act two! 

[RagtimeRay]

Are the sets and costumes reminiscent of the original 1964 Broadway production (and used in prior revivals) or are they a significant departure? The picture posted yesterday from the title number suggested settings that echo the original.

Excited for everyone's observations about the show. I'm seeing this in June.

[bk]

I think old Wilmington needs to 'splain his obviously contradictory posts here - or simply stop trolling.

[Another Winter]

To the people who are seeing the first preview:

Do you think DHP has a chance at a Tony nom?

[Wilmingtom]

I'm not sure why not commenting on rehearsals would be considered trolling,  But I still adore the Lost In Boston CDs.

[Robbie2]

 

 

 

 

photo by divarobbie2

[JayG 2]

Love Penny in My Pocket. But I hope it's not at the expense of Elegance, a terrific number. 

[Robbie2]

 

photo by divarobbie2

[Sauja]

Elegance is still in, in addition to Penny I'm My Pocket which is performed in front of the curtain at the top of act 2.

[divarobbie2]

@Robbie2 I don't mind you using my photos, but you could credit them.

[ljay889]

Penny is before Elegance. It was a fairly charming addition. 

I think this will be considered the perfect non Channing revival of Dolly. It's just pure musical comedy joy with a big star performance to top it off. All Bette needs to do is move a finger, bat an eye, etc and the audience goes wild. As I said earlier, she plays the singing very safe, maintaining her stamina throughout the show. I would think the absence of any Merman song is to help preserve her performance throughout the week. She uses a lot of energy, especially in the title song.

I don't have too much to add besides predicting that everyone is going to go gaga over this. I can't think of anything negative, but I'm not a Dolly purist. All of the casting is spot on. Creel and Baldwin are as sensational as well all hoped.

major shoutout to the ushers in the mezz who did a wonderful job combating the cellphones.