HELLO, DONNA! - Murphy begins performances

[Musical Master]

Donna was absolutely spellbinding as Dolly Levi. What else can I say about her that hasn't been said already of her brilliant performance? 

[Patash]

Saw the matinee yesterday and was totally wowed by it.  Sure I'd like to see Bette, but I suspect some of the reviews above comparing are completely "right on".  Donna Murphy is truly wonderful and while it may be a little over the top (like the entire production) she never distracts from the show itself.   I saw Dolly, I didn't see Donna Murphy. 

 

One question, maybe someone could answer.  The costumes are simply amazing, but when she came out after the court scene for "So Long, Dearie" she was wearing a cobalt blue dress, that was mainly just a skirt that was sort of empire waistline, and the top was a very simple white chiffony like top, that had absolutely no detail or period look.   I'm curious if perhaps that was supposed to have a jacket or another layer with it, but it got missed.  In fact it seemed her entrance was a little awkward like maybe it was late?  Anyone -- is that really what she normally wears. 

[SmokeyLady]

" Sure I'd like to see Bette, but I suspect some of the reviews above comparing are completely "right on"."

 

There is NO comparison.  In one your seeing a legendary international superstar giving a star turn and in the other your seeing broadway royalty giving a star turn.  Two different beautiful things.  Pitting the 2 against each other is stupid .  Bette is worth every cent  and for many a bucket list event.  And Donna as always is wonderful  and  worth seeing.  What a great time to be a musical theater lover.   I hope we get more ladies to play Dolly.  

 

[poisonivy2]

SmokeyLady said: "" Sure I'd like to see Bette, but I suspect some of the reviews above comparing are completely "right on"."


There is NO comparison.  In one your seeing a legendary international superstar giving a star turn and in the other your seeing broadway royalty giving a start turn.  Two different beautiful things.  Pitting the 2 against each other is stupid .  Bette is worth every cent  and for many a bucket list event.  And Donna as always is wonderful  and  worth seeing.  What a great time to be a musical theater lover.   I hope we get more ladies to play Dolly.  
"

I think we can compare the singing abilities though. Bette Midler at this point in her career is more like Carol Channing -- character singing. She doesn't go too high, or too low. No belting. Donna Murphy at times sounded a lot like Ethel Merman. Very strong, powerful voice. 

[SmokeyLady]

poisonivy2 said: "SmokeyLady said: "" Sure I'd like to see Bette, but I suspect some of the reviews above comparing are completely "right on"."


There is NO comparison.  In one your seeing a legendary international superstar giving a star turn and in the other your seeing broadway royalty giving a start turn.  Two different beautiful things.  Pitting the 2 against each other is stupid .  Bette is worth every cent  and for many a bucket list event.  And Donna as always is wonderful  and  worth seeing.  What a great time to be a musical theater lover.   I hope we get more ladies to play Dolly.  
"

I think we can compare the singing abilities though. Bette Midler at this point in her career is more like Carol Channing -- character singing. She doesn't go too high, or too low. No belting. Donna Murphy at times sounded a lot like Ethel Merman. Very strong, powerful voice. 

 

"

I think you can if you want.  If you are that bored.  It is kind of silly.  But even at 71 Bette sounds a lot better than Carol ever did.  And that is not putting down Carol. I love Carol.   It is not all about how pretty something sounds.  

[ACL2006]

Thought I could make the show on July 5, but due to the holiday I'm forced to miss it. Hopefully I'll be able to catch Donna at the end of August.

[BrodyFosse123]

Nope.  That's exactly how the costume is for "So Long Dearie."

[JBC3]

"I think you can if you want.  If you are that bored.  It is kind of silly."



This is just rude and dismissive.

[poisonivy2]

SmokeyLady said: "poisonivy2 said: "SmokeyLady said: "" Sure I'd like to see Bette, but I suspect some of the reviews above comparing are completely "right on"."


There is NO comparison.  In one your seeing a legendary international superstar giving a star turn and in the other your seeing broadway royalty giving a start turn.  Two different beautiful things.  Pitting the 2 against each other is stupid .  Bette is worth every cent  and for many a bucket list event.  And Donna as always is wonderful  and  worth seeing.  What a great time to be a musical theater lover.   I hope we get more ladies to play Dolly.  
"

I think we can compare the singing abilities though. Bette Midler at this point in her career is more like Carol Channing -- character singing. She doesn't go too high, or too low. No belting. Donna Murphy at times sounded a lot like Ethel Merman. Very strong, powerful voice. 

 

"

I think you can if you want.  If you are that bored.  It is kind of silly.  But even at 71 Bette sounds a lot better than Carol ever did.  And that is not putting down Carol. I love Carol.   It is not all about how pretty something sounds.  

 

"

I really don't get this mindset. When you have a main cast and an alternate with such vastly different singing styles then I think it's fair to compare them. Some people might like Bette's style of singing better. Some might like Donna's more classic Broadway belt. 

Like if someone told me "singing is very important to my enjoyment of a performance" i might not have recommended, for instance, Glenn Close in Sunset Blvd. 

[Wick3]

I watched Donna last night wed evening performance and boy she was great! I saw Bette two months ago and she was great too!

There were a few spots where I got sooo nervous for a split of a second! In the beginning she flubbed her words when talking about Horace Vandergrlder, then almost tripped that last step on the Harmonia Gardens staircase, and then her dress got stuck on the table in the courtroom scene. She fixed each of them so naturally and in character that I was impressed!

her interpretation of Dolly in "Dancing", "before the parade passes by" and "so long dearie" really hit me emotionally.

i definitely will try to get tickets again to see Donna perform once more later this year.

btw, they gave out regular playbills wed eve but if you ask the stage manager at the end of the show for a pride playbill, they will gladly give you one (if there are any left.)

[SmokeyLady]

poisonivy2 said: "SmokeyLady said: "poisonivy2 said: "SmokeyLady said: "" Sure I'd like to see Bette, but I suspect some of the reviews above comparing are completely "right on"."


There is NO comparison.  In one your seeing a legendary international superstar giving a star turn and in the other your seeing broadway royalty giving a start turn.  Two different beautiful things.  Pitting the 2 against each other is stupid .  Bette is worth every cent  and for many a bucket list event.  And Donna as always is wonderful  and  worth seeing.  What a great time to be a musical theater lover.   I hope we get more ladies to play Dolly.  
"

I think we can compare the singing abilities though. Bette Midler at this point in her career is more like Carol Channing -- character singing. She doesn't go too high, or too low. No belting. Donna Murphy at times sounded a lot like Ethel Merman. Very strong, powerful voice. 

 

"

I think you can if you want.  If you are that bored.  It is kind of silly.  But even at 71 Bette sounds a lot better than Carol ever did.  And that is not putting down Carol. I love Carol.   It is not all about how pretty something sounds.  

 

"

I really don't get this mindset. When you have a main cast and an alternate with such vastly different singing styles then I think it's fair to compare them. Some people might like Bette's style of singing better. Some might like Donna's more classic Broadway belt. 

Like if someone told me "singing is very important to my enjoyment of a performance" i might not have recommended, for instance, Glenn Close in Sunset Blvd. 

 

"

I get it now.

[Call_me_jorge]

I saw Donna last Tuesday and I didn't really notice, but I imagine it must be difficult for her to go through the lines when she talks about Ephram. 

[TheThreadMaster]

I got the chance to see her tonight and I have no words. Donna Murphy delivered a performance that is beyond english adjectives. It was absolutely magnificent and if you see her at the stage door please stop by because she really is an angel from heaven.............just my two cents, but it really was spectacular; go see her in this wonderful production of Hello Dolly. 

P.S. GO TO TKTS. I got orchestra center row H seat 106 for $86 and my my was that a treat

[ryankon]

I agree with everyone who has said that comparisons of Midler and Murphy are unnecessary as it's apples and oranges.  I worship at the alter of Midler so feel privileged to have seen her as Dolly.  But in truth, Murphy rocked my world.  She was heartbreaking, hilarious, passionate, sexy and vocally in top form.  I can't wait to see her again.  I've always been a fan.  This cements her place as one of our greats.  It's an absolute triumph.   

[ACL2006]

For those that are getting their tickets at TKTS, are they telling you when you ask for tickets that it's not with Midler.

[TheThreadMaster]

ACL2006 said: "For those that are getting their tickets at TKTS, are they telling you when you ask for tickets that it's not with Midler.

 

"

Yes. The ticket seller says Donna Murphy when you ask for Hello Dolly. It also printed on the ticket "Donna Murphy Hello Dolly"

[EthelMae]

Just curious. I just picked up a Partial View seat tonight from the BO. It's Box D, Seat 1. Has anyone sat here? Is it terrible?! I've been in the theatre countless times but I don't remember the Box views. It's on the Right Side of theatre, Box behind Box C. (I saw Curious Incident from Rush Box seats and it was not the greatest but OK, especially since I saw the show before).

It's the cheapest way to see the show with Donna, $47, so I don't expect a great seat but I just wondered if someone could give me their opinion so I'm a little prepared for tonight! In any event, I'm excited. Saw Bette already but David Hyde was out that night (before the Tony's) so I'm anxious to see him.

Thx, guys!

[DAME]

You'll miss the table scene with DHP and J S in the Harmonia Gardens sequence .  

[CarlosAlberto]

 

[EthelMae]

Thx, Dame!

[DAME]

But Ethel ;  you'll be very close and you will have a unique view of the Passarele.   

[EthelMae]

Thank you again, Dame! You're making me more excited! Really, thx.

[jtishere]

Just grabbed a mezz seat to see Donna on Sept 5. Will be seeing Bette Oct. 19. Can't wait to see both these ladies inhabit Dolly in their own unique ways!

[Stage Door Sally]

EthelMae,

Jennifer Simard is so good, you might want to keep a watch on the orchestra for open seats and snag one at intermission. Depends how much of a risk taker you are.

[DAME]

Stage Door Sally said: "EthelMae,

Jennifer Simard is so good, you might want to keep a watch on the orchestra for open seats and snag on at intermission. Depends how much of a risk taker you are.

 

She has seen it.  "

 

[EthelMae]

Thx, Stage Door Sally!

Dame, you have my back!