Horace Vandergelder

[mattmarkowski99]

I've never seen either "The Matchmaker" or "Hello, Dolly," and I was just wondering what the character of Horace was like in the two shows. If he differs between the two, could someone explaining to me what he is like in both. My school is doing "The Matchmaker" for their fall play and I wanted to learn more about the role. Is it mostly dramatic or comedic? Thanks so much for your help!

[A Director]

Here's a novel idea.  Why don't you find a copy of The Matchmaker and read it!

[mattmarkowski99]

I'm in the middle of reading the play, but I just wanted to hear other people's opinions and thoughts on the character. I wanted to learn more as I read. Is it a problem to ask for other people's help and thoughts? I don't need your snarky comments.

[MrsSallyAdams]

The Matchmaker shifts perspective from Dolly to Irene Malloy to Flora Van Husen. The 1958 film trimmed the focus to Dolly and cut Flora's act entirely. The musical, Hello Dolly, follows suit.

In the play Vandegelder is a Scrooge like figure. A comic antagonist who slowly develops a heart. Dolly reminds him of his happier past and makes him realize what a sourpuss he's become. The musical truncates this.

I've seen many actors play Vandegelder as a one note bore till the final scene. By the time he proposes he seems like an ill match for Dolly. There's enough text in the restaurant scene for the actor to play an arc but many don't bother. I enjoy it more when we see the character soften gradually. 

[willep]

You're in the middle of reading the play and you don't know if it is dramatic or comedic?

[newintown]

He's a Pantalone from commedia dell'arte - your standard irascible old fool. But unlike the commedia character, he changes a bit and becomes sympathetic.

[Relevance81491]

If your reading the play and are not sure if the part is dramatic/comedic, chances are the parts not for you. Sorry kiddo   I'm also sorry that the school system has failed you so badly, because your reading comprehension skills are sorely lacking 

[Valentina3]

Relevance81491 said: "If your reading the play and are not sure if the part is dramatic/comedic, chances are the parts not for you. Sorry kiddo   I'm also sorry that the school system has failed you so badly, because your reading comprehension skills are sorely lacking "

I'm sorry your social skills have failed your so badly, because the power of anonymity makes you, well, a bitch.

[Stage Door Sally]

Tony Sheldon turned Horace into a full-fledge character opposite Klea Blackhurst. You actually were very happy they were going to get married.

From a review: As for Vandergelder, Tony Sheldon plays him as a likable rogue rather than a monster — when he kisses his cash register, he’s being funny, not repulsive. Broadway theatergoers will recall that Mr. Sheldon won a Tony nomination in 2011 for his stellar performance as the transsexual Bernadette in “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” and it’s a treat to watch his Vandergelder with the knowledge that he could do an utterly convincing Dolly as well.

[mattmarkowski99]

Thank you to all of the helpful comments. And again I do not need the snarky and rude remarks. Maybe I should have phrased my question better. In asking if Horace is a dramatic or comedic character, I really want to know which better suits him. Should he be completely monotone and wooden, as some have shown he is sometimes played? Or should he sometimes be light-hearted and funny? I shouldn't have said what type of character he is, I really should have said what is the best way to portray him. But instead, some of you feel the need to be rude and tear people down. I merely had a question. I may have phrased it wrong, which I apologize for, but it did not call for nasty comments from people behind a computer screen who I don't even know.

[Liza's Headband]

He should be however you (and your director) choose to "play" him. Don't rely on anonymous strangers for character development or a line reading. Read and study the material, explore the character through exercises and consult with other artists face-to-face if necessary. You won't find what you're looking for on a message board. And no, this isn't snarky... it's TRUTH 

[BrodyFosse123]

You're an actor.  How would YOU interpret the role?  Don't try to emulate what another actor did but bring in your own ideas to the character.  Many actors who are cast in roles that are based from films say they've never seen the film and won't until after they leave the show.  Do the same.  Ignore how other actors have played Horace and discover your own ideas.  Our opinions should mean nothing to you.  Be your own person.  Seriously.  

[mattmarkowski99]

I have plenty of my own ideas and opinions. I just wanted to know if he was more dramatic or comedic. You wouldn't play Macbeth as a comedic character. I'm not taking people's performances and putting them into my own. I'm not even an actor. I'm the prop master. My school is doing the play and I wanted to know more on the part. Many of you seem like huge "Hello, Dolly" fans, so I wanted to ask you your thoughts on the character. I just wanted to see what people thought were the better portrayals of Horace.

[BrodyFosse123]

THE MATCHMAKER - a comedy play

HELLO, DOLLY! - a musical comedy

 

Now you got your answer, genius prop master.  

[Liza's Headband]

^ Win.