Herman Discuss "Dolly" Revival, possible Dollys- Page 2

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 7/12/08 at 10:44pm

I'm dying to see Bernadette play Dolly. If she could pull of Mama Rose and Annie Oakley with flying colors, Dolly would be amazing.

I really think she was born to play Dolly...wouldn't a City Center "Summer Stars" production of DOLLY with Bernadette be incredible? Ah, one can hope...

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 7/12/08 at 10:51pm

I don't know about a revival of "Hello Dolly". Is it possible that it's too old-fashioned for a remounting? from RC in Austin, Texas

[christhefish]

Posted: 7/12/08 at 10:52pm

I have been saying for years now that Dolly Parton would be amazing

I also love the Mary Testa idea Hanna

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 7/12/08 at 10:53pm

I'm really intrigued by the suggestions of Queen Latifah and Reba myself.

[JohnBoy2]

Posted: 7/12/08 at 11:22pm

I would have zero interest in a Peters Dolly! I'd love to see Michele Lee, though.

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 7/12/08 at 11:30pm

I agree about Dolly Parton being fabulous. The show has a significance to her because on her first visit to the city the ads for the original production seemed to "welcome her."

She'd be IDEAL for an Encore's Summer Series.

Posted: 7/12/08 at 11:51pm

Could Reba or Dolly pull it off? Do either of them look (or sound) like Dolly Gallagher Levi of Yonkers New York?

[jayfpinker]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 12:00am

I think that after a Tony-winning turn as Edna Turnblad,
HARVEY FIERSTEIN might make a GREAT Dolly!!!

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 12:03am

Well, for Dolly or Reba you'd have to imagine that they were from the south and married a man from Yonkers, NY. Still works for the character, I think.

[MerMaggieGalinda]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 12:21am

I'd love to see Dolly as Dolly!

[MungoGypsy8232]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 12:25am

"I'm dying to see Bernadette play Dolly. If she could pull of Mama Rose and Annie Oakley with flying colors, Dolly would be amazing."

"If" she could pull off Mama Rose and Annie Oakley...if being the key word.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 12:30am

Ha...I thought she was underrated as Rose but overrated as Annie, so to each their own.

[WickedBoy2]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 12:46am

Its already been played by a man in London's West End back in 1984 at the Prince Of Wales Theatre with Danny La Rue. Supposedly the only time Mr Herman has granted the part to be play by a male performer- especially in such a huge, spectacular production as it was!
The show is currently being murdered nightly around the UK by Anita Dobson as Dolly!
How bout Harvey Fierstein for Broadway! LOL LOL LOL

Updated On: 7/13/08 at 12:46 AM

[Broadway Bob*]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 2:12am

Wasn't the role originally written for Merman? She turned it down initially, but then was the final Dolly in the original production and they added two songs back into the score that they'd cut when she didn't do it. So, really, it wouldn't be too hard to imagine Peters or LuPone doing it, since they both seem to do Merman roles a lot (whether they are right for them or not.)

I love Latifah, but have a hard time imagining her in this. Mostly because she seems too young.

And Mary Testa? YES! NOW! This woman could do anything! She's the only woman I think I'd turn straight for without the help of alcohol or money in any way. I LOVE HER!!!!!!

[goldenstate5]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 2:16am

This is so riding on the success of WALL-E (for those who haven't seen it should know it features Hello, Dolly...A LOT) that it's ridiculous. I was kind of joking after seeing it that it would get revived just because...and it's actually happening?! I guess Broadway IS as desperate as it gets!...

[jpbran]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 2:17am

You just KNOW Channing's going to end up doing it, complete with walker, O2 tank, etc.

[RagtimeRay]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 7:18am

How about Christine Ebersole as Dolly? I think she would be great.

The original production of Hello, Dolly! (1964 - 1970) provided an opportunity for a number of "name" actors to do the title role. Carol Channing, Ginger Rogers, Martha Raye, Pearl Bailey, Betty Grable, Phyllis Diller, and Ethel Merman (Mary Martin headed the London cast). A long revival could provide an opportunity for a lot of people's favorite to do the show.

[James885]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 11:56am

This is so riding on the success of WALL-E (for those who haven't seen it should know it features Hello, Dolly...A LOT) that it's ridiculous.

It's very interesting. Who would have guessed that WALL-E would be the catalyst for a Broadway revival of Dolly? But I think they're really fooling themselves if they think that kids would want to see the show just because of the 2 songs used in WALL-E.

[StockardFan]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 12:03pm

Oprah? Can she even sing?

[Brick]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 12:14pm

Queen Latifah is a great idea, but I agree about her age. And I wonder why Herman doesn't realize that since Streisand's age ruined the film, something he acknowledges now by saying she's only now the right age.

And it's curious how many of you are still to Peters. What I thought was most interesting thing about this article was Herman basically killing that idea.

And I'm surprised he'd like LuPone. I don't think the Nederlanders would hire her. Since the LA CAGE flop, where they risked not casting stars and paid for it, I think they'll want to cast a big star.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 12:25pm

Well, LuPone sure is filling up the St. James in GYPSY, and the last revival was only a couple years ago. I'm sure she could do the same for DOLLY.
Mary Testa would be brilliant but when it comes down to it, she'll never be cast to open a high profile Broadway revival of this show. She isn't a name like Peters, LuPone, Latifah, Streisand, etc. It's unfortunate because she has talent to spare, but it's the truth.

[MungoGypsy8232]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 1:27pm

I can see Oprah making her B'way debut in A Raisin in the Sun because she would be an orgasmic Lena Younger, but I doubt she has the vocal chops for Dolly. Mary Testa would indeed be amazing but the closest she'll probably get is standby

[blaxx]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 3:22pm

I want her to play the part!

[theaterkid1015]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 7:08pm

At least if Harvey did it, they won't have to change the keys.

[StockardFan]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 7:20pm

Mungo, I was kinda thinking the same thing re: Oprah.

I don't think I've ever heard if she can sing at all. And I know she can't dance. Have you ever seen her when she has musical guests on and she's dancing in the audience? She's awful! LOL!