BWW Reviews: OC Pavilion Recreates a Colorful Hello Dolly

CRITIC'S PICK Hello Dolly music & lyrics by Jerry Herman book by Michael Stewart directed by Calvin Remsberg The OC Pavilion, Santa Ana through August 1.

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Some shows I can see again and again, especially if they're composed by Jerry Herman. Hello Dolly is one of those extra-special feel-good musicals and 3D Theatricals' production now in Santa Ana @ The OC Pavilion is wondrously delectable.

Director Calvin Remsberg has an eye for the big picture and many beautifully staged scenes could almost be framed for picture postcards. Kami Seymour has done a wonderful job as choreographer, especially with the 'Waiter's Gallop' in Act II, and Gerry Sternbach, always sensational, serves as musical director. The cast is nothing short of perfection - and they all sing exceedingly well, individually and in chorus. Ruth Williamson makes Dolly Gallagher Levi totally her own, laced with her trademark effervescent humor and comedic style and sterling singing voice. David Allen Jones makes a delightfully believable Horace Vandergelder; his delivery is consistently warm and lowkey. Bryan Feldman is a sincere and loveable Cornelius Hackl, Taylor Simmons an equally appealing Barnaby Tucker, especially in the awkward moments, and Hannah Simmons rather underplays Minnie Fay's innocence. Lilting soprano Virginia Weber is just wonderful as Irene Molloy. Kudos as well to Garrett Deagon as Ambrose Kemper, Dani Kerry as the whimpering Ermengarde, Claire V. Solly deliciously funny as Ernestina Money and to the rest of the enjoyable chorus.

This is a fine production that is colorfully costumed by Sharrell Martin and with great set design by John Iacovelli. I especially liked how the exteriors open up - like a pop-up greeting card - to form the hat shop and Harmonia Gardens restaurant. Very turn-of-the-century elegant!

This lovely Dolly promises to "never go away again" ...well, until August 1, so do 'put on your Sunday clothes', board that train and catch up with her while there's time! The trip to Santa Ana is definitely worth it.