Review: HELLO DOLLY at Theater Latte Da
this production runs now through March 19th
Book by Michael Stewart
Music & Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Based on the play The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder
Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion Produced for the Broadway stage by David Merrick and Champion Five, Inc.
Directed & Choreographed by Kelli Foster Warder
Music Direction by Sanford Moore
Featuring China Brickey, Anna Hashizume, Jordan M. Leggett, Brian Kim McCormick, Riley McNutt, T. Mychael Rambo, Janely Rodriguez, Reed Sigmund, Elly Stahlke, Regina Marie Williams, and Sally Wingert
Business woman and matchmaker extraordinaire Dolly Levi is determined to make everyone's lives richer and happier - including her own! Regina Marie Williams stars as Dolly in Kelli Foster Warder's bold new production of this beloved musical comedy, featuring some of American musical theater's most memorable songs including "Before the Parade Passes By," "Put on Your Sunday Clothes," "Ribbons Down My Back," and "Hello, Dolly!"
It was a joy to see this production of Hello Dolly by Theater Latte da. I am always amazed how they have taken productions typically with large cast and chorus and condense the size down for the intimate space. The set was nice and had converted to many different scene elements, the shop, restaurant, etc. The costumes were intricate and beautiful, they were timeless and the choreography and direction worked as there were times when cast would go out in the audience. It made us as audience members feel like we were in the scenes.
The talent of the cast was wonderful. I enjoyed seeing these characters played by BIPOC individuals. Regina Marie Williams (Dolly Levi) was outstanding. She just has this presence where she is commanding and striking and you can hear all of her dialogue clearly. Brian Kim McCormick (Barnaby) and Reed Sigmund (Cornelius) were an excellent team and played off each other well. China Brickey (Irene) and Anne Hashizume (Minnie) were wonderful. Sally Wingart (featured roles) was impressive in the multiple roles she played and the ensemble were wonderful in the servants dance in the restaurant scene. The entire cast was just stellar!
I would recommend seeing Hello Dolly at Theater Latte Da! It's wonderful production!
All photos by Dan Norman
From This Author - Jared Fessler
Jared [He/Him] is originally from Iowa and resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He grew up doing theatre and studied music, dance, and theatre with additional training in BFA musical theatre.
F... (read more about this author)
Interview: Katie Spelman of AN AMERICAN TALE at Children's Theatre CompanyMarch 29, 2023
An army of cats forces young Fievel Mousekewitz and his family to escape from Russia by boat. When a storm at sea separates them, Fievel arrives alone in the vast city of New York. In this riveting new musical based on the beloved animated film, the steadfastly optimistic Fievel makes his way as a new immigrant, encountering friends and foes (including a few scene-stealing cockroaches!). Despite everything stacked against him, Fievel clings to his dreams of a better life and reuniting with his family. Are they Somewhere Out There?
Interview: Mark Valdez of 12 X 12 at Mixed Blood TheatreMarch 28, 2023
12×12 is a place-based project. We begin by acknowledging that we live and gather on the unceded land of the Dakota People.
Interview: Joshua Pelatzky of BETTY WHO WITH SHEA COULEE at First AvenueMarch 24, 2023
Review: MY FAIR LADY at Ordway Center For The Performing ArtsMarch 23, 2023
What did our critic think of MY FAIR LADY at Ordway Center For The Performing Arts? Boasting classic songs like 'I Could Have Danced All Night' and 'On the Street Where You Live,' My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a 'proper lady.' But, in this new staging of the show, brilliantly directed by Bartlett Sher, you might ask yourself who is really being transformed?
Interview: Melody Her of AGAIN at Theater MuMarch 23, 2023
Local Hmong American playwright and theater artist Katie Ka Vang returns to Theater Mu for the world premiere of her and Melissa Li's musical, Again. Weaving together unlikely friendships, complex family dynamics, and original songs, Again runs Mar 31-Apr 16 at Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis (previews Mar 29 & 30). The story begins when cancer survivor Mai See, a successful memoirist who can't seem to get her life together, meets Quest, an aspiring filmmaker who is battling chronic cancer herself. Inspired by Mai See's work, Quest asks her to star in her documentary. Although Mai See reluctantly agrees, they're both thrown for a loop when Mai See discovers she has relapsed.
