Review: Scottsdale Musical Theater's HELLO DOLLY! Is Glowin', Crowin', and Goin' Strong

Who doesn't love Dolly Levi? Why wouldn't anybody after Brandi Bigley's energetic portrayal of the overzealous matchmaker in Scottsdale Musical Theater Company's production of HELLO DOLLY!

HELLO DOLLY! owns a secure place in the pantheon of Broadway musicals because of Jerry Herman's music and lyrics and, of course, the inimitable performances of Carol Channing on Broadway and Barbra Streisand's on film. The challenge, then, for any actress is to inform the role with a distinctive but credible interpretation. Bigley does so in a big way! Dolly's flamboyance is evident, but Bigley adds a dash of something more ~ a pinch of authenticity and a spoonful of vulnerability ~ with a powerful voice to match. It works, and it works well.

Bigley is an ascending star in the Phoenix Theatre scene, taking well-received turns in such distinctive roles as Katie in The TomKat Project, Maria in The Sound of Music, Anita in West Side Story, and Young Sally in Follies.

Bigley scores another demonstration of her prowess and versatility as she embraces Dolly's relentless efforts to match (supposedly!) Horace Vandergelder (Alex Gonzalez), the brusque Hay and Feed Merchant half-a-millionaire. Horace is a turn-of-the-century male chauvinist and, predictably, a match for Dolly's wily ways in more ways than one. It's a devilish façade as Dolly really wants the man and his thousands for herself. As it happens, her other charge is to fix up Ambrose Kemper (Addam Donada) with Vandergelder's niece, Ermengarde (Karylin Veres).

To add fuel to the merriment, Horace's countrified employees, Cornelius (Matt Newhard, once again showing off his comedic chops) and Barnaby (Michael Schauble) abandon the store for an NYC toot and uproariously unintended consequences. All more fodder for Dolly to fix. Of course, Dolly prevails and all parties enjoy a happily ever after ending.

Credit director David Hock with another crowd-pleaser to add to his portfolio.

HELLO DOLLY! continues its all too short a run at Tempe Center for the Arts through February 6th. Would that it could be extended so that many more folks could wear a smile on their faces.

Photo credit to Scottsdale Musical Theater Company

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