David Nice — Theater Critic

Staunton even tunes in to a touch of Streisand’s nasal quality for sentiment, but otherwise makes the role her own special creation (the "Parade" song, wonderfully done, is the equivalent of "I Am What I Am" in La Cage aux Folles). Is there any actor who can spin straw into gold quite the way she does with the dialogue? Timing is perfect, especially when Dolly is at her most pattery; who wouldn’t buy what she has to offer?