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Contra Costa Times | TheatreWorld | Rossmoor News | Talkin Broadway | Diablo
Publication: Talkin' Broadway
Posting Date: June 21, 2009
Reviewer: Richard Connema
Title: Hello, Dolly! Returns to the Bay Area
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Jerry Herman's Hello, Dolly! is certainly one the greatest musicals of all time, and it is a pleasure to see a good regional production of this elegant musical. Diablo Theatre Company, formerly Diablo Light Opera Company, has always been known to put on first class musicals with talented East Bay actors.
I am not sure how many times I have seen this musical, with its classic hummable score. My first time was the original production starting Carol Channing and a young Charles Nelson Reilly playing Cornelius. Over the years I have seen Pearl Bailey, Ethel Merman and Ginger Rogers play Dolly. Each has put a different spin on the marriage broker.
Dennis Lickteig is helming a large-scale, stylish production with a chorus of young energetic dancers performing the choreography of Lawrence Pech. Terry Darcy D'Emidio (42 nd Street, Mame and Will Rogers Follies) puts a different spin on Dolly Gallagher Levi. She does not camp in the role but plays it more as a dramatic part. She has a mellifluous voice when singing "Before the Parade Passes By," "So Long Dearie" and "Hello, Dolly!."
Rene Wilson (The Student Gypsy, Music Man) is outstanding as Irene Molloy. She has pitch-perfect resonance singing "Ribbons Down My Back" and "It Only Takes a Moment." Her acting the role of the owner of the hat shop is top drawer. Curt Denham (The King and I, La Cage aux Folles) sings with fastidious grace as Horace Vandergelder. He does not overplay the role of the curmudgeon.
Andrew Willis-Woodward (2009 SFBATCC nomination for Ben Franklin in Paris) is buoyantly delightful as Barnaby Tucker. William Giammona (2009 SFBATCC nomination for Thrill Me) puts out good vibes as Cornelius Hackl and has fine vocal chops in "It Only Takes a Moment." Both have light-of-foot dancing for "It Takes a Woman" and "Dancing." Meghan Ihle (Cinderella) is charming as Minnie Fay. Jessica Knudsen (Snapshots, Emma) as Ermengarde and Caleb Haven Draper (Gypsy) as Ambrose Kemper do what they can with the weak subplot in this musical. Randy Burke and Joe Martin are effective as the judge and court clerk.
Hello, Dolly!'s dancing and singing chorus are terrific. This is some of the best dancing by vibrant and energy-driven young dancers that I have seen this year. Lawrence Pech's choreography is magnetic in the stimulating ensemble numbers "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" and "Dancing." Young dancers Kyle Frattini, Tony Conaty, Ryan Alkire, Ben Bogen, Luke Chapman, Derek Miller and Joaquin Jara excel as waiters in the "Hello, Dolly!" number. Jody Black's portrayal of the maitre d' of the Harmonia Gardens is pleasing.
Mark Mendelson's set designs are impressive and add to the charm of this nostalgic musical. Marianna Ford's gay '90s costumes are colorful. The large orchestra is first rate under the direction of Cheryl Yee Glass. Dennis Lickteig's direction is perfect, even with the many set changes.
Hello, Dolly! runs through June 28th at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. For tickets call 925-943-7469 or on line at www.leasherartscenter.org.
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©2009 Diablo Theatre Company (formerly Diablo Light Opera Company) - P.O. Box 5034, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Musical Theatre in Walnut Creek and the East Bay
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