Hello, Dolly!

“Hello, Dolly!” has become one of the most enduring hits in musical theatre, since its first performance in 1964. Almost every number in the show is known to audiences and, I am sure, causes them to sing and hum the tunes well after the final curtain.

Tonight, the show went up in fine form, showcasing the excellent KAOS chorus – all beautifully costumed I may add!

Dolly Levi (Anne Marie Miller) gave a powerful performance, although, if I may suggest, the slowing down of deliveries would make the character easier to understand at times. Dolly was suitably paired with Horace Vandergelder (Charlie Sinclair),  well-cast and convincing as the half-a-millionaire, who manages to avoid succumbing to Dolly until the end of the show!

A large part of the humour in the show is provided by Cornelius (Tony Livingston) and Barnaby (Scott Binnie). Both worked extremely hard and paired well, both with each other and with their partners Minnie (Sophie Penman) and Irene Molloy (Deirdre McFarlane).  Deidre gave a simply superb characterisation of the Hat Shop owner. Her part in the opening quartet in Act Two, was a delight to listen to, and performed with just the right amount of “Elegance”!

Rudi (Clark Graham) was in fine form as the Head Waiter as he organised a lively “Waiters’ Galop” in Act Two.

Minor principals all worked well, with Ian Davidson, yet again, finding a cameo role – this time as the Irish police officer in the Courtroom scene.

Choreography was neat and tidy under the watchful eye of Carol Sinclair.

Musical Direction by Ronan Corkey was never overstated, allowing the sound operator an easier job in this circumstance.

Director, Alasdair Hawthorn, was on the ball as usual, never allowing attention to drop and getting the most out of his talented cast.

Stage Manager, John Urquhart, together with his backstage team, ensured a smooth running show set-wise, while his wife, Anne, cued the show with exquisite timing. Sadly, I understand that this may be Anne’s last show on the book – a huge loss and a very hard act to follow!

Well done KAOS!

 

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