Hello Dolly!

Based on Thornton Wilder's farce The Matchmaker, Hello, Dolly!  Is without a doubt one of the biggest crowd pleasers and a safe bet to pull in the audiences. St Dunstan’s was no exception selling to full houses and literally had everyone singing along to the title number.  (of course it didn’t take much persuading for me to join in)

In the title Role, the Matchmaking, meddling widow with was Susan Milligan. No stranger to the stage or lead roles, Susan was confident and set a good standard. Her portrayal wasn’t the usual fast paced, can’t-get-a-word-in-edgeways Dolly, there were no sharp edges and seemed somewhat safer but somehow, gave the character realism and  drew out the emotive side to the character. As always her vocals were on point and very well performed despite issues with the sound.

Horace Vandergelder, the Well Known Yonkers Half a Millionaire was Philip Brady. Well able for the role he delivered the spluttering wealthy widower with plenty of rage, fury and bad temper, which for this character, is about as far as you can go! There was the odd trip to the north of England as far as accents go but otherwise sustained a great addition to the leading cast.

More likeable roles are that of Vandergelders bumbling clerks, Cornelius Hackl (Philip Callaghan) and Barnaby Tucker (Sean Baker)

Callaghan played a confident Cornelius who dreams of adventure and love and … getting arrested? (I always found that strange) His vocals were just lovely in his solo number ‘It Only Takes A Moment’

His counter part, young Baker for me practically stole the show. No, he DID steal the show. He was confident, he was funny, he danced, he sang not for one second did he come out of character. I asked myself should he have toned it down so he didn’t draw the eye as much OR should everyone else have given that little bit more? Congratulations Sean, I am certain we’ll be seeing plenty of you on the amateur circuit in the future.

Deborah O’Connor ably portrays the private longings and sadness of lovely young widow Irene Molloy. This is one of those characters who I think, needs lots of direction and extra work to help make her memorable and a good contrast to the others on stage. Deborah definitely delivered the vocals; particularly in ‘Ribbons down my Back’ however I would like to have seen her played with more strength of mind and determination - there is the need to make sure an audience understands her motives which goes beyond what is written in the script with this character.

In the minor roles but giving memorable performances was Jackie Eade with impeccable comic timing as Ernestina Money.

The Judge was a perfect cameo part for Tony Kennedy.

It is always so humbling to see small societies who produce their own sets and work around some very challenging spaces yet produce great productions. Hats off to stage manager Lucy Strong, the Crew and set constructors.

Resident Director, Pam Dyson and Choreographer Marjorie Catlow certainly put the company through their paces with some pacey musical numbers and a very impressive Waiters Gallop.  I really think they deserved a “picture’ ending so they could all get the applause they deserved. I particularly liked the ‘Motherhood March’ which was well timed and must have provided plenty of fun throughout rehearsals.

The impressive orchestra was led brilliantly by John Barry. No stranger to St Dunstan’s, John is clearly in tune with his principal cast and performers and their abilities. He knows how to stretch them beyond their capabilities. His players, also regulars to the society, not only bring precision to the score but also encouragement, warmth and friendship to the cast, which is so lovely to see.

Congratulation’s on a super production St Dunstan’s

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.