Hello Dolly

Hello, Dolly! was first produced on Broadway by David Merrick in 1964, winning a record 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical - a record held for 37 years - and tonight Erewash Musical Society succeeded in bringing their own fresh interpretation to the production, especially through the use of high quality, original, back projection with key props adding the physical 3rd dimension and allowing the action to flow quickly between scenes.

The acting and vocal performances were very much of the high quality we have come to expect from EMS.  Alex Tavener gave Dolly Levi energy, humour and empathy throughout the evening and she was very ably ‘supported’ by Keith Butcher who gave Horace Vandergelder exactly the right combination of hopelessness with Dolly and domineering with his shopworkers.
James Bowden and Martin Lewis were a very believable paring as Cornelius and Barnaby and were especially strong in the combined Song and Dance numbers.  This was also the case for Tracey Renshaw and Becki Charnley who brought Irene and Minnie to life ensuring the interactions between the four were stylised yet still believable.    

Tom Preston and Gemma Blake brought considerable enthusiasm and comedic timing to their performances that drove the action forward and Maria Lawrence, Mark Perry and Richard Dawson ensured that key supporting characters were not overlooked in the production
EMS have a talented and enthusiastic ensemble and their performances throughout added to the overall energy of the production. The hard work that Christine, Lizzie and Sian had obviously put into the rehearsal room paid off in all aspects of the production with strong vocal, dance and acting performance from the entire company.   

As previously mentioned, lighting and projection were excellent throughout the evening and sound balance in musical numbers was well judged.  Lizzie and her orchestra ably supported the action as did the costumes and backstage team who kept the show flowing seamlessly throughout the night.

I had a very enjoyable evening with EMS so many thanks all and I look forward to Crazy for You in October.

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