Hello Dolly

Hello Dolly is based on on the book by Michael Stewart with wonderful music by Jerry Herman,a production full of well-loved and well-known songs. A show that has just had a revival on Broadway with outstanding sucess.

The title role of the matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi, (Judith Morris), is a huge ask of any performer.  The whole show revolves around her and All Souls Amateur Operatic Society had a consummate performer in Dolly.  Ably supported by the grumpy cantankerous Horace Vandergelder, ( Brian Harrison), the well-known half-a-millionaire, who Dolly is looking for a new wife for, but really wants him for herself.  Comedy was in the safe hands of the duo Cornelius Hackle (Jai Jai Ekins) and his sidekick Barnaby Tucker, (Richard Farrar), both gave a good example of first class delivery of lines.  Irene Molloy, (Christine Roberts) the object of Cornelius's affections, sang her "Ribbons Down My Back" delightfully and her assistant Minnie Fay (Lousie Jacques) was confidently portrayed.

A host of smaller character parts all performed well, with the chorus always in fine harmony and they were well drilled in simple choreography well within their capabilities.  The four pretty little dancers flitted in and out of the chorus numbers delightfully.

It was a pleasure to listen to the two pianos during the Overture and the Entr'acte under the baton of Colin Akers, and the audience actually listened. It was all complimented by lovely costumes, effective sets with smooth changes, good props and excellent lighting.

Another fine Graham Weston production.  Congratulations

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