It Takes a Woman

Hello Dolly – Broadway in Chicago

 

“Isn’t the world full of wonderful things?” gushes Cornelius Hackl to Irene Molloy during his lovely, romantic ballad, “It Only Takes a Moment.” It’s this wide-eyed wonder and unbridled joie de vivre that Jerry Herman’s buoyant, bon bon of a musical celebrates. The musical pays tribute to all of the adventures we experience, both simple and great, and wallowing in every perfectly wonderful moment that life has to offer. That and the effervescence of love, whether for the first time or a second chance, makes the world go round.

Directed and choreographed by multi-nominated and award-winner Jerry Zaks, one of Theatre’s most respected creative forces, Chicago is being offered this scrumptious theatrical cream puff, at the onset of the holiday season. Back in 1964 Jerry Herman (music and lyrics) and Michael Stewart (book) crafted a bright, jubilant ten-time Tony Award-winning confection, based on Thornton Wilder’s heartwarming comedy, “The Matchmaker.” That original production starred the incomparable Carol Channing and has become one of the most enduring hit musicals of all time. 

The feisty, fetching, fun-loving Dolly Gallagher Levi went on to be played several more times by Ms. Channing in subsequent revivals. The titular character was then portrayed by Mary Martin (in London), Barbra Streisand (in the 1969 film version), Pearl Bailey (in a 1975 all African American production), the divine Bette Midler (in the blockbuster, Tony Award-winning 2017 Broadway revival), and succeeded by Bernadette Peters, before Ms. Midler returned to the role in that production’s final weeks of performances. All of these fine musical actresses, as well as countless others, have delighted in helping create a grownup fairy tale featuring Dolly Levi as the lovable fairy godmother who makes everything possible. 

Set in turn-of-the-century Yonkers and New York City, this musical classic sends three unhappy couples on an amusingly complicated journey to romantic bliss. The production is, first and foremost, a treat for the eyes and ears. Santo Loquasto has designed the most gorgeous sets and period postcard drops that create a fanciful, nostalgic world that’s never short on spectacle (at one point, an entire passenger-filled train chugs across the stage during “Put On Your Sunday Clothes”). The Tony winning Mr. Loquasto’s intensely-hued fin de siecle costumes are rich and fashionable, allowing for all the sweep and movement of Warren Carlyle’s athletic, gravity-defying choreography. Featuring giant feathered hats and swirling gowns with bustles, top hats, tailored vests and frock coats, the stage becomes a kaleidoscope of color and movement. Robert Billig provides the spot-on musical direction, both his full-voiced 33-member cast and as the maestro of his full, rich-sounding pit orchestra.

Labeled the “Voice of Broadway,” Tony Award winning actress Betty Buckley (“Sunset Boulevard,” “Cats,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” among many others) graces the Ford Oriental Palace stage, putting her own indelible stamp on the role of Dolly Levi. Reminding audiences of a young Ethel Merman (for whom this show was written), Ms. Buckley brings a kindly mature, rather impish and more realistic approach to the role. Seeming to base her inspiration on Wilder’s original character, Ms. Buckley’s portrayal brings to mind that favorite aunt or teacher we’ve all known and loved in our lifetime. She charmingly makes every line and lyric, each ditty and dance a special moment. With that beautiful, velvety vocal style, Betty Buckley reminds us why she’s a great star of the theatre.

 Ms. Buckley is wonderfully paired with veteran character actor Lewis J. Stadlen as widower Horace Vandergelder, “the well known half-millionaire.” Snapping and growling his way through the play, Mr. Stadlen provides an abundance of curmudgeonly charm as he maneuvers his way through the “99% of the world that are fools.” He sparkles with his all-male production number, “It Takes a Woman;” and he deftly opens Act II with a new song, written especially for the revival, “Penny in My Pocket.” And, as a patron behind me crooned, he really has a gorgeously-trained singing voice.

Fetching, fiery Analisa Leaming plays the liberal-thinking millinery shop owner, Irene Molloy. This extremely lovely and likable actress brings grace, beauty and an unmatched vocal talent to this role. Nic Rouleau, who may be remembered from Chicago’s original, long-running production of “Book of Mormon,” does a spectacular job portraying Vandergelder’s head clerk, Cornelius Hackl. Nicely conveying his character’s insecurity with women, while demonstrating stellar vocal and dancing talents, Mr. Rouleau is truly one of the stars of this National Tour. Without question, however, the surprising standouts are Jess LeProtto, as Barnaby Tucker, and the adorable Kristen Hahn, as Minnie Fay. These two powerhouses are not only well-paired in their talent, but their romantic chemistry feels as honest as their singing and dancing skills and sparkling personalities.

The hard-working ensemble is filled with some of musical theatre’s finest triple threats, including Jessica Sheridan as Ernestina Money, Morgan Kirner as weepy Ermengarde, Garrett Hawe as handsome artist Ambrose Kemper and Wally Dunn as a fastidious Rudolph. And a profusion of praise goes to the multi-skilled male dancers who treat the audience to Warren Carlyle’s robustly challenging “Waiter’s Gallop,” a choreographed ballet that effortlessly segues into the musical’s show-stopper, “Hello, Dolly.”

Despite patrons coming to the theatre, perhaps laden with personal predicaments or coping with the burden of the country’s many problems, Broadway in Chicago has provided a respite. Chicago has a wonderful, carefree show that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to every theatergoer’s face, while setting their feet a-tapping. Jerry Zaks’ opulent, star-studded production overflows with love, humor, color, spectacle and a leading lady who was born to be loved. This magical evening in the theatre justifies the claim that this is Jerry Herman’s happiest musical. 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

 

Presented October 24-November 17 by Broadway in Chicago at the at the Ford Oriental Palace, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago.

Tickets are available at all Broadway in Chicago box offices, the BIC Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.