Back where she belongs

Bernadette Peters in “Hello Dolly”

NEW YORK—And by she, I mean Bernadette Peters, currently playing matchmaker (and a host of other things if her calling cards are to be believed) Dolly Gallagher-Levi. It is a role that made Carol Channing a legend, and last season, gave Bette Midler a Tony.

I had seen Bernadette in two Stephen Sondheim musicals, “A Little Night Music” (her rendition of “Send in the Clowns” reduced that audience to tears every night), so I had a feeling I’d be in for something special, where she would bring all of her gifts to the fore: timeless beauty, comedic timing, sex appeal, and her own unique way around, over, under and through a song.

It would age us both to reveal where I had first seen her, and to be honest, I can’t truly remember. Was it in a David Copperfield television special? Or in the film version of “Annie,” where she played Lily St. Regis?

However, I do remember where I first met her and got to work with her: “Hey, Mr. Producer” in London. She performed “Unexpected Song” from “Song and Dance,” as well as “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” from “Gypsy,” and she brought all those gifts along with her. She was also a lovely human being. Still is.

So it was imperative that once again, as I had at “A Little Night Music” only a few years ago, I had to pay homage to one of Broadway’s greatest stars. And, I brought my daughter Nicole with me.

Walking into the Schubert Theater to see “Hello Dolly” felt like being transported in time, and from that very first downbeat of the overture, that’s exactly what happened. We were enveloped by Larry Hochman’s orchestrations, then immersed into the world of New York City of long ago.
The audience erupted in generous applause when Ms Peters was finally revealed in the opening number.

However, she isn’t the only attraction in this beautiful reincarnation: Victor Garber (the original Anthony in “Sweeney Todd”) is incredibly funny and in gorgeous vocal condition as Horace Vandergelder.

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’s” Santino Fontana was fantastic as Cornelius Hackl, with his great comedic chops and buttery singing voice. Speaking of buttery voices, Kate Baldwin as Irene Molloy could sing the phone book and make it a compelling piece of music.

Charlie Stemp is a dancing dynamo with charm to spare as Barnaby Tucker, and Molly Griggs as the bespectacled Minnie Fay is perfection with everything she does.
Melanie Moore as Ermengarde, most well-known for winning Season 8 of “Dancing with the Stars” shows exactly why she won, and she has a lovely chemistry with Will Burton as Ambrose Kemper.

Bernadette Peters (left) and the author’s daughter, Nicole

The most well-known number in the show arrives in the second act, and it does not disappoint. The song “Hello Dolly” brings to the audience such happiness and gratification from start to end.
The male ensemble needs to be noted for its precision and pure athletic ability, not to mention their singing talent. Spectacular isn’t enough of a word.

But for all the happiness and color in this production, I found myself most affected by Bernadette’s monologue and interpretation of another of this show’s hits, “Before The Parade Passes By.”
This is the Bernadette I am a huge fan of. She’s an actress possessing the ability to break your heart without apology. Without shedding one tear or even getting close to melodrama, she is clear and affecting as she speaks to the spirit of her late husband Ephraim, then realizing that she needs to be part of the greater world before it’s too late. I’m only too grateful to have seen her sparkle.

“Hello Dolly” announced that it will be closing on Aug. 25. This revival production won four Tony Awards in 2017 (best revival of a musical, actress in a musical for Bette Midler, costume design for Santo Loquasto and supporting actor for Gavin Creel). Ms Peters will depart on July 15, while Ms Midler will rejoin the production until its closing date.

I implore you that if you happen to be in New York before Aug. 25, see this gorgeous production. You will be treated to legends giving stunning performances, as well as be blessed by the presence of gods.

Thank you!

As of this writing, “Once On This Island” received six Outer Critics Circle nominations and seven Drama Desk nominations. We are all giddy and grateful!

And to our audiences who have come to pay us visits (even two or three times), thank you.
Also, thank you to those who have donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “Once On This Island” was able to raise over $130,000 over the six-week collection period, adding to the organization’s grand total of $5,721,879.
Donations were collected by shows on and off Broadway, and on national tours currently traveling all over the country.