Hello Dolly! review: Nifty Imelda’s a five star Dolly with the musical wattage of a nuclear power station, writes PATRICK MARMION

by

As a devoted theatergoer who has had the pleasure of witnessing Imelda Staunton’s exceptional body of work over the years, I can confidently say that her latest role as Dolly Levi in the revival of Jerry Herman’s “Hello, Dolly!” at the London Palladium is yet another triumph.

Hello Dolly! 

London Palladium

Nobody expected anything less of Imelda Staunton. 

The actress who shines as Vera Drake in “The Crown,” earning an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of the Queen, continues to astound us with her acting skills – this time brilliantly bringing to life the role of Dolly Levi in Dominic Cooke’s lively adaptation of Jerry Herman’s 1964 musical.

With heels, Staunton measures only 4 feet 11 inches tall. Yet her musical abilities are as powerful as a nuclear power station.

If she didn’t restrain herself, she would certainly overload the Palladium’s fuse box. In essence, she is an ideal match for Dolly: A solo dating app in a corset and crinoline, interfering in 1890s New York society.

Michael Stewart’s tale remains an intriguing jumble, a blend of pastel hues and artificial tastes. Yet, Imelda finds it endearing.

As the widow Levi, she acts as a matchmaker, constantly suggesting potential partners and sharing her opinions generously, often speaking rapidly to ensure she has the final say in the matter.

Now for the first time, she’s directly focusing her gaze on Horace Vandergelder (Andy Nyman). He is a grouchy, penny-pinching wealthy man residing in the rural area of Yonkers, valued at half a million dollars.

Dolly, full of witty remarks and honest insights, helps Horace’s oppressed workers, Barnaby and Cornelius (played by Tyrone Huntley and Harry Hepple), find love.

A Manhattan milliner, Jenna Russell, and her assistant, Emily Lane, are matched with them. This arrangement leads to a delightful assortment of imaginative scenes.

In “Before The Parade Passes By,” Dolly’s deep reflection on her solitary life reaches its peak with an extravagant ticker-tape parade.

In the Harmonia Gardens restaurant, known for her great reputation, a lively song titled number celebrates her love (notably performed alongside Louis Armstrong and spinning-top waiters in the 1969 movie where Barbra Streisand portrayed Dolly and Walter Matthau played Horace).

However, there are also heartfelt and tearful moments as Horace’s devoted clerk Cornelius sings “It Only Takes a Moment” to rescue his beloved milliner Irene from prison.

Bill Deamer’s choreography would benefit from adding more complex moves like cartwheels or tap routines. On the other hand, Rae Smith’s stage design, which comes alive with a large turning-scroll of architectural sketches depicting 19th century New York, sometimes appears unexpectedly sparse.

Cooke had the ability to showcase the Art Deco staircase in the restaurant more effectively, with the two tables tucked away behind red velvet curtains creating an awkward appearance.

Staunton, who is now 68 years old, fits perfectly for her character Dolly to be an older and lonelier matchmaker, unlike the energetic 27-year-old Streisand portrayed in the movie. On the other hand, Nyman’s Horace could benefit from some of Matthau’s grumpy and jowly misanthropy.

Fifty-eight-year-old Russell’s former spouse, Irene, introduces an element of complex feelings reminiscent of the Oedipus myth as she becomes involved with the young and inexperienced Cornelius, who is 33 years old.

Staunton’s five-star performance remains unmatched and undiminished by anything else, not even in her powerful ballad “Love, Look In My Window” or her stunning title number. Her voice is a captivating blend of smoke and sunshine. And she continues to impress with her graceful dance moves.

With an apparent delight that’s contagious, she enjoys mingling with actors and spectators, taking great joy in her part. This entertaining, sweet concoction of hers is definitely worth savoring.

Read More

2024-07-19 16:30