Hello, Dolly! at the Open Air Theatre

Hello, Dolly! at the Open Air Theatre

12 August, 2009
by: Gemma Bergomi

Bursting back onto the stage with a manipulative twinkle in her eye and a deceptively innocent smile is Samantha Spiro as Dolly Levi in the latest production of Hello, Dolly! at the Open Air Theatre in London's Regent's Park. With previous Dollys including Broadway legend Carole Channing followed by Barbara Streisand in the 1969 film, Spiro has much to aspire to. The constant re-invention of the musical only demonstrates the mettle of Hello, Dolly! as a timeless classic. This production provides a faithful, unblemished rendition of the Broadway show.

An all-American musical comedy, Hello, Dolly! is the upbeat tale of Dolly Levi, a widow turned matchmaker with a business card for every possible occasion, who has finally had enough of meddling in the lives of others and decided that it is time to remarry. She catches her man – who she has already paired up with another woman – in a most unusual way.

Hello, Dolly! boasts a myriad of jolly songs and memorable set pieces. What sets apart this version is the outdoor setting in Regent's Park. This may be a risky choice considering the temperamental nature of British weather, but on the right day the Open Air Theatre provides a magical setting for such a show. Hello, Dolly! begins in daylight, but as the light gradually disappears, we are left under the stars, literally and unknowingly enveloped in a musical treat.

Choreography by Stephen Mear is faultless, from the perfect comic timing of the 'Motherhood March' in the hat store to the delightful tap dancing waiters' routine. The integration of the of the scene changes with the various dances is slick, with the moving set flawlessly changing to a completely new location in the blink of an eye, and never failing to surprise. Complemented by Phil Bateman's band the whole cast are impeccable, and although the microphones slip a few times they cope admirably, providing non-stop fun through countless asides and wry looks.

As the cast croon 'Well, hello, dolly, It's so nice to have you back where you belong' it's hard to disagree. Samantha Spiro is indeed all that Dolly ever needs be; a perfect choice, her singing and dancing is superb and she consistently has the audience in stitches. Comic duo Cornelius Hackl (Daniel Crossley) and Barnaby Tucker (Oliver Brenin) excel as a witlessly lucky pair, and despite her arrogance you fall in love with Josefina Gabrielle as Irene Molloy. Gold stars all round.

All in all, Hello, Dolly! is everything you could want or need in a musical: a few hours of knee-slapping show tunes, witty dialogue, and a heartwarming story. Fans of the original show and film will be delighted with this special production, and even if you have never seen it before, if you enjoy a good Broadway-style spectacle then you will love Hello, Dolly!

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Gemma Bergomi