'Hello, Dolly' at Goodspeed Musicals - My Review

Driving home from my first press night at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, I searched for an adjective to describe their current production of the classic Hello, Dolly. I finally realized that the only appropriate word would be "magnificent." Magnificent casting, magnificent singing and dancing by the entire cast, and magnificent costumes and set decoration at what can only be described as a magnificent venue on the banks of the Connecticut River.

Even professional photos of the Goodspeed Opera House can't really do this historic theater justice.  It rises majestically above the river as one drives over a steel deck bridge. There is a foot bridge to cross after one parks in the large parking lot and stunning grounds to take in before entering the venerable tiny theater.

Since opening its doors as a professional theater in 1963, an amazing nineteen musicals from the Opera House have gone on to Broadway (most famously Annie, Man of La Mancha and Shenandoah.) The theater is the first in the nation to win two special Tony Awards. It contributes to the preservation of the art form by offering an extensive research library and many programs for upcoming artists. It is widely recognized as "the home of the American musical" and I felt honored to sit in the audience packed into the dollhouse-sized theater at the top of a, yes, magnificent staircase. There is an elevator for patrons who cannot climb the stairs.

Goodspeed's Education and Library Director Joshua S. Ritter wrote in the program notes that Hello, Dolly, based upon a play called The Matchmaker by Thorton Wilder, is "one of the most lauded, enduring, melodious, and visually stunning musicals in history." The production that Executive Director/Producer Michael Price has brought to life on his tiny stage rises to all of these descriptions.

Director Daniel Goldstein made good use of the entire space; his staging of "Before the Parade Passes By" was especially charming. The choreography by Kelli Barclay fit the stage and was very impressive. The truly stunning costumes by Yale grad Wade Laboissonniere and hair and wig design by Cookie Jordan transported us back to a fashionable time. The scenic design by Yale grad Adrian W. Jones made this stage appear large enough to contain Dolly's big personality. The musicians in the pit sounded wonderful under the direction of Michael O' Flaherty.

The smallish cast worked together perfectly to tell the story of the brash matchmaker as she meddles professionally in the lives of others in 1890's New York. Cabaret diva Klea Blackhurst of course has the necessary singing voice to play Dolly Levi, but she also is a wonderful comedic actress. She cheerfully distributed her "business" cards to audience members during her entrance and had the audience in stitches while she finished her dinner at the Harmonia Gardens/courtroom. Best of all, she appeared to be having a wonderful time as she played the lead role.

Irene Malloy was played to perfection by the beautiful Ashley Brown. Yes, the Ashley Brown who originated the role of Mary Poppins on Broadway. This talented lady has an amazing voice and stage presence. Catherine Blades returns to Goodspeed to play   her employee Minnie.

The male members of the cast were just as strong. Tony Sheldon was perfectly blustery as Horace Vandergelder. Spencer Moses in his Goodspeed debut played Cornelius with charm and Jeremy Morse was adorable as his partner in crime Barnaby. Ensemble member Jack Doyle covered the roles of the head waiter and the judge, while Melodie Wolford was terrific as Mrs. Rose and Ernestina. The rest of the male cast members worked very hard as the waiters at the Harmonia Gardens and earned a long ovation in the second act.

I very much enjoyed the entire experience of attending my first show at the Goodspeed. The children in the wrap around balcony seats loved it; this is a G-rated musical that is perfect for young patrons. I'll always remember the very clever way that the ushers reminded audience members to silence their cell phones.