See it if you want to be thoroughly entertained by a beautifully staged, danced, & sung classic stage musical. Bette Midler is incredible!
Don't see it if you don't like the occasional corny-ness of classic musicals, or don't like huge productions
See it if Great Music, Part of Musical Classic still enjoyable
Don't see it if If you do not like muscial
See it if You enjoy a good old fashioned musical with terrific performances by the entire cast. Bette Midler is made for this part.
Don't see it if You won't appreciate a terrific old fashioned musical.
See it if like traditional song and dance musicals. if you are a Bette Midler/Bernadette Peters fan.
Don't see it if You are looking for a new cutting edge musical and story. like contemporary theater. don't like Bette and/or Bernadette
See it if You remotely like Bette Midler, old school Broadway, or anything with class.
Don't see it if You prefer Hamilton or a more serious, thought-provoking dare.
See it if You love love love Bette. Masterful staging. Exquisite costumes. Wonderful acting, singing,dancing. A memorable night of theater. must see
Don't see it if You don’t like musicals and have no sense of humor
See it if You love Bette Midler because she is the main reason to see the show. It’s she who makes it soar.
Don't see it if You don’t care who is in it and don’t like old fashioned fluff musicals.
See it if You want to be totally entertained and love musicals and Bette Midler
Don't see it if You dont like musicals
"Peters does more than full justice to the character of Dolly...Still oozing her particular kewpie-doll charm and singular sex appeal, Peters enchants...Can still trot out a strong yet flexible voice...Her comic brilliance is a bit of a surprise; she manages to find many very funny moments, even in places even Midler couldn't find them...Bernadette Peters is back where she belongs on the Great White Way, and giving the performance of a lifetime!"
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“Jerry Zaks’ zingingly wonderful revival…For decades, Midler has known how to make the stage her own. She does so here…She makes every one of Jerry Herman’s cheerfully melodic tunes a tied-with-a-ribbon gift…Hyde Pierce bombasts beautifully…Baldwin is stunning and stately…Especially, and not to be forgotten, are the dancers and their tireless, athletic, work-like-play antics before, during and after the unforgettable title number.”
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“A bluntly nostalgic and volubly entertaining revival…If Midler once had the voice for the part, seven decades and eight shows a week have worn it into something a lot raspier...But the spirit of the show is so infectious, and Midler such an adored and adorable presence, that the audience applauds her at entrance, exit and several times in between…This relentless energy sometimes feels exhausting…But when it works, especially in the ensemble numbers, the show is a riotous delight."
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"Midler eats up the wild applause as if it is food to her soul and gives back as good as she gets...Is her voice perfect for this music? No...but she gets the intent across in spades. If you want a beautiful voice, look no further than Baldwin’s hauntingly gorgeous tones...This show is in every way over-the-top broad, campy, kitschy and corny, taking it all to a new level, but the genius of this production is everyone is on the same page thanks to Jerry Zaks."
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"The role of Dolly Gallagher Levi fits Midler like a glove. She captures Dolly’s energy, determination, vulnerability and humor effortlessly. Her voice is still a pleasure to hear and her dancing ain’t bad either...The producers cast the show profligately, splurged on lavish costumes and sets, excellent choreography, a large orchestra, and a top-notch director...Jerry Herman’s sturdy songs hold up very well. They don’t make shows like this anymore. For sheer entertainment, it is hard to beat."
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“Midler brings all of her considerable talents to bear in this scintillating revival…Director Jerry Zaks, Midler, and a superb company breathe new life into the old gal. Zaks and choreographer Warren Carlyle give the show speed and youthful energy…Though her voice is limited, she brings reams of subtext to each number…Hyde-Pierce’s ultra-stuffy Horace Vandergelder is the perfect foil for Midler’s life-embracing Dolly…This joyous ‘Hello, Dolly!’ is a loving salute to a past tradition.”
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“I myself am a fan of Midler who can, as a rule, act, sing, and commandeer a stage with one hand tied behind her back. In Director Jerry Zaks' production, however, acting has become self-conscious mugging…Not for a moment does one attribute any sympathetic emotion to a heroine more interested in playing to the crowd than her fellow characters. Whether from exhaustion, throat strain, or a cold tonight, Midler utilizes limited range, rarely holds a note and often misses one.”
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“Bette is acting the hell out of this part. A seasoned comedienne of the highest order, her timing is impeccable, her eyes glinting and mischievous, her instincts razor-sharp…Hyde Pierce likewise has audiences in the palm of his hand…Director Jerry Zaks leans all the way into the schmaltz-factor…If the whole giddy spectacle leaves you with an antsy sugar high, at least you’ll have gotten your money’s worth: This is the sort of candy you don’t mind getting stuck in your teeth.”
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