Once again, the talented company that is Studio32 took over the Cardenal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio last week to put on their much anticipate enactment of ‘Hello Dolly’ a turn of the century tale that centres around Dolly Levi, a New York City matchmaker, and as I write this review three days after attending I am still in absolute awe.
I thoroughly loved the production. The music, the humour, the timing, the energy, the choreography, the colours, all made for a night of pure enjoyment. Such a pity that the opening night was played to a half empty theatre although I’m delighted to say that subsequent performances were much better supported, culminating on Saturday with a complete ‘sell out’. And so it should have been. This was Studio32’s best yet.
And what an accomplishment by Maxine McAleenon in the role of Dolly Levi. Given how many great actresses have played Dolly, she absolutely nailed the role. Her exquisite voice, her timing, and seasoned presence made her such a lovable character; such an exuberant talent in a role she could have been born to play.
Surrounding Dolly was a cast of characters with a multitude of problems, particularly in the love department where they sought Dolly’s sage advice. She helps them win their heart’s desires and in turn, helps herself to the biggest catch of all, Horace Vandergelder, played superbly by Andy Kirkwood, the tightest millionaire in all of Yonkers.
All the main actors are solid and Richie Lucy is especially delightful, taking the opportunity to show off his many talents in the role of store clerk “Cornelius Hacker” where he was able to demonstrate his impressive comedic and dancing chops. In his Studio32 debut, Jude Houghton as “Barnaby Tucker” was equally worthy as his partner in crime.
I was delighted to see Lydia Kay propelled from her normal ‘bit part’ role to that of “Irene Molloy.” She has a beautiful voice that resonates with sadness and hope. Bodil Holberg was hysterical as “Minnie Fay” and had the audience in stitches with her antics, while Paige Leigh Charlton in the role of cry baby Ermengarde, the young niece of Horace Vandergelder, had me chuckling every time she appeared on stage.
The supporting cast are very talented. I can’t imagine how much work went into producing the wonderful costumes and the scenery, and the show was a treat from beginning to end. The staging was simple and effective, and it didn’t distract from the wonderful songs and choreography. Even though I’ve loved the score for decades, I felt like I was hearing some of the songs for the first time.
Andy Kirkwood, who played the part of Horace said “this is the best set of principals and ensemble that I have ever worked with. It was all down to the three magicians, our Director Kevin Spicer, Musical Director Nicole Casey and Choreographer Lindsey Walker”.
For my part I feel that everybody involved in the production should be heartily congratulated. It really was a ‘stand out’ show, a classic with a big C. It was a night of colour, song and laughter, radiating joy from start to finish.
