Trowbridge Amateur Operatic Society.

Hello, Dolly - May 2005.

With music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman, this is not an easy show to stage having fourteen scenes to contend with.

The Music is delightful and was well sung.

The Orchestra played well but at times rather overpowered the singing.

It was unfortunate that at times the Black Tabs did not close fully which meant the audience were distracted by seeing the scene being et behind them. Also in the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant the Black Tab on stage right became snarled up, as a result I saw nothing of Ernestina at all.

The costumes from Marigold of Cardiff were fresh and bright and worn with distinction.

The dancing was most enjoyable and chorus movements were slick and well controlled.

CAST

Dolly - Felicity Courage.
This part was sustained well but I would have liked a little more light and shad in the voice. Movements were very good and the “Motherhood March” in Mrs. Molloy’s hat show was excellent.

Horace – Clive James.
Really understood this character and played it very well throughout.

Irene Molloy – Mari Webster
“Ribbons Down My Back” was beautifully sung. This was a delightful and believable characterization.

Cornelius – Chris Underwood.
A well sustained part with good easy flowing movements. “It only takes a Moment” is the hardest musical number to sing correctly because of the intermittent dialogue, but it was performed and timed to perfection.

Minnie Fay – Teresa Bray
This is a delightful part and Teresa did not miss a trick. Her facial expressions were always correct and her enthusiasm was most infectious. “Elegance” with Irene, Cornelius and Barnaby was the highlight of the production for me.

Barnaby – Craig Fisher
Another part played well. His dancing lesion was particularly well done and teamed with Cornelius well.

Ambrose – JP Christian
I have sometimes seen this part almost thrown away, but not this time. JP really made the most of everything and did it well.

Ernestina – Jane Keen
What a pity I could not see her big scene in Act 2 scene 3 which was not her fault.

Rudolph – Graham Billing
Very impressive

Judge – Dennis Oakman
A nice cameo part well done.

Mrs. Rose – Audrey Jordan
Another cameo not thrown away.

This was not quite the spectacular show it should have been, largely due to the proportions of the stage. A bold effort had been made with the scenery but this was not the lavish production it should have been. Director Phil courage made a fine effort to overcome many of the difficulties in staging this show but it lacked that something special.

Alec J. Ruddick.
N.O.D.A. Regional Representative.