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Theater review | ‘Hello, Dolly!’: Betty Buckley shines in expert…
Columbus with a legendary Broadway star.
Buoyed by the charisma, warmth, soulfulness and terrific singing/acting of Betty Buckley, theatergoers should thrill to the national tour of “Hello, Dolly!,” which opened Tuesday to repeated bursts of applause and laughter at the Ohio Theatre.
Yet, the entire ensemble is superb under the effervescent direction of Broadway director Jerry Zaks and the spritely choreography of Warren Carlyle.
The actors, directors and designers do justice not only to Jerry Herman’s tuneful score but also to Michael Stewart’s charmingly nostalgic book, grounded in the wit and wisdom of Thornton Wilder.
Together with Buckley, the strong supporting players and the nimble chorus propel “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” and lift the first-act finale, “Before the Parade Passes By,” to the heavens.
