No 974 Monday 5th - Sunday 11th June 2023
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nce 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.
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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.
DOLLY, IT’S SO NICE TO HAVE YOU BACK.
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.
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