By Keith Kreitman, Contributor
I doubt you will see a better musical on the Peninsula this season that Hillbarn Theatre’s “Hello, Dolly!”
Based on Thornton Wilder’s play, “The Matchmaker,” with a book by Michael Stewart and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, it is unquestionably Hillbarn’s best show since its production of “1776” a few years ago and is a joy from beginning to end.
Much of its success is due to the stunning performance of the lead character Dolly Levi by the company’s artistic director, Toni Tomei. Although she reluctantly undertook the role, she undoubtedly one of the best performers to ever trod the board of the 62-year-old company.
One needs to see her in the role to appreciate the nuances of quick-witted craftiness she adds to the character, things Barbara Streisand never even dreamed of in the movie version.
The result of the credit is due to the flexible sets, by Noah B. Veneklasen and stage direction by John Kirman, which create the illusion that the small stage is twice its size. Kirman’s efficient movement of his actors and dance choreography by Cornelia Helen Rinderknecht and Krista Samboy combine with the unbridled enthusiasm exploding from the cast to send the heart soaring.
The 1890s costume designs by Mae Heagarty- Matos add visual frosting to the confection.
Russ Bohard again proves himself a formidable performer as Horace Vandergelder, the “half-millionaire who has at least $60,00,” whom the widowed, impoverished, but ever-resourceful marriage broker Dolly connives to real in for herself.
A surprise success is Alan Phinney, a frequent performer at Hillbarn, who finally gets a chance to show hios first-rate acting and singing chops as Cornelius Hackl, the 33-year-old used and abused head clerk who has never gotten a day off at the pinch-penny Vndergelder’s Yonker’s feed store.
As Barnaby Tucker, his 17-year-old fellow store clerk, Brandon Bond suggests a young Gene Kelly.
Maureen Quintana Broome wraps a beautiful singing voice about the rich role of milliner Irene Molloy, the original target of Vandergelder’s unromantic search for a wife. (Being eminently practical, he seeks someone to keep his house clean and take out the garbage. She is supported by beautiful Valerie Ann Bubb as her employee, Minnie Fay.
Heather Galli is Vandergelder’s niece, the emotionally uncontrolled Ermengard, whose love interest is artist Ambrose Kemper (Danny Martin).
Mike Rock puts in a funny bit as Hugo, the German head waiter or “the posh Harmonia Gardens Restaurant in New York City, where all the intrigue comes to a head in a madcap singing and dancing frenzy by all, including the waiters and cooks.
Sheila Larsen is a scene stealer as a tipsy Ernestina, whom Dolly uses as a marriage decoy in her own devious plan for conquering Vandergelder.
Some of the support cast play multiple roles and the production is loaded with enthusiastic performers, from the older adults to cute-as-a-button little Riley Costello.
Of course, the high point of the evening is the now immortal song “Hello, Dolly!” and the audience is cleverly drawn into the singing.
I guarantee you will be singing “Hello, Dolly!” all the way home.
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