Arts & Entertainment
Channeling Channing
Broadway vet Opel a formidable presence in ‘Dolly’
Nancy Opel, center, as Dolly Levi with (from left) Jp Qualters, Harris Milgrim, Kyle Vaughn and Alex Puette in the Ford’s/Signature co-production of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ (Photo by Carol Rosegg, courtesy Ford’s Theatre)
‘Hello, Dolly!’
Through May 18
Ford’s Theatre
511 Tenth Street, NW
$15-90
800-982-2787
fords.org
It feels hard to imagine the musical “Hello, Dolly!” without Carol Channing in the title role. After originating the part on Broadway in 1964 and starring in two revivals, she made the part her own.
Yet director Eric Schaeffer’s new version now playing at Ford’s Theatre puts the raspy voiced blonde out of mind almost entirely. OK, maybe once or twice, you might momentarily miss Channing’s googly eyed mugging and over-the-top entrances, but on the whole, this charm-filled production (presented by Ford’s and Signature Theatre) fares splendidly despite the absence of Channing’s star wattage.
As the ever-resourceful Dolly Gallagher Levi, Broadway veteran Nancy Opel delivers presence, an appealing voice and honed comedic skills best demonstrated when she’s happily bulldozing the bad-tempered half-millionaire Horace Vandergelder (played by an aptly grouchy Edward Gero) into a marriage he doesn’t yet know he wants. Opel’s Dolly is less loopy than Channing’s syrupy sweet yenta, but she’s definitely entertaining. Plus, her Dolly is a woman you might actually recognize.
Based on Thornton Wilder’s play “The Matchmaker,” “Hello, Dolly!” celebrates the possibility of happiness and new beginnings. It’s very American. Set in 1890s New York City and Yonkers, the musical (book by Michael Stewart; music and lyrics by Jerry Herman) follows the maneuvers of life-loving Dolly as she improves her circumstances and along the way brings a little joy to those around her. Among those benefiting from Dolly’s machinations is widowed milliner Irene Molloy (Tracy Lynn Olivera) who — with Dolly’s assistance — finds love with never-been-kissed shop clerk Cornelius Hackl played by boyish blonde actor Gregory Maheu. Olivera’s gorgeous rendition of “Ribbons Down My Back” is one of the show’s high points.
Similarly, Dolly bolsters love matches involving Irene’s young assistant Minnie Fay and Cornelius’ self-conscious co-worker Barnaby Tucker (Lauren Williams and Zack Colonna), as well as Vandergelder’s hilariously miserable niece Ermengarde (Carolyn Cole) and her artist boyfriend Ambrose (Ben Lurye).
Ford’s Hello Dolly trailer
When Jerry Herman came to Washington to receive a Helen Hayes Tribute in 2005, the famed gay composer shared that his goal has always been to make audiences happy. Herman’s score indeed does just that — filled with hummable, enduring classics like “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,” “Elegance,” “Hello, Dolly!” and the stirring “Before the Parade Passes By,” it has long been an audience favorite. Herman also wrote, among others, the scores for megahits “Mame” and “La Cage Aux Folles.”
Celebrated for streamlining big musicals, Schaeffer (who is gay) has pared down his “Dolly” to a comparably small cast of 16, concentrating more on the show’s story and strong characters rather than spectacle. Adam Koch’s set is a rust-colored train station, the well-used link from Yonkers to the city and back, and though his set is spare, it’s filled with many beautiful things like Wade Laboissonniere’s gorgeous period costumes — plaid suits, bowlers, corseted slim silhouettes, outlandishly large hats — all realized in mostly muted tones; Karma Camp’s inventive, athletic choreography performed by an ensemble of graceful, top-notch dancers; the melodic strains of an on point, eight-man band led by the show’s musical director and keyboardist James Moore; and a spirited cast featuring a lot of local talent.
Earlier this year on a broadcast of “Radio 360,” comedian Sandra Bernhard talked about seeing “Hello, Dolly!” when she was a little girl. Bernhard remembered feeling she should be part of the cast. Then and there, she was ready to get on stage with Carol Channing and the show’s other bigger-than-life characters. Now it’s time for the next generation to get inspired by Ford’s “Hello, Dolly!” and join the parade.
The Victory Fund held its National Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, April 27. Speakers included Tim Gunn, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Music & Concerts
Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’
Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.
For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.
Friday, May 2
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Chang’s. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 3
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 4
“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“The Bubble: Queer Brooklyn Comics in DC” will be at 5 p.m. at As You Are. Queer comedians Charlie Flynn, Evan Lazarus and Keara Sullivan are coming down from NYC for a night of fun as they split an hour of standup comedy. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 5
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 6
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 7
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older queer women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 8
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
South Asian Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email [email protected].
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