What would the holiday season be without its traditions? Milwaukee is luckier than most this holiday season, since it's being honored with a rousing production of Hello, Dolly! Though Dolly's script won't overtax anyone's brain cells, it is a pure delight in the capable hands of Skylight Opera Theater. Chicago-based director Marc Robin chooses to honor tradition, not to tweak it, as one might be tempted to do almost 40 years after the play first opened. Robin strictly adheres to the original script, which pits meddling Dolly Levi against wealthy, cantankerous Horace Vandergelder. Although some lines do creak with age, it is a small detriment to an otherwise enjoyable evening. Paula Scrofano and John Reeger, accomplished Chicago-based actors who are married in real-life, make a strong impression as Dolly and Horace. They have softened their characters to the point where rough edges have virtually vanished. However, the result is charming, not bland. It's no wonder Horace falls for Dolly instead of the younger and, in one case, prettier, women who are marched out for his approval.
Scrofano has her work cut out for her. This show is indelibly associated with Carol Channing, who still appears as Dolly during occasional touring revivals. Paula is far more diminutive than the nearly six-foot Channing. But the five-foot, four-inch Scrofano is so engaging onstage that thoughts of Channing barely surface. One instantly responds to Scrofano's warmth and charm. The songs are one of the strongest aspects of this classic piece of musical theater. In addition to the show-stopping title song, there's "Put On Your Sunday Clothes," "Before the Parade Passes By" and "It Only Takes a Moment."
In a departure from past Skylight productions, the acting outshines the singing, although voices are adequate. Still, one wishes for more vocal power in the chorus. Six waiters are not really enough to carry "The Waiter's Gallop." However, this is not Robin's fault (he's also choreographer). He does impeccable work with his actors, and one wishes him a swift return to Milwaukee theaters.
The bulk of the show's budget obviously was allocated to other areas, such as paying veteran actors such as the Reegers, and the fabulous costumes. The beautifully adorned cast radiates in a Victorian-themed collection of pastel colors, which are arranged with artful precision by costume designer Gregory Slawko. In addition to the Reegers, a number of fine performances can be seen in the supporting cast. Milwaukee favorite Tony Clements, who starred in last year's Skylight production of Floyd Collins, lends his expert touch to Cornelius Hackl, the hapless feed store clerk. Brett Ryback nicely fills the shoes of Cornelius' comic counterpart, Barnaby.
As for the women, Roberta Duchak is an attractive and confident Irene Molloy, a hat shop owner, and Molly Rhode delights as her assistant, the fizzy-headed Minnie Fay. Jonathan West cuts a fine figure as a restaurant's major domo. As Rudolph, he convincingly doubles his true age and size to convey Rudolph's mature, European charm. The pit orchestra deserves credit for performing superbly under Richard Carsey's excellent direction. Hello, Dolly! is sure to be a memorable treat for audiences of all ages.
