BWW Reviews: BroadHollow's HELLO, DOLLY!

Hello Dolly!, the multi Tony award winning musical, is probably one every theatre fan should see. Fortunately, the classic theatre staple is the latest offering from the BroadHollow Theatre Company playing their BayWay Theatre until March 2nd continuing to their Elmont location beginning March 8th.

Leading the wonderful Timothy Conway directed cast is Long Island theatre vet Emily Nadler as our meddling matchmaker, Dolly Levi. It was apparent she had a great time with the role with the playful flirting and made an effort to truly connect with everyone on stage with her. Ms. Nadler also received many laughs from the packed audience as her "business cards" were handed out freely. A widow, Dolly affirms to begin her life again trying to find love for other people - in essence, as an agent. Dolly's biggest client, though, is herself.

Dolly meets well-known "half-a-millionaire" Horace Vandergelder portrayed by Gary Milenko. Vandergelder, a widower, is the successful proprietor of a hay and feed store and who Dolly vows to catch for herself. Mr. Milenko conveyed all the authoritative manner and angst a boss would have, but also contributed to some of the funniest moments of the performance.

The entire company seems to be enjoying their time in the show. Another uproarious highlight is Melissa Spinelli as Ernestina Money. She is one of Dolly's, shall we say, less than elegant clients. Also Nikki Schettino as Ermengarde, Horace's constantly crying niece, was entertaining as well. Rob Neil as Ermengarde's love Ambrose Kemper was also a delight. Kemper seeks to marry Ermengarde to no avail by the overprotective Horace.

The cast serve Jerry Herman's score well with beautiful performances of "Elegance", "It Takes a Woman", and the show's title song. Also, a heartfelt performance of "It Only Takes a Moment" is given by Ryan Nolin and Denise Antonelle as Cornelius Hackle and Irene Malloy. Cornelius is Horace's store clerk, but Dotty fixes Cornelius and Irene up. On the creative team, Bob Butterley's innovative set is well complimented by Jason Allyn's costumes.

So it seems BroadHollow has another hit on their hands with Hello Dolly!. A fun, classic show, a talented cast, and many laughs to be had make for a wonderful night of theatre.

Hello Dolly! is presented by the BroadHollow Theatre Company at the BayWay theatre through March 2nd . Continues to BroadHollow's Elmont location from March 8th through March 23rd. By Michael Stewart (Book) and Jerry Herman (Music & Lyrics), Direction and Choreography by Timothy Conway, Musical Direction by Gary Eisele, Set Design by Bob Butterley, Costume Design by Jason Allyn, Lighting Design by Hemraj Budhram, Stage Management by Nicole Wood. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 631-581-2700 or visit broadhollow.org.

Photo: Emily Nadler as Dolly Levi in BroadHollow's Hello Dolly! by Jennifer Jones.

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