| re: Barbra vs Carol in HELLO, DOLLY! |
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| Posted by: |
perfectlyfrank 12:17 pm EDT 04/02/14 |
| In reply to: |
re: Barbra vs Carol in HELLO, DOLLY! - Greg_M 11:46 am EDT 04/02/14 |
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The film of HELLO DOLLY while not perfect, is certainly not the worst movie musical ever made. Yes, Streisand was far too young and not at all right for the character of Dolly Gallagher...Levi. But she and Gene Kelly (the film's director) did all that they could to make her work in the role. And there is no doubt that she sang that score to perfection.
Still, what is lost is the sense of time passing by that an older actress could bring to the role. Even a physically aged 27-year old Streisand still projects an impulsivity of a 27 year old whereas Channing and, most especially, (the exceptional!) Shirley Booth, brought a more naturally well-worn and knowing charm to the role. As viewers, we see the life lived in their Dollys and underneath the meddling, we feel the ever presence of sorrow and a life lived. We also, importantly, see the significance of this return to life.
Interesting thought about casting Ball. I actually could see it except for the fact that she would have to...um...SING. Still, despite an imperfectly cast leading lady (no fault of her own), I still enjoy watching Streisand in HELLO DOLLY. She undoubtedly has star power and vocally is unsurpassed in the role but still, I find myself returning to the Booth film and seeing what is missed in the musical film and what lies at the heart of the piece.
I still would love to see Bernadette Peters do this role on Broadway.
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re: Barbra vs Carol in HELLO, DOLLY! - Dalmaniac 03:33 am EDT 04/04/14 |
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re: Barbra vs Carol in HELLO, DOLLY! - PlayWiz 11:53 pm EDT 04/02/14 |
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