| In the original production in 1964, Ernestina was portrayed by Mary Jo Catlett as a warm, funny, bubbly character who was a friend of Dolly's, as I remember the role. She was a total delight, and Horace didn't quite know what to make of her. I have seen Dolly many times, and Ernestina was always played as a very sweet person the audience loved. I know Jennifer Simard gave the most praised performance in Disaster!, which I didn't see, so when I said I blame the director for what I thought was a very wrong interpretation of the part, I think the problem was with the direction, not with the performer, who is very talented. |
