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Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be...
Posted by: AC126748 10:20 am EST 02/12/18

Betty Buckley
Link https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-Broadway-Legend-Betty-Buckley-Will-Lead-National-Tour-of-HELLO-DOLLY-20180212
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re: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be...
Posted by: IvyLeagueDropout 11:12 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be... - AC126748 10:20 am EST 02/12/18

Haters can hate all they want. Betty Buckley will deliver a knock-out performance in the show. She will sing the hell out of it, and her acting will be pitch perfect. Some have noted that she doesn't seem to convey humor or warmth in her performances. I would suggest that most of the performances we know her for did not call for those two characteristics. Audiences in cities all over the country will love her, and they will be getting a bona fide Broadway star and legend.

Yes, her casting is a bit outside the box. But if there is one major role in the canon that is made for each star to make it their own with their own skill set, it is Dolly. She will be a huge hit in a huge hit. And seconding a point somewhere else in this thread: Sally Struthers would be amazing as well, and I hope she replaces Buckley after her run is over.
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re: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be...
Posted by: Chazwaza 11:34 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be... - IvyLeagueDropout 11:12 pm EST 02/12/18

Thank you for letting us know your decision! It must be nice to be able to see into the future.
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re: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be...
Posted by: robert_j 05:43 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be... - AC126748 10:20 am EST 02/12/18

I think the quality of Buckley's voice has caused her to be cast in heavier material, but that doesn't mean she can't play something lighter. I think of her as being somewhat eccentric, not harsh, which could work well with the character. I actually don't see the casting as much different from Donna Murphy, to be honest, who did not seem a natural fit for Dolly either, but apparently worked very well.
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re: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be...
Posted by: PatrickThomas 01:46 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be... - AC126748 10:20 am EST 02/12/18

I just tweeted that I think even Lea DeLaria might have been a better casting choice than Ms. Buckley. I appreciate her talent, have seen her in Cats, at Davies Hall in SF, and at the Rrazz Room (now Feinstein's), but she just doesn't seem like a Dolly to me.
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Put me squarely in the "Huh?!?" Camp...
Posted by: HadriansMall 01:38 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be... - AC126748 10:20 am EST 02/12/18

I love Betty Buckley. I've seen her many times on stage - both in musical theatre roles and in cabaret. There is nothing about anything I've ever seen her do that indicates (to me) that she will excel in this role. I'm concerned that she will bring far too much gravitas to the role. I'm just imagining her "Before The Parade Passes By." Huh?
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re: Put me squarely in the "Huh?!?" Camp...
Posted by: KingSpeed 06:05 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: Put me squarely in the "Huh?!?" Camp... - HadriansMall 01:38 pm EST 02/12/18

This is what people said about Audra as Billie Holliday and DHP as Horace. These are ACTORS people! Actors have range beyond what you've seen them in. Betty is a great actress. She will be wonderful.
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re: Put me squarely in the "Huh?!?" Camp...
Posted by: JereNYC (JereNYC@aol.com) 04:22 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: Put me squarely in the "Huh?!?" Camp... - HadriansMall 01:38 pm EST 02/12/18

However she did it, Buckley excelled at the light comedy of TRIUMPH OF LOVE back in the '90's, and even got a Tony nomination for her effort.

That role is a far cry from Dolly, but it did involve Buckley playing a character who comes to realize that the life she's designed for herself isn't what she wants anymore and that she's ready to leave it all behind for a chance at love.

And she did indeed bring the house down with her famous curtain line.
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i just hope it will be Jerry Zaks directing her
Last Edit: Chazwaza 01:43 pm EST 02/12/18
Posted by: Chazwaza 01:40 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: Put me squarely in the "Huh?!?" Camp... - HadriansMall 01:38 pm EST 02/12/18

Rather than Jerry there for a week with the Associate Director doing most of the work with her. If she is capable of doing this role, she is going to need a good amount of rehearsal with the *actual* director of the show, and someone with the experience to get it out of her consistently.

(of course until Dolly, he hasn't directed anything really good on Broadway since 1995/96... and has had a slew of bad shows since then, even ones that seemed obviously suited to him, but I have to assume he is still good... as the success of this revival would presumably show)
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re: i just hope it will be Jerry Zaks directing her
Posted by: schlepper 05:03 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: i just hope it will be Jerry Zaks directing her - Chazwaza 01:40 pm EST 02/12/18

"(of course until Dolly, he hasn't directed anything really good on Broadway since 1995/96... and has had a slew of bad shows since then, even ones that seemed obviously suited to him, but I have to assume he is still good... as the success of this revival would presumably show)"

What "slew of bad shows since then" are you referring to? He's had one show open since DOLLY --- and that was METEOR SHOWER --- which received mostly respectable reviews.
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re: i just hope it will be Jerry Zaks directing her
Posted by: Ann 05:25 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: i just hope it will be Jerry Zaks directing her - schlepper 05:03 pm EST 02/12/18

What "slew of bad shows since then" are you referring to?

Since 1995/96, I think.
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re: i just hope it will be Jerry Zaks directing her
Posted by: Chazwaza 05:27 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: i just hope it will be Jerry Zaks directing her - Ann 05:25 pm EST 02/12/18

Yes you're right (I think that's fairly clear in how it's written).
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re: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be...
Posted by: LegitOnce 11:36 am EST 02/12/18
In reply to: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be... - AC126748 10:20 am EST 02/12/18

Presumably Sally Struthers wanted too much money.
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re: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be...
Posted by: winters 11:37 am EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be... - LegitOnce 11:36 am EST 02/12/18

It's Monday morning.......I'm not quite awake.....is this serious or humourous?
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truly bizarre
Last Edit: Chazwaza 11:03 am EST 02/12/18
Posted by: Chazwaza 11:01 am EST 02/12/18
In reply to: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be... - AC126748 10:20 am EST 02/12/18

I adore Betty Buckley and I'll definitely be seeing the tour with her... BUT that being said, she is 70, and not a particularly agile 70. We are really stretching the creduility of this character casting a 70 year old (who isn't Carol Channing recreating her original performance) - who are they casting as Horace, James Earl Jones?
Furthermore, of all the Broadway icons she is perhaps the LEAST suited to this role in terms of personality and voice and presence. And beyond that, I'm not sure she has a very big audience outside NYC. I can't imagine what they were thinking with this casting... but okay...
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I vote for Lea Delaria AND James Earl Jones
Posted by: vegas 03:00 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: truly bizarre - Chazwaza 11:01 am EST 02/12/18

THAT I would pay to see.
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re: I vote for Lea Delaria AND James Earl Jones
Posted by: 37Rubydog 05:48 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: I vote for Lea Delaria AND James Earl Jones - vegas 03:00 pm EST 02/12/18

Ha! I second Lea....but in case she is too busy for the lead - she would make a lovely Ernestina.
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re: I vote for Lea Delaria AND Brian Stokes Mitchell
Posted by: Clancy 08:34 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: I vote for Lea Delaria AND James Earl Jones - 37Rubydog 05:48 pm EST 02/12/18

That's a GREAT idea. Lea DeLaria would be terrific!
And would love to see Brian Stokes Mitchell.
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re: I vote for Marin Mazzie AND Jason Danieley
Posted by: Clancy 08:38 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: I vote for Lea Delaria AND Brian Stokes Mitchell - Clancy 08:34 pm EST 02/12/18

If I'm dream casting!
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I vote for Carolee Carmello and Brent Carver!
Posted by: Chazwaza 08:55 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: I vote for Marin Mazzie AND Jason Danieley - Clancy 08:38 pm EST 02/12/18

I think they'd be sensational.
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Isn't Dolly supposed to be funny?
Last Edit: PlayWiz 11:59 am EST 02/12/18
Posted by: PlayWiz 11:55 am EST 02/12/18
In reply to: truly bizarre - Chazwaza 11:01 am EST 02/12/18

While Buckley has a great steely voice, I've never seen her in anything where she demonstrated much in the way of comedy or humor (other than her character having a hissy fit or two in "Drood"). I'd actually love to see Sally Struthers' Dolly.
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re: Isn't Dolly supposed to be funny?
Posted by: Michael_Portantiere 02:11 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: Isn't Dolly supposed to be funny? - PlayWiz 11:55 am EST 02/12/18

Sally Struthers was GREAT as Dolly when I saw her in it on tour.
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re: or at least have warmth
Posted by: SQ 01:17 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: Isn't Dolly supposed to be funny? - PlayWiz 11:55 am EST 02/12/18

Look I am a Betty Buckley, but I simply cannot imagine her being right for this role.

stage mom monster in Gypsy yes.
warm matchmaker in Hello Dolly no.
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re: or at least have warmth
Posted by: BruceinIthaca 02:41 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: or at least have warmth - SQ 01:17 pm EST 02/12/18

I've always wanted to meet "a Betty Buckley"!
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re: or at least have warmth
Posted by: Chazwaza 01:35 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: or at least have warmth - SQ 01:17 pm EST 02/12/18

Ha - wasn't she supposedly too lacking in warmth, too unlikable and harsh in Gypsy and that's part of why they didn't let it transfer?

We've seen her be something other than monster - 1776, Drood (ego monster for part of it, but not the same thing), Elegies... Grey Gardens (though I did find her disappointing in some important aspects of that character), in Cats she's not a "monster". But none of what is required in these roles have much to do with what's required for Dolly.

Maybe she's never had the chance to show us, that doesn't mean she can't do it. I'm just surprised they're letting her try it in the first national tour of Hello Dolly, that's all.
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re: truly bizarre
Posted by: TGWW 11:19 am EST 02/12/18
In reply to: truly bizarre - Chazwaza 11:01 am EST 02/12/18

I know there are people here that have no idea that life exists beyond West 45th Street but Miss Buckley co-starred in the very successful television show "Eight is Enough" and has a major role in a bonafide classic "Carrie" among her film work. She has an audience and she will knock their socks off.
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re: truly bizarre
Posted by: bmc 02:38 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: truly bizarre - TGWW 11:19 am EST 02/12/18

Was it Ethan Mordden who said that of all the Broadway Dollys, the one who came closest to the character in terms of personal warmth was Betty Grable, who was not necessarily as memorable as Channing or Merman....I think Miss Buckley will be wonderful and I'm looking forward to seeing her; If you think it's not promising casting, you don't have to attend(or you could send a friend to 'scout' the production in advance)....They should just cast a good actress. Would you demand an actual psychotic to play Norma Desmond?
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re: truly bizarre
Posted by: Michael_Portantiere 02:16 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: truly bizarre - TGWW 11:19 am EST 02/12/18

"I know there are people here that have no idea that life exists beyond West 45th Street but Miss Buckley co-starred in the very successful television show "Eight is Enough" and has a major role in a bonafide classic "Carrie" among her film work. "

This seems to me a very odd and unnecessarily snarky comment, as people who are heavily into Broadway also have access to television and movies.
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re: truly bizarre
Last Edit: Chazwaza 02:28 pm EST 02/12/18
Posted by: Chazwaza 02:27 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: truly bizarre - Michael_Portantiere 02:16 pm EST 02/12/18

It was unnecessarily snarky, especially considering how out of touch the poster is if they think Buckley is selling tickets because of a forgettable tv show that is never seen or referenced anymore and has been off the air for 35 years, or a movie she wasn't even the breakout star of from 42 years ago (classic though it is, it's not like it's Sound of Music or Mrs. Doubtfire in terms of it's play).

If they are hoping to exploit that they'd have a better shot with Suzanne Somers, Delta Burke, or Kirstie Alley or as I suggested already, Phylicia Rashad. I have a feeling they are not depending on old tv shows and their fan bases for this casting choice. (and I acknowledge all of those actresses are much better known and their shows were bigger hits than Buckley/Eight is Enough, which was purposeful)
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re: truly bizarre
Posted by: NewsGuy 11:51 am EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: truly bizarre - TGWW 11:19 am EST 02/12/18

I don't disagree she has some recognition and an audience, the problem is we just see her doing....something that isn't this.

Hell, she could have done the "Cats" revival - didn't even need to put on the make up, just come out as herself, sing "Memory," and get the hell off the stage. House would have been full every night. But with "Hello, Dolly," I guess we just aren't seeing that.
That being said, of course, I'd love for her to be fantastic and make it worth a trip to Boston, Philadelphia, or Washington D.C. to catch the tour. Wait and see, I guess.
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re: truly bizarre
Posted by: LegitOnce 11:35 am EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: truly bizarre - TGWW 11:19 am EST 02/12/18

So she's going to sell tickets on the basis of a supporting role in a movie released more than 40 years ago and a TV series that was canceled early in the first Reagan administration?
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re: truly bizarre
Posted by: Chazwaza 12:52 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: truly bizarre - LegitOnce 11:35 am EST 02/12/18

Honestly! And it's not as if it was called "The Betty Buckley Show" or as if she was known by name for her role in the Carrie movie. I think some people really lean into the delusion that enough people really remember things like that and are willing to spend top dollar to see that actor do whatever role.

I think what happened her is that they know most people will buy tickets because it's "Hello Dolly", and to ensure it's profitable they couldn't pay a bigger more sure-fire name star to do a tour, so they went with someone that probably won't discourage anyone who already wanted to come, and might encourage some just to see a (relatively lesser-known) broadway diva.

However I do not think this is one of those combinations that will have people, even the ones who know her work, saying "oh my god that's PERFECT! I MUST see that!"

I am going for sure because I will go with friends, and I'm *curious* about Buckley's performance in it... but not because it's a such a dynamite pairing. Nonetheless I am excited! At least it'll be different than Bette and Bernadette, both of whom I'll have seen before I see the tour.
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Eight is enough premiered 40 years ago in 1977
Last Edit: dramedy 11:35 am EST 02/12/18
Posted by: dramedy 11:34 am EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: truly bizarre - TGWW 11:19 am EST 02/12/18

Ended in 81. Hardly a series or role on most Americans radar these days.
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And does it matter?
Posted by: Ann 12:07 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: Eight is enough premiered 40 years ago in 1977 - dramedy 11:34 am EST 02/12/18

Tours rarely have names/stars and it's possible the buzz created by the Broadway production will continue on for touring cities, even without a name like Bette or Bernadette.
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I posted that last week
Posted by: dramedy 03:19 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: And does it matter? - Ann 12:07 pm EST 02/12/18

It's most likely in subscription houses and has a locked in minimum return. It's part of San Fran best of Broadway series.

As for me, I saw carol 3 times and Bette once and Donna Murphy once. The part requires a larger than life persona in my opinion. I won't be seeing the tour.
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Yes, all those people who subscribed so they could get Hamilton tickets that season, this season, next, or beyond
Posted by: Ann 03:22 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: I posted that last week - dramedy 03:19 pm EST 02/12/18

I wonder how long they'll stick around, once Hamilton goes through (another discussion, I know).

I don't think it's beyond all reason that Buckley could do a fine job. She's actually a bigger name than I thought they'd get for the tour.

I was just telling someone over the weekend about seeing Victoria Clark as Dolly (I thought she was quite good), and he said he thought she lacked the warmth necessary. It can work.
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re: And does it matter?
Posted by: Chazwaza 12:55 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: And does it matter? - Ann 12:07 pm EST 02/12/18

True, and this should not have been expected to be an exception, especially with such a hit title and revival as Hello Dolly.

However my surprise isn't so much that it's someone without a recognizable name to the larger audiences, but more that it's someone so seemingly mis-matched with the role and the needs of the show. Especially on the road.
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re: And does it matter?
Posted by: AC126748 12:28 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: And does it matter? - Ann 12:07 pm EST 02/12/18

Buckley is certainly known among those who follow theater, and I'm sure she has a residual fan base from her decades in film and television.

There are also plenty of people who are going to see HELLO DOLLY because it's HELLO DOLLY, with no regard for who's in the lead.

Doesn't that just about cover everyone?
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re: And does it matter?
Posted by: Chazwaza 01:03 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: And does it matter? - AC126748 12:28 pm EST 02/12/18

No, certainly not. There are, I would think, a TON of people who would go IF someone they love is doing it -- be that Reba, or Patricia Heaton (just pulling that out of nowhere), or Felicia Rashad... people who might not know Hello Dolly (I know, sounds crazy, but unless you saw/like the movie (as I do), or have gone to a school or regional production of the show since the 60s, or saw one of the limited Channing revivals, it's very possible you do not know the show at all except perhaps by name and therefor have no specific impetus to see it, especially if it's expensive), those people might not bother if it's not starring someone they know/like/care about/have heard of. A LOT of people do not know the work of Buckley or even know her by name to know she is an acclaimed broadway star.

So while a lot of the potential audience comes from people just going because of the title, or those who would know Buckley, I think they are taking a risk with the casting. I appreciate the risk because I'm curious to see this take on the role. But it certainly doesn't fit the mold they've created from the casting in NYC.
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re: Eight is enough premiered 40 years ago in 1977
Posted by: CCentero 11:48 am EST 02/12/18
In reply to: Eight is enough premiered 40 years ago in 1977 - dramedy 11:34 am EST 02/12/18

She wasn't the star or the breakout star of either Eight is Enough or Carrie by any stretch of the imagination. Eight is Enough is hardly an enduring hit of any stature.

She has done a fair amount of regional theatre and concert work throughout the country. A fair amount of visitors to New York--the core road audience--have seen her in Cats, Sunset, Drood, etc. Along with her great voice on well-loved cast albums, there is some name recognition going for her. They're going with someone who can perform the part, who usually pulls very good reviews.
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re: truly bizarre
Posted by: MockingbirdGirl 11:14 am EST 02/12/18
In reply to: truly bizarre - Chazwaza 11:01 am EST 02/12/18

I adore Betty Buckley and I'll definitely be seeing the tour with her... BUT that being said, she is 70, and not a particularly agile 70. We are really stretching the creduility of this character casting a 70 year old... - who are they casting as Horace, James Earl Jones?

Ummm... isn't Bette Midler 72? Isn't Bernadette Peters also nearly 70? So in fact, this casting is exactly in line with the standard established by this production, right?
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it's not the actual age really...
Last Edit: Chazwaza 12:47 pm EST 02/12/18
Posted by: Chazwaza 12:44 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: truly bizarre - MockingbirdGirl 11:14 am EST 02/12/18

No, the standard established with the production is either recognizable super star names like Bette Midler or Bernadette Peters (say what you will about her ability to sell tickets she is a beloved household name with decades of acclaimed and popular work on stage, movies and tv, which can't really be said for Betty - even though she's had success in all 3, she never became a star name like BP did) who are technically perhaps too old for the character but do not appear to be or move like they are in their 70s. Donna Murphy, the only other woman to play it in this production, is only 58 and looks to be in her 40s on stage, early 50s at most.

I really don't mean to sound ageist, it's much more about what they give off more than what they actually are.

And as another poster pointed out, Bette and Bernadette have made a career of being fun and warm and joyful and emotional but not so much angry, like Dolly... this also makes them seem younger than they might actually be, I think. Buckley has made a career of playing monsters or stern, steely, angry, ego-driven people for the most part. I'm not saying she can't do it, she's very very talented and certainly has range, I'm saying it's bizarre casting for the national tour of Hello Dolly.

And even if age were an issue, for some people it doesn't matter - like Bette and Bernadette even, and Channing in her too-old-but-who-cares Dolly revivals... I just don't think Betty Buckley is in that category with most audiences.
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re: it's not the actual age really...
Posted by: JohnDunlop 09:33 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: it's not the actual age really... - Chazwaza 12:44 pm EST 02/12/18

I have seen Bette Buckley in Concert twice a) where she sang big diva songs at Carnegie Hall; (b) quiet and more intimate songs with a touch of humor at UCLA.
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re: truly bizarre
Posted by: LegitOnce 11:37 am EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: truly bizarre - MockingbirdGirl 11:14 am EST 02/12/18

The difference is that neither Midler nor Peters built their careers on playing strident monsters.
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re: truly bizarre
Posted by: BruceinIthaca 12:28 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: truly bizarre - LegitOnce 11:37 am EST 02/12/18

Well, I doubt tour audiences will be thinking of her Margaret White or Norma Desmond, to be fair. I love her voice and there is great range of emotion in her concert recordings. Warmth is not a word that leaps to mind, but I am excited to see what she does (and I saw both Channing in 95 in the Chicago stop of the tour and Midler last October). She may be closer to Streisand, but age appropriate, and a better actress overall than Streisand.

I suspect it's the title that will sell tickets. It hasn't toured (IIRC) since Channing's final outing with it, over two decades ago, and the title promises a fun evening in the theatre for audiences--and tour audiences are used to having people they've never heard of, let alone someone who has some name value, like Buckley.

Maybe James Avory could play Horace! And Cornelius? And Barnaby? And Minnie? And Mrs. Rose!
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re: truly bizarre
Posted by: charles1055 11:10 am EST 02/12/18
In reply to: truly bizarre - Chazwaza 11:01 am EST 02/12/18

Perhaps they're thinking that despite your ageism "you'll definitely be seeing the tour with her."
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re: truly bizarre
Posted by: Chazwaza 12:38 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: truly bizarre - charles1055 11:10 am EST 02/12/18

Oh don't be daft, obviously I'm one of the musical theater devotees that would probably have seen it regardless of who was in it... and who would see a Broadway diva in almost anything. I'm talking about the mainstream audience who they are depending on spending $65-110 a pop (presumably) and filling the house in each city to make this tour as profitable as possible.

And how is it ageist to observer her actual age? Dolly Levi was originated by Channing when she was *43* ... even playing older than she was, the character is not meant to be THIS old. And yes, Midler is 72... but she is a much more spry 72 than from what I've observed from Buckley. I hope I'm wrong and that she is in better physical condition than she seemed to be before. I mean I worked with her 12 years ago and I couldn't imagine her doing what Bette did on stage even then. But again, I could be wrong.
The point wasn't her actual age, but how she comes off and her mobility as a person that age. Bette didn't seem 72 when she played it, I would have believed she was in her mid 50s. Same with Bernadette. And Donna Murphy is 58 but looks late 40s on stage still.
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re: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be...
Posted by: NewsGuy 10:26 am EST 02/12/18
In reply to: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be... - AC126748 10:20 am EST 02/12/18

Whoa.

Not what I expected. At all.
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re: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be...
Posted by: winters 10:38 am EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be... - NewsGuy 10:26 am EST 02/12/18

Definitely did not predict this casting.....and....

I'm not so sure though.....and that can be a reflection of my limited imagination. Ms. Buckley is quite talented..... My only caveat is.... I've always enjoyed seeing her work....and have been an admirer since 1776. As much as I enjoy seeing her perform.....I've hated most of her solo CD's. I hate when she 'jazzes' up Broadway standards. As long as she is restrained by a director..... There is hope.
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With Derek Jacobi as Horace?
Posted by: aislestorm 12:09 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: Just announced: Dolly on the national tour will be... - winters 10:38 am EST 02/12/18

What are they thinking?
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re: With Derek Jacobi as Horace?
Posted by: Ann 12:33 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: With Derek Jacobi as Horace? - aislestorm 12:09 pm EST 02/12/18

Did you say that when Midler (who I think is older) was cast?
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re: With Derek Jacobi as Horace?
Last Edit: Chazwaza 01:15 pm EST 02/12/18
Posted by: Chazwaza 01:09 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: With Derek Jacobi as Horace? - Ann 12:33 pm EST 02/12/18

Bette does not appear or play 70s, and nor does Bernadette (and certainly not Donna who isn't even 60). In my opinion at least, Buckley does. And beyond that, from what we've seen, I'm saying and I'm sure most would agree, Bette and Bernadette both bring a youthful positivity, joy, humor and life to the roles they do -- Buckley, though possibly capable of that, isn't known for that, which contributes to this.

Beyond that, Bette is a global star, a legendary top recording artist and movie star with Grammys, Emmys, Golden Globes, a Tony and two Oscar nominations prior to doing Dolly, who can command huge advanced sales with ticket prices higher than almost any other show ever done. To compare the two in terms of what plays and what audiences see or go with for them is a bit bonkers... Bette could have probably done this show at 80 years old and still had a sold out run.

Either way, I'm routing for Betty and I'll be there to see it.
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re: With Derek Jacobi as Horace?
Posted by: lowwriter 01:14 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: re: With Derek Jacobi as Horace? - Chazwaza 01:09 pm EST 02/12/18

I like Buckley but she doesn't seem quite right for the part. But it hardly matters. I won't be attending the tour.
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Is this for real? How about Sian Phillips as Dolly then?
Posted by: PlayWiz 12:27 pm EST 02/12/18
In reply to: With Derek Jacobi as Horace? - aislestorm 12:09 pm EST 02/12/18

I thought her Livia along with Jacobi on"I, Claudius"; she was one of the greatest villainesses ever but with a sense of humor, plus saw her do "Pal Joey" years ago. She was very good and funny as Vera.
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