On one hand, I can definitely see what you mean when you say that Betty “hardly exudes warmth and humor.” Her work onstage—and, of course, she will be onstage as Dolly—is often characterized by a chilliness and/or melancholy. These qualities are a crucial reason why many of her performances are so hauntingly indelible.
On the other hand, to “mainstream” audiences, Betty is probably most recognized for two roles that exemplify warmth: Abby (the kind stepmother) on Eight Is Enough, and Miss Collins (the kind gym teacher) in DePalma’s 1976 adaptation of Carrie. Yes, as a theatre person, when I think Betty Buckley, I first think of her epic longing as Grizabella, her baroque vulnerability as Norma Desmond, her frightening intensity as Margaret White, and her heartbreaking tentativeness as Hesione. But to television and film audiences, she’s probably most remembered as a kindhearted mother figure.
I don’t, however, know that there’s anything in Betty’s filmography or long list of stage credits that suggests she can pull off the broad sort of comedy that Dolly requires. The closest thing that comes to my mind is the short-lived revival of Dear World she headlined on the West End, which was...not a good fit.
I love that Betty is headlining a big show. She’s big theatre talent and deserves opportunities to have productions built around her, especially where the material is genuinely good. I’m trying to keep an open mind and reserve judgement. I hope she will surprise me. |
