The current Lamb’s Players Theatre production of Jerry Herman’s musical “Hello, Dolly!” just misses deserving its exclamation point, largely because actors playing the two most important characters cannot deliver the requisite vocal goods.
David Cochran Heath, who portrays wealthy bachelor Horace Vandergelder, might be forgiven because his acting is affecting, especially when he capitulates to the marital machinations of the matchmaking Dolly Levi (Kerry Meads).
Meads might be forgiven as well, for she deserves high praise for so carefully shepherding whatever vocal resources are available. Though others ” notably Carol Channing ” get away with the role on personality and quirkiness alone, Dolly requires of other interpreters a considerable vocal and dynamic range. For instance, Meads’ carefully produced, sotto voce “Before the Parade Passes By” is effective except it lacks the brass band vocalism one craves at the climax. She looks good in Jeanne Reith’s confectionary array of period costumes, and though she fails to fully establish Dolly’s warmth, charisma and mettle ” and thus plausible cause for the excitement over her return to Harmonia Gardens ” those seated around the critic in row F were smitten by her performance, which they pronounced wonderful.
The outstanding talent in the production performs secondary roles. Lance Arthur Smith, who has a sweet, clear tenor is quite marvelous as Cornelius Hackl, Vandergelder’s undervalued employee, and Steve Limones is appealing as Cornelius’ nebbish sidekick. Colleen Kollar Smith, Season Duffy and Leonard Patton also make significant contributions.
The male ensemble seemed a bit frayed, but it was Saturday night following a matinee and the Friday opening. Perhaps they were fatigued. Even the three revolves in Mike Buckley’s scenic design seemed to need a bit of grease.
With staging by Robert Smyth and musical direction by G. Scott Lacy, “Hello Dolly!” is based on Thornton Wilder’s play “The Matchmaker” and continues at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with matinees at 4 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through March 16 at Lamb’s Players Theatre main stage, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado.
For tickets and information, visit www.lambsplayers.org or call (619) 437-0600.