With an incredible stroke of luck (and two hour’s patience waiting in line for possible returns) I was able to pull off getting one of the best seats in the house tonight to see Hello Dolly! With an unobstructed view from the side aisle, breathtakingly close to the dancing and singing and scenery! And of course, the inimitable comedy and charisma of Midler herself. The Jewish matchmaker was spunky, endearing, generous, glowing, and hilarious with shtick and kitsch galore. And she sang the Hell out of the songs!
Why this show in 1964 became so key to my being onstage would be a long story. I know I played and played the Original Broadway Cast recording until you could practically hear the other side! I recall singing “Out There, There’s A World Outside Of Yonkers…” with the big dreams of a small-town boy. My school made a trip to see the beloved Carol Channing onstage, the ultimate deal-closer. We were all enthralled. Many other Dollys followed for me, then life went on. And here I was tonight with tears of joy, cheering, standing and stomping the floor amid a thousand very, very happy people!