Brogan: Welcome Back, 'Dolly'!!

If you ask someone their take on "Hello, Dolly" you'll probably get dozens of replies, often dependent upon the age of the person you ask.

"Hello, Dolly" was, for a while, the longest running musical in Broadway history, checking in at over 2,800 performances. The original production also won a then-record 10 Tony Awards including one for Carol Channing who originated the role in that original production.

Others might recall a more recent production starring Bette Midler, which broke a number of records on the Great White Way a couple of years back.

Some might dismiss it as a one song show and indeed the title tune in a 1964 recording by Louis Armstrong had the distinction of unseating the Beatles from the number one spot on the recording charts. The title song was also used, with altered lyrics, as the campaign song for Lyndon Johnson in 1964 during his run for president.

Along the way, "Hello, Dolly" was also turned into a major motion picture by 20th Century Fox. When it was released 50 years ago, in 1969, it had the distinction of being the most costly musical film made up to that time. It won several Oscars and was nominated for several others. However, in an era when moviegoing habits and tastes were radically changing, it found itself a little out of step for the time.

The great news, however, is that "Hello, Dolly", the film, has aged far better than a lot of better known films released during that same time period. In fact, "Hello, Dolly" has an ageless exuberance, spirit and look that makes it one of the most enjoyable musical film experiences ever turned out by Hollywood.

After being released in major cities in the waning months of 1969, "Hello, Dolly" didn't make its way to Concord until late in the summer of 1970. It played the Capitol Theatre. For most Concord audiences, their only experience with "Dolly" in the years since was a justly celebrated version put on by the Community Players and Concord and starring Betty Abbott whose performance had one critic saying the show should be renamed, "Hello, Betty"

Almost a year ago, a group of film buffs with impeccable taste decided it would be appropriate to mark the 50th anniversary of the release of the 1968 film, "Funny Girl". Led by the infatigable Jim Webber and Michael Von Redlich as well as a handful of other passionate film lovers and sponsors, "Funny Girl" was one of the film events of 2018. Red River Theatres was packed to overflowing by a very enthusiastic audience that applauded musical numbers and at the conclusion asked, "What's next?"

The answer will be unveiled at Red River on Sunday, September 15th at 1 PM when "Hello, Dolly" marks its 50th anniversary with a screening of a pristine copy of the 1969 film. With a cast headed by Barbra Streisand, Walter Matthau and Michael Crawford, nearly 2 decades before he created the iconic title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's, "The Phantom of the Opera", "Hello, Dolly" is a rich tapestry of Hollywood magic that is not to be missed.

One of the most visually stunning films ever turned out, Hollywood craftsmen lovingly recreated the New York of the late 1800's and under the direction of the legendary Gene Kelly, the film is guaranteed to make your jaw drop. Every cent of the film's large budget is visible on the screen.

The singing and dancing are a joy as one catchy song after another is performed and as an added bonus, Louis Armstrong makes a guest appearance singing some of the title tune with Barbra.

What will surprise many about "Dolly" is the captivating depth of the story. This is no light, fluffy take, easily dismissed. There is genuine feeling - I dare you not to shed a tear or two, as well as hilarious comedy and characters you will fall in love with.

If you've never had the pleasure of going to Red River Theatres, this is a great opportunity to try it out as well as experience the kind of film they don't make anymore, in the perfect setting.

Jim Webber recently noted, "...the experience of seeing it on the big screen is awesome. And even more awesome when you consider that nothing you're looking at is computer-generated - it's all happening right in front of the camera..."

I know where I'll be the afternoon of September 15th and I hope hundreds of others will find themselves barely able to contain their delight as they revisit an old friend on the screen or discover something new to them. "Hello, Dolly" is a perfect example of what Hollywood did better than anyone else.