Theatre goers will be transported back to 1890 and say “Hello, Dolly!” to the story of “Mrs. Dolly Gallagher Levi” as “Hello, Dolly!” takes the stage at The Elbert Theatre this weekend.
“This musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s hit play ‘The Matchmaker’ bursts with humor, romance, energetic dance and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history,” according to a press release from The Elbert Theatre. “The romantic and comic exploits of “Dolly Gallagher-Levi” (played by Lisa Walker), turn-of-the-century matchmaker and ‘woman who arranges things,’ are certain to thrill and entertain audiences again and again.”
Directed by Sam Brown and Assistant Director Paula McClure, the show features a “seasoned” cast of 30 actors.
“Hello, Dolly is just a classic, big musical. We’re coming up on the 70th anniversary of this show, when it came out on Broadway. A lot of people know something about the show, or they at least know the song,” Brown said. “This has always been one of my favorites. It was my grandma’s favorite growing up, so this is one I got to watch a lot.”
Playing opposite Elberton native Walker is fellow Elberton native Bob Paul, who plays “Mr. Horace Vandergelder.” Brown said the two veteran actors, who took a hiatus from acting, are making their comeback debut for the show.
“It’s great to have them back in here to be on the stage,” Brown said. “I reached out because you need big personalities for both of their roles and I knew they could do it.”
The cast also includes Brown as “Cornelius Hackl,” Bree A. Brown as “Irene Molloy,” Erik Frye as “Barnaby Tucker,” Conley Chatham as “Minnie Fay,” Rendarris Gaines as “Ambrose Kempe,” Lana Stelter as “Emengarde,” Jay Moss as “Rudolph Reisenweber,” Karen Hardy as “Mrs. Rose,” Tom Hodges as “Judge” and Donna McDowell as “Ernestina.”
The ensemble is made up of Amy Abbott, Annabelle Anderson, Avery Pullen, Blake Crocker, Elin Massey, Hannah Carey, Madison Turner, Olivia Heaton, Kinnsley Anderson, Paige Llyod, Patrick Anderson, Seeley Stelter, Seth Baggott and Stefanie Anderson.
Bob Larson serves as the sound technician while Brooke Chatham serves as assistant sound technician. Eric Jensen and Ken Little served as construction crew members along with master carpenter Pat Bell. Julie Williams is the lighting technician.
Along with period costumes and a moving, multipurpose set, Brown said the show includes hit songs and big dance numbers that he is keeping close to the original version of the show.
“It’s just so well-known that we have really tried to keep it so close to the original. I feel like people will enjoy it because of the talent onstage,” Brown said. “Everyone in their role is great and does it really well.”
Brown encourages everyone to come out and see the show as there’s something in store for all age groups.
“There’s ton of dancing for the little kids. The older crowd will love it. Dolly is a widow, and she is trying to find love again, at her age, while also trying to pinpoint everybody else’s love. It’s got a great message for everyone,” Brown said. “It’s perfect for all ages. It’s about finding the wonderful things in life and not getting down and trying to keep a positive outlook on everything.”