By Eliza and Melissa Een
Hello, Dolly! is a cultural classic and a musical masterpiece (music and lyrics by Jerry Herman) that frequently graces the Broadway stage, once found its way into a Pixar movie, and is now playing at a theater near you! Based on the original play by Thornton Wilder and reimagined as a musical with Michael Stewart, Hello, Dolly! Follows the flair and foibles of one Dolly Levi: loveable meddler and self-proclaimed expert on everything from fashion to dancing, and legal counsel to love. She is hired by Horace Vandergelder, a half-a-millionare looking for a second wife to keep house. He’s a shrewd businessman and strict uncle, and his niece Ermengarde and employees Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker have various complaints about his rules. Dolly organizes a chaotic combination of events that allows for love to grow and leads to a happy ending for all. And just like Dolly directs all those around her, Kurt Elison pulls together a wonderful show everyone can enjoy.
Allison Books brings the vibrant Dolly Levi her to life with a playful flair as she sets up each character with their matching pair—sometimes by physically dragging them across the stage. Dolly’s part is packed full of major solos, and Brooks sings them with bravado. Bryan Harper as Horace Vandergelder starts as a mean old miser but undergoes a change of heart with the help of Books’ thinly-veiled flirtation and clever machinations. Harper leads the male cast members in a rousing number “It Takes a Woman,” which introduces his stoic character, and the size of the cast, for the first time.
Chloe Henry (Irene Malloy) stole the show with her gorgeous voice and subtly sassy portrayal of this industrious widow. It was fun to watch her whirlwind romance with Jacob Nilson (Cornelius Hackl), as he attempts to escape the notice of his boss. Nilson’s performance gives the plucky small-town clerk a clumsy sort of charm, as he puts on the facade of an elegant gentleman—which Henry who sees right through and into his heart of gold. Their tender romance leads to one of my favorite songs of the show, “It Only Takes a Moment,” an iconic description of falling in love.
Rebecca Varney (Minnie Fay) and Joey Thompson (Barnaby Tucker) are a lively and fun example of young infatuation. Thompson’s energetic bounds were especially impressive, making for great moments of physical comedy paired with Varney’s dramatic facial expressions. The sulky Ermengarde (Capri Gallacher) sobs her way through her scenes—the model of a teenager in the flush of first love. She is followed by the besotted Ambrose Kemper, played by Coleman Rowberry, who is determined to gain Vandergelder’s hard-to-get blessing on their relationship.
In such a dance-heavy show, the ensemble has a lot of time to show off Robbie Cromwell’s choreography. “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” was a flurry of parasols and sweeping skirts as the dancers spun gracefully around the stage, singing all the while. The costumes are bright and colorful, transforming the ensemble from townspeople to waitstaff to parade participants throughout the show. The color scheme blends effortlessly with the charming set and scenery (Chase Ramsey), completing the feel of the golden age era.
This performance is unique from other musicals I’ve attended at the SCERA because it was accompanied by a live orchestra, conducted by Marden Pond. While the musicians stayed tucked away until the bows, their performance of this beautiful score supported every moment on stage. The cast jumped on musical queues with solid harmonies thanks to the direction of Kelsey Thompson.
It’s always a great night to sit under the stars and see a talented cast leave their all onstage. With a story full of second-chance romance set to a score of great songs, this golden age musical is fun for the whole family. So don’t let this parade pass you by, and go to the SCERA’s final outdoor musical of the season!
The SCERA Shell presents Hello, Dolly! Story by Thornton Wilder, book by Michael Stewart, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman
600 S 400 E, Orem, UT 84058
August 1-2, 4-5, 7-9, 11-12, 14-16, 18-19 at 8:00 PM,
ASL Interpreted performance August 18, email info@scera.org with your party’s information.
Tickets: Child (3-11)/Senior (65+) $10, Adult $15
Contact: 801-225-2787
SCERA Website
SCERA Facebook Page
Hello Dolly! Facebook Event Page
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