Lee Theatre will be producing the famous broadway musical “Hello, Dolly!” based off of Thornton Wilder’s “Matchmaker.” There will be showings on Lee Day weekend, April 10-12, and April 16-18.
“Hello, Dolly!” is set between 1900 and 1910. This romantic, humorous, and high-energy story challenges Dolly Gallagher Levi, a widowed professional matchmaker and “meddler” who hopes to find love herself, with multitasking and arranging dates in New York City.
Taylor Guyton as Dolly Levi in “Hello, Dolly!” Photo courtesy of Lee Theatre.
Dr. Christine Willams, chair for the communication arts department and professor of theatre, paints a picture of what audiences should be excited for and the most rewarding part of putting together “Hello, Dolly!”
“This is a big musical and there will be big sets, lots of costumes, dance and great lights and music. It is going to be a lot of fun,” Willams said. “These shows are always a lot of work and are more about coordination than traditional directing. The most rewarding part is getting to work with so many different people from across campus and the community. When all is said and done we will have worked with over 70 people representing students, faculty, staff and guest artists.”
Williams explains that this show is more than meets the eye. The show addresses the isolation of widows, spreading wealth, and looking for needs in the community.
“While this is definitely a crowd-pleaser and a lot of fun, there are some important themes and ideas in ‘Hello, Dolly!’ once you dig past the surface,” Williams said.
There will be nightly showings throughout Lee Day weekend and April 16-17 as well as a matinee showing on April 12 and 18. Tickets for the show are available now on Eventbrite.
