CVHS To Present "Hello, Dolly!"
There are a lot of things that come to mind when one thinks of "Hello, Dolly!" The big musical numbers and the distinctive costumes are among them, but V. Gabriel Whitman, director of the upcoming Conestoga Valley High School (CVHS) production of the show, thinks of comedy. "There's a lot of slapstick in ('Dolly!')," said Whitman. "I really like (the scene) of Dolly and Horace in Harmonia Gardens when they're eating," he noted, adding, "The hat shop scene is super funny. It is unique."
CVHS will present "Hello, Dolly!" at the school, 2110 Horseshoe Road, Lancaster, on Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6, at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, April 7, at 2 p.m. A special free presentation will be given on Thursday, April 4, at 6 p.m. for Conestoga Valley-area senior citizens who present special cards. Senior citizens who wish to obtain cards may call 717-397-5231.
"Hello, Dolly!" centers around lovable widow and matchmaker Dolly Levi, played by Anya Ditzler. The musical follows her return to New York to practice her matchmaking and heal her own heart. Along the way, Dolly matches up Irene Molloy, played by Christina McBride, with Cornelius Hackl, played by John Oechslin, and Barnaby Tucker, played by Trey Andrusky, with Minnie Fay, played by Lindsey Mousch. Dolly also solves the romantic problems plaguing Ermengarde, played by Sophia Steed, and Ambrose Kemper, played by Alejandro La Paz. In the end, Dolly provides Horace Vandergelder, played by Jordan Beiler, with a suitable wife as well. The cast of more than 35 will also feature Mary Martin as Ernestina, Holly Butler as Mrs. Rose, Joseph Weder as Rudolph, and Chris Miller as Stanley.
Whitman noted that he chose the show because he knew that the material would be a good fit for the students. "I really wanted an elegant show," said Whitman. "It's a big musical, but a small (number) of leads ... and the students love it."
Known for its big musical numbers, "Hello, Dolly!" includes "Put on Your Sunday Clothes," "Before the Parade Passes By," and the title song. Whitman noted that the many dance numbers have been a challenge for the students. Choreographer Meghan Young is helping to sort out the dance numbers as she works with the student actors and actresses.
"Hello, Dolly!" offers plenty of entertainment and an unusual take on love. "In the end, Dolly realizes she does want a husband, and she ends up getting one," said Whitman, referring to the scene where Dolly receives the sign she has been looking for as Horace utters a few phrases she remembers hearing from her late husband. "It's one of those happily-ever-after kinds of endings."
Tickets for all performances are available at http://www.showtix4u.com by searching for "Conestoga Valley High School." Tickets will be discounted for students.
Leave a Review