As with all spring musicals featuring high school casts, Deb Kline-Smith, director of Warwick High School's upcoming musical production, looked for a show that would fit the talents of the student actors, but she was also looking for a show that would be lively. "I was looking for a fun and uplifting show," said Kline-Smith. "It was time to do something happy and fun, and this show is a lot of fun."
WHS will present "Hello, Dolly!" at the school, 301 W. Orange St., Lititz, on Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, March 17, at 2 p.m.
"Hello, Dolly!" centers around lovable matchmaker Dolly Levi, played by Amelia Fair. 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 Lauren Epps, with Cornelius Hackl, played by Caleb Goss, and Barnaby Tucker, played by Noah Johnson, with Minnie Fay, played by Elise White. Dolly also solves the romantic problems plaguing Ermengarde, played by Maddie Grisbacher, and Ambrose Kemper, played by Taylon Madison. In the end, Dolly provides Horace Vandergelder, played by Liam Blevins, with a suitable wife as well. The cast of 45 will also feature Stella Newman as Ernestina, Katie Bender as Mrs. Rose, Andrew McCracken as Rudolph, and Matt Soslow as Stanley.
"This show has no controversial issues except love, which has been controversial since the beginning of time," said Kline-Smith, with a chuckle, lauding her cast members as amazing. "They are excited about doing the show," she added. "They're very dedicated, and they will make it happen. They're used to working hard."
Known for its big musical numbers, "Hello, Dolly!" includes "Put on Your Sunday Clothes," "Before the Parade Passes By," and the title song. Kline-Smith noted that "Hello Dolly!" will feature 16 young men, who will also perform barbershop music. She added that "Ribbons Down My Back" is less well-known than the other songs, but a wonderful number just the same.
Kline-Smith is assisted on the production by a number of staff members, including drama director Jill Gagliano and her assistant, Kathy Felpel. Felpel also serves as house manager with assistance from Selena Caplinger. The choreographer for the show is Travis Love, the pit orchestra co-directors are Sherry Kline and Ann Ahlers, and the costumer is Diane Fund, assisted by Beth Sahd. Set construction and design have been handled by Jeff Oberholtzer and Donald Zahn, the set painter is Michael Smith, and the scenic painter is Tony Luciano. Hair and makeup will be overseen by Sharon Walker.
"Hello, Dolly!" was produced previously at WHS in the former auditorium. "We did the show 20 years ago," recalled Kline-Smith, who added that the present theater will make a significant difference in the presentation. "The sets and drops we have our so majestic for this show," she noted. "We couldn't have done that in the (previous) auditorium. We are able to do more because of the space that we're in."
Readers who wish to purchase tickets may visit http://www.warwicksd.org and look for the "Hello Dolly!" icon. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 717-925-0030 or emailing tickets@warwicksd.org. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door beginning one hour prior to showtime. Ticket prices will be discounted for senior citizens and students.
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