‘Hello, Dolly!” is a resounding success.
Put on your Sunday clothes and go see the Wichita Theatre’s production of “Hello, Dolly!” for a hilarious night of classic musical theater. The cast and crew create a flawless performance that brims with nostalgia while lovingly recreating a timeless classic.
“Hello, Dolly!”, written by Michael Stewart and Jerry Herman, tells the story of widow and matchmaker Dolly Levi as she tries to set up the perfect match for herself. As Dolly’s romantic scheming affects those around her, she realizes that she too has fallen in love.
The supporting actors are perfectly cast. Bryson Petersen and Carson Hollingsworth, who play store clerks Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker respectively, give off a contagious energy. Their dancing is on point and their vocals are strong and clear.
Kara Hicks, playing Irene Maloy, has a beautiful soprano voice that wows the audience with her solo number “Ribbons Down My Back.” Shop assistant Minnie Fay is played by Sydney Wisdom, whose energy and voice works well with her fellow actors. Minnie Fay will be played by Angelica Concepcion during other performances.
Then, of course, there’s Dolly herself. Susan Mansur Bahr, Broadway alum and Wichita Falls native, is the paragon Dolly Levi. She holds the audience in the palm of her hand, garnering applause with even a simple nod of her head. Her comedic timing and snappy one-liners keep the audience laughing every second she is onstage. While Bahr perfectly captures the comedic aspects of the role, she also manages to step back for Dolly’s more reflective moments.
Dolly’s love interest, the blustery New Yorker Horace Vandergelder (played by Keith Pond), is the perfect foil to Dolly. Her warmth and charm are perfectly matched by the uptight demeanor and staunch attitudes of the Yonkers half-a-millionaire.
The tremendous set design is enough to make one say “Holy cabooses!” Doubling as both the Feed Store and the posh Harmonia Gardens, its size and attention to detail bring the feeling of a real Broadway show to the Wichita Theatre. The bright and cheery costumes for the ensemble gave the show a vibrant hue, adding to the fantastical feel of the show.
All of these factors combine to great a powerful energy both in the cast and in the audience. Applause rang through the theater as Dolly and the Harmonia Garden waiters danced and sang to the titular song, “Hello, Dolly!” It was a musical theater moment that everyone should experience, the feeling of absolute awe and the presentation of beautiful entertainment was incredible.
For those looking for an entertaining night out, look no further than “Hello, Dolly!”
"Hello, Dolly" runs through April 28 at The Wichita Theatre, Friday, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information, contact 723-9037 or www.wichitatheatre.com