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"Hello Dolly!" opens Oct. 12
HUNTINGTON — Big sets, big costumes and a big star highlight Arts Resources for the Tri-State's production of "Hello Dolly!" in five shows Oct. 12-20.
"We were looking for something to do as a follow-up to 'Fiddler on the Roof,' and we decided to go with another big show, an old favorite that people recognized," said Broadway performer and ARTS executive director Beth McVey. "And, when it was suggested, one of the board members said 'You have to play Dolly,' so I am. It's a role I've always wanted to play."
Based on the play "The Matchmaker," the "Hello Dolly!" storyline follows main character Dolly Levi as she works her matchmaking charms on everyone around her, including herself. McVey said Dolly is a character who meddles and the show itself - all two-and-a-half hours of it - is a comedy of errors.
"We decided just to jump in with both feet and do it. It's a lot of dancing and singing, just a big production to mount," said McVey, who leads the 40-member cast. One of
McVey's show gowns was custom made for the show by Magic Makers Costumes. "It has some great songs - 'Before the Parade Passes By' and the title song 'Hello Dolly!' and the audience is going to have a great time."
New this year for the all-volunteer ARTS is the addition of a pre-show meal, with the cast serving as waiters.
"If you come to the dinner, you'll have a reserved seat for the show," McVey said. "One of our board members is a chef and is preparing the whole dinner to relate to the content of the show.
"Because we have the facility to do this and can offer something that not everyone can, we thought it would be a nice fit," she continued.
Patrons expecting to see McVey outfitted for the show and slinging hash will be disappointed, however.
"I'm not serving," she said. "I'm leaving that to the younger folks."
The "Hello Dolly!" schedule includes 8 p.m. shows Oct. 12, 13, 19 and 20 and a matinee performance at 3 p.m. Oct. 14. There are also limited seating opportunities for a dinner at 6:30 p.m. prior to each evening performance.
Ticket prices for adults are $15 and $30 and students are $10 and $25. Children under 12 are admitted to the show for $5.
For more information, call (304) 733-ARTS.
