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Hello, Dolly! Classic musical comedy takes the stage in Millbrook

Lee Bridges and Erika Hogge will play the lead characters of Horace Vandergelder and Dolly Levi

For the first time in more than a decade, the Broadway musical Hello, Dolly! will hit the River Region with eight performances at Millbrook Theatre at the end of this month.

The show is a challenging one to tackle, but of Martha Wingfield will be played by Irene Malloy.

“This is a big endeavor for the Betsy Ellis and Connor Carraway Other behind-the-scenes crew theater to take on,” said Walker, who as Ermengard and Ambrose members include stage manager Alice is directing his sixth show but his first Majors and her assistant Tracy Magmusical. gard; Andrew Thayer on lights and

“It kind of fell into my lap. I was told sound; and Angie Mitchell with the role I could select any musical I wanted, of the music director. and Hello, Dolly! is my number one “I couldn’t be any more lucky to favorite. I’ve been wanting to do it for a have this group working with me on while,” he said. the show,” Walker said. “They have

Walker found a role for everyone captured the beauty and style of the who auditioned, totaling the cast at 35 1890s – when the story takes place.” people. The show was originally writThe 24-plus chorus members also ten for about 60. will be in charge of set changes because

“There are eight principle roles any additional people backstage would that carry the weight of the show, and be too crowded for transitioning, he everyone else is in the chorus,” said added. Walker. The cast and crew have been rehears

Hello, Dolly! is about a bold, outspoing three days a week for three hours ken matchmaker as the title character each day and began staging the show who makes a living by meddling in in less than a month. people’s lives. There are elements of Will Walker and Peyton Flournoy “We were right where we needed farce, classic golden age Broadway rehearse as Barnaby Tucker and to be. We’re not ahead, but we’re not Theater and a little incorporation of Cornelius Hackl behind,” Walker said. “I can’t stand for Vaudeville Theater, explained Walker. things to not be organized, so I assign

Erika Hogge, who won over the people different tasks to ensure things directors when she sang her first note, get done and we stay on track.” will play the lead role of Dolly Levi. Hello, Dolly! has not been performed

“She just blew everyone away. I in the River Region for about 15 years, knew that was our Dolly. She has the so Walker encourages everyone to take physical presence that Dolly gives. it in while it’s here. She’s got a wonderful, beautiful stage “It’s one of those that if it comes presence,” said Brady. around, you need to take advantage to

Lee Bridges will play the role of see it because it may be a decade and a the cantankerous, half-a-millionaire half before it comes again,” he said. Horace Vandergelder with whom With eight shows in total from June Dolly is scheming to find a wife. In the 20 to June 30, Walker said, he hopes process, Horace’s employees Cornelius ticket sales take off and each perforHackl – played by Peyton Flournoy – mance gets sold out. and Barnaby Tucker – played by Will On June 20-22 and June 27-29, shows Walker – get involved in the meddling. will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Millbrook

“Lee is a joy to work with. He comTheatre, 5720 Main St. Matinee performits to everything he does and has been part of more than mances will take place June 23 and June 30 at 2 p.m. 100 shows in the region,” said Walker. “We have a great Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at cast.” millbrooktheater.com. If there are any left, tickets also could

Laurel Bacon will play the role of Minnie Fay, and the role be bought at the door.

With demanding choreography, difficult music and a significant number of set changes, the production requires a lot of practice and a bold supporting staff.

“Cat Barlow is a fantastic choreographer. She’s made it Director Brady Walker thinks the Millbrook stylized. It looks good, clean and sharp, but it’s also elegant company is up to the task. and simple,” said Walker.