HART Theatre celebrates the 50th anniversary with “Hello Dolly”

From a press release:

HART Theatre celebrates the 50th anniversary with “Hello Dolly”

HART THEATRE presents its biggest show of the year, July 11-Aug. 3

HART Theatre celebrates the 50th anniversary of one of Broadway’s biggest  blockbusters, “Hello Dolly” with its production opening July 11 for a four week run. “Hello Dolly” is based on the play “The Matchmaker” by Thorton Wilder, and was created by Jerry Herman. The show debuted at the St. James Theater on January 16, 1964 and became the biggest hit of the decade.  In preshow casting virtually every Broadway leading lady turned the show down, and the role of Dolly finally went to Carol Channing who became a sensation. All of those leading ladies who said no eventually took a turn in road companies, because the role was irresistible.  “Dolly” ran a then unbelievable 2844 performances.

Two years later Herman created “Mame” which made a musical theater star out of Angela Landsbury. This second blockbuster, running 1508 performances at the Winter Garden, cemented Herman as one of the theatre’s top composers but it would be a long time before he had his third hit. “Mame” was followed by the critically savaged “Dear World,” which bombed after only 132 performances. Next came “Mack and Mable” with a brilliant score and a cast that included Robert Preston and Bernadette Peters. The show’s troubled script doomed it, and it closed after just 65 performances. “The Grand Tour” with Joel Grey did even worse, sinking into obscurity after 61 performances. Finally in 1983, after twenty years of failures, Herman soared back to the top with “La Cage Aux Folles.”

HART’s production of “Dolly!” has been in the works since January.  Expect elaborate sets, costumes and orchestra along with a cast and crew of nearly forty. This is the kind of show that only theater’s that have major resources can manage. That’s why HART has waited thirty years to do it. The show is being directed by Steve Lloyd, musical direction is under Dr. Bradley Martin, Choreography is by Cord Scott, and the cast includes, Lyn Donley and Roger Magendie, paring once more after 2012’s “Gypsy.” Other leads are played by Brad Mercer, James Hendley, Alison Young, Brynna Siynard, Madison Garris and Bryan Nichols.  This talented group is joined by Bonnie DeMarco, Melody Goldberg, Raymond Yarnutoski, Nat Neal, Ricky Sanford, Rachel Gordon, Ellery Neal, Zada Hooten, Gina McDaniel, MacKenzie Bowels, Regan Mulvey, Ed Mathis, Tim Bates, Lily Bates, Tabitha Judy, Mary Ann Bartman, Carol Meador, Zacary Landolt, Gretchen Timmons, Jo Hayes, Alexia Lauren, Jacob Wallas, Tracy Walker, David Tennal and Victoria Ortigo.

Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
July 11, 12 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, Aug. 1 & 2 at 7:30 and July 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3 at 3pm
Tickets; $24 for Adults, $20 for Seniors, Students $12
Special $8 discount tickets for Students Sundays
Box Office Hours Tuesday-Saturday 1-5pm
Call 828 456 6322 for reservations
Tickets available on line at www.harttheatre.com
Performing Arts Center at the Shelton House, 250 Pigeon St. Waynesville, NC 28786