HELLO, DOLLY! Takes Center Stage at Theatre in the Park This Week

Get ready for a whirlwind of romance, comedy, and unforgettable tunes as "Hello, Dolly!" hits the Theatre in the Park stage! Set in turn-of-the-century Yonkers, New York, this classic Broadway musical is packed with colorful characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and enough plot twists to keep everyone on their toes.  “Hello, Dolly!” opens Friday, July 12 and runs through Sunday, July 14 and returns for a second week from Wednesday, July 17 through Saturday, July 20. “Hello, Dolly!” continues Theatre in the Park's 55th season of entertainment in Johnson County.

In Yonkers, professional meddler and matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi sets her sights on the miserly half-a-millionaire Horace Vandergelder, who is on the hunt for a second wife. Dolly arranges for Horace to meet the lovely widow Irene Molloy, all while secretly plotting to win Horace—and his fortune—for herself. Meanwhile, Horace's clerks, Cornelius and Barnaby, decide they need a little adventure and head to New York City, where they find themselves in a series of comedic misadventures.

Director Liz Ernst, making her directorial debut, reflects on her connection to the show: "Hello, Dolly! is the epitome of the classic Broadway musical. My love for musicals originates with Hello, Dolly! It was the first musical I ever had a lead in high school, and it was where I met my husband. Audiences will enjoy Hello, Dolly! because of the uncharacteristic romantic plotline, fun dance numbers, and memorable songs. Who doesn't love a 'feel good' ending?"

At the lavish Harmonia Gardens restaurant, the iconic "Waiters' Gallop" sets the stage for a jubilant welcome to Dolly Levi, and the entire establishment bursts into the anthem "Hello, Dolly!" The production numbers are JUST what the doctor ordered for someone who's missing a little “pizazz” in their life!

Liz Ernst shares what makes this production special: "This show marks my directorial debut! I've worked at the 'Park' for 30 years choreographing many musicals with fabulous directors and casts. I've wanted to direct for some time and feel this came at the right time. Plus, I get to work with my daughter, Hannah, as co-choreographer. The staff of women I am working with are incredible. Each is creative and we've enjoyed the collective visionary vibe on this project."

"Hello, Dolly! fits perfectly for Theatre in the Park audiences," Ernst said. "Dolly is a woman to celebrate! She is strong, independent, fun-loving, and has a good heart. The storyline includes romance, humor, lively production numbers, great songs, and a plethora of fun-loving characters. It's great for the whole family to enjoy."

So, mark your calendars and join us at Theatre in the Park for a delightful evening of musical magic, where strong female characters like Dolly and Irene lead the charge in a story that's sure to warm your heart and leave you smiling from ear to ear. 

SHOW INFORMATION:

• Dates: July 12 - 20
• Show Times: ALL OUTDOOR Performances begin at 8:30 p.m. TIP Box Office opens at 7 p.m. on performance evenings.  Gates to the seating area open at 7:30 p.m.
• Tickets: Adults - $10, Seniors - $9, Youth aged 4 – 10 - $7.  Children 3 and under are free, but a ticket is required.  Discounted tickets are available during Thrifty Thursday, which can be purchased at the Box Office.
• Rating: PG

Tickets for "Hello, Dolly!” and all outdoor shows are available now at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center Box Office or online at www.theatreinthepark.org. 

The 2024 Theatre in the Park Season is generously sponsored by Advent Health and One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning.

For more information, visit www.theatreinthepark.org.

HELLO, DOLLY! CAST

Name	Role	City of Residence
Anna Avery	Ensemble	Overland Park
Margo Mikkelson	Dolly Levi	Prairie Village
Gavin Ruder	Ensemble	Stilwell
Chris Halford	Horace Vandergelder	Olathe
Ivan Calderon	Ensemble	Lawrence
Alicen Silva	Ensemble	Olathe, Kansas
Isabella Lorna	Ermengarde	Lenexa
Harper Wright	Ensemble	Overland Park
Clara Thompson	Ensemble	Overland Park
Jack Wilson	Ambrose Kemper	Olathe
Patrick Graham	Cornelius Hackl	Kansas City, MO
Owen Unrein	Ensemble	Stilwell, KS
Megan Clifford	Ensemble	Overland Park
Weston Thomas	Barnaby Tucker	Kansas City
Paul Ruf	Ensemble	Overland Park
Jessica Alcorn	Irene Molloy	Kansas City
Maeve Murphy	Ensemble	Topeka, KS
Nicholas Crawford	Ensemble	Kansas City
Layla Abu Saada	Minnie Fay	Olathe
Reece Dickerson	Ensemble	Overland Park
McKenna Bizal	Ensemble	Overland Park/Lawrence
Hayden Krapes	Ensemble	Olathe
Stuart Jackson	Rudolph Reisenweber	Overland Park
Katherine Petersma	Ernestina	Lenexa
Cody Kreutzer	Ensemble	Overland Park, KS
Abby Allen	Ensemble	Olathe

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