Test your knowledge of the classic musical *Hello, Dolly!* and see how well you know its fascinating history. Did you know that before settling on its famous title, the show underwent several name changes? Or that Carol Channing wasn't the first pick for Dolly? Dive deeper into these and many other *Hello, Dolly!* trivia facts and discover more fun behind-the-scenes moments that helped shape this iconic production.
International Productions
- The Israeli production of 'Hello, Dolly!' from 1968 to 1970 starred Hanna Maron and was a significant success.
- The first Spanish language production of 'Hello, Dolly!' starred Libertad Lamarque in Mexico City in 1967.
- The original London production of 'Hello, Dolly!' opened in 1965 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, starring Mary Martin as Dolly and ran for 794 performances.
- The Australian production of 'Hello, Dolly!' in 1965 was produced by J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd., starring Carole Cook, with musical staging by Australian choreographer Betty Pounder.
- The 2020 Argentinian production of 'Hello, Dolly!' featured Lucía Galán, of the Pimpinela duo, in the title role.
- In 2018, Mexican actress and singer Daniela Romo starred in a new Mexican production of 'Hello, Dolly!' in Mexico City.
- Rosita Fornés portrayed Dolly in multiple Cuban productions of 'Hello, Dolly!' starting in 1985.
Musical Composition
- Louis Armstrong's 1964 recording of 'Hello, Dolly!' reached the number one spot on the Billboard pop chart, showcasing the song's widespread appeal.
- 'Hello, Dolly!' had a strong performance on the Billboard album chart, reaching number one on June 6, 1964, only to be replaced by Louis Armstrong's album of the same name the following week.
- Jerry Herman composed the music and lyrics for 'Hello, Dolly!', contributing to its memorable and lively musical numbers.
- Dolly's dramatic entrance at the Harmonia Gardens is marked by the staff's spirited rendition of the song 'Hello, Dolly!' which celebrates her return.
Notable Tours
- Before Santino Fontana's temporary engagement, understudy Christian Dante White played Cornelius Hackl.
- Betty Buckley played the title role in the first national tour of the 2017 Broadway revival, which began in October 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway led an all-Black tour of 'Hello, Dolly!' in 1967, and this particular cast was recorded in a second cast album.
- Mary Martin led a US tour of 'Hello, Dolly!' starting in 1965 and later brought the musical to troops in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam in a special USO performance.
- Anita Dobson toured the UK with 'Hello, Dolly!' from February to August 2008.
- Sally Struthers headlined the 50th anniversary tour of 'Hello, Dolly!' which started in October 2013.
- Carolee Carmello took over as Dolly in the national tour starting September 24, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri.
- After the thirtieth anniversary tour of 'Hello, Dolly!', the Smithsonian received a donation of the iconic red satin, sequin-bedecked costume designed by Freddy Wittop and worn by Carol Channing.
Production Facts
- The title song 'Hello, Dolly!' was featured in the 1999 film 'Dick,' where it was performed by Dan Hedaya in his role as President Richard Nixon.
- The original costumes from 'Hello, Dolly!' designed by Freddy Wittop, excluding the red gown worn by Channing, are preserved at Costume World Broadway Collection, a theatrical museum in Pompano Beach, Florida.
- Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce returned to their roles for the final performances of 'Hello, Dolly!' from July 17, 2018, to its closing.
- The 2017 Broadway revival of 'Hello, Dolly!' closed on August 25, 2018.
- Bernadette Peters began preview performances as Dolly on January 20, 2018, and officially took over the role on February 22, 2018.
- Santino Fontana temporarily played Cornelius Hackl from March 2018 to May 6, 2018, while Gavin Creel recovered from back surgery.
- Charlie Stemp assumed the role of Barnaby Tucker on January 20, 2018, in the Broadway revival of 'Hello, Dolly!'.
- Victor Garber replaced David Hyde Pierce as Horace Vandergelder in the 2017 Broadway revival of 'Hello, Dolly!'
- Hello, Dolly! was initially titled 'Dolly, A Damned Exasperating Woman' and then 'Call on Dolly,' before finally being renamed after the creators were inspired by Louis Armstrong's rendition of 'Hello, Dolly!'.
- Bette Midler won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her performance in the 2017 Broadway revival of 'Hello, Dolly!', while her co-star Gavin Creel won for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical.
- The show 'Hello, Dolly!' has been revived several times on Broadway and West End, with notable revivals including an all-black production in 1975 and a 2017 Broadway revival starring Bette Midler.
- The original Broadway production of 'Hello, Dolly!' became the longest-running musical by September 1970, surpassing 'My Fair Lady', with a gross of $27 million and a profit of $8.5 million against a $350,000 investment.
- Horace Vandergelder, using a phrase from Dolly's late husband, compares money to manure, suggesting it's only useful when spread to encourage growth, indicating his eventual change in perspective about wealth and relationships.
- In a twist of fate and with comic irony, Horace declares he wouldn't marry Dolly if she were the last woman on Earth, only to later admit he needs her in his life.
- The story highlights a comic mix-up where Cornelius and Barnaby, after happening upon wallets, inadvertently swap with Horace, leading to a humorous resolution of their financial woes.
- During a big night out in an opulent restaurant, Irene and Minnie order the most expensive items on the menu, influenced by the lavish surroundings.
- The 1969 film adaptation of 'Hello, Dolly!' won three Academy Awards and was nominated for four others, including Best Picture at the 42nd Academy Awards.
- 'Hello, Dolly!' set a record with its 10 Tony Awards in 1964, which included accolades for Best Musical and Best Actress in a Musical, a record it held for 37 years.
- The character Horace Vandergelder from 'Hello, Dolly!' is described as a 'well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire,' highlighting his wealth and marital status as key elements of the plot.
- Carol Channing, who starred as Dolly Gallagher Levi, was not the first choice for the role; it was originally intended for Ethel Merman, who turned it down.
- The musical 'Hello, Dolly!' is based on Thornton Wilder's play 'The Merchant of Yonkers,' which he later revised into 'The Matchmaker' due to its initial failure.
