Highland Park High School drama students hope audiences fall in love with this week’s production of Hello, Dolly!.
The classic musical is filled with humor, elaborate costumes, uplifting dances, and joyful music. It tells the story of a spirited matchmaker who aims to find a suitable match for a wealthy merchant and waltzes her way into hearts in the process. Since its Broadway premiere in 1964, the Tony award winner has seen multiple revivals, experienced international success, and been made into an Academy Award-winning film.
Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15, 16, and 17, and 2 p.m. on Oct. 18 in Highland Park High School’s Palmer Auditorium. Balcony tickets are $12, and reserved orchestra seats are $15. Tickets may be purchased HERE or at the door.
The family-friendly musical will appeal to audience-members of any age, said director Brittany Murphy.
“I think it will bring joy to people young and old,” she remarked.
The approximately 70 members of the cast and crew have devoted months of work to the production. The students and Murphy had help from a community of supporters, including parents, technical director Joseph Burnam, music director Natalie Walker Brown, and choreographer Armoni Adamson.
Sophomore Luca Brack, who plays 33-year-old clerk Cornelius Hackl, called the production a “really fun way” to spend an evening. He added that he hopes performances uplift audience members.
“Maybe they had a really long day. Maybe they’re really tired. Maybe they’re really stressed out,” he said. “I hope they can just spend two hours to escape from that world and watch this world, and really enjoy themselves.”
The production features Sage Rockow and Dolly Gallagher Levi, Justin Furstein as Horace Vandergelder, Brooks Buis as Barnaby Tucker, Ruthie Cave as Irene Molloy, and Margaret Bickel as Minnie Fay.
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