Hello, Dolly!
Here
they are, the cast members of The Palace Theatre’s 2004
summer musical production of Hello, Dolly!
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 |
Lynette
Burris |
Brad Bebout |
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Kristi
Wink |
Johnny
Steiner |
Tim Schifer |
This Broadway musical hit first debuted in 1964 starring Carol Channing, and is based on the novel, The Matchmaker by Thorton Wilder. Hello, Dolly! tells the story of Dolly Gallagher Levi (Lynette Burris), a matchmaker who has been hired to arrange a marriage for the widowed half-millionaire Horace Vandergelder (Brad Bebout). Dolly, also recently widowed, has other plans, and concludes that Horace and his fortune will make a perfect mate for herself. When Dolly arrives in Yonkers to meet Vandergelder, she immediately begins to plant the seeds of doubt about Irene Molloy (Kristi Wink), the pretty young widow that she has picked out for him. The musical’s plot takes many twists and turns, no thanks to the antics of Vandergelder’s own feed store employees, Cornelius Hackle, played by Johnny Steiner, and Barnaby Tucker (Tim Schifer) but, by the time the confusion ends, everything may have just worked itself out - even if it isn’t the way everyone might have expected! Also starring in this year’s production are Anique Leaman as Minnie Faye, Jonathan Baldauf as Ambrose Kemper, Carly Augenstein as Ermengarde, and Amy Pinnick as Ernestina. A total of 82 talented area artists are in this musical.
Working on the musical with Director/Choreographer Clare Cooke is an experienced production team comprised of George Schram, Assistant Director and Orchestra Conductor; Johnny Steiner, Vocal Director; Carol Hansen, Assistant Director and Stage Manager; Don Wolfe, Set Designer; Lyn Giles, Costumes; Steve Beltz, Sound; Barb Yaksic, Roxanne Sullivan, Tony and Alice Sands, Production Assistants.
In celebration of the importance that the hat shop of Irene Molloy plays throughout the Hello, Dolly! production, Cooke has announced a Hat Contest slated for opening night, July 16th and for Sunday’s matinee show on July 25th . The contests will take place prior to the scheduled shows, and judges will select one winner for each performance. Winners will receive a $50 gift certificate for Carroll’s Jewelers.
We asked around for the buzz regarding the show this year. Lyn Giles, who’s worked day and night preparing the spectrum of gorgeous costumes for the production, told us, "All of these costumes...bring a wonderfully exciting, spring like atmosphere to the Palace Theatre stage." And, Brad Bebout said that this is his "role of a life time." Also, some may not know that Lynette Burris is a school teacher. We’ve heard from several of her students who are buying tickets like crazy to support their teacher - they can’t wait for the show!
Those choosing to support the production as Patron sponsors may purchase special tickets for $30. As a Patron ticket holder, you will have priority seating, and the Hello, Dolly! program will list your name along side other production supporters. Also, as an additional benefit this year, a very special Garden Party will be held prior to the opening night’s performance on July 16th. For more information concerning Patron tickets or the Garden Party, such as time and directions, please call the box office.
Thanks go out to our summer musical sponsors, Smith Clinic and Marion Area Health Center for again supporting this fundraiser showcasing local talent. The Palace is deeply indebted to their generosity.