Hello Dolly! Musical set to go on this weekend

Article Credit: Ariel McCleary, Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Stohion

The all-school musical “Hello Dolly!” will be performed by the students at SMFHS on April 19, 20, and 21 this year.The musical was written by Michael Stewart, with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman. It was based off of the play “The Merchant of Yonkers” by Thornton Wilder. “Hello, Dolly!” was on broadway, starring Carol Channing in the early 60s, and was later made into a movie starring Barbra Streisand in 1969.  The production is set in 1890s, New York tells the story of Dolly Levi, a widow and matchmaker, who longs for the hand of the well known half-a-millionaire, Horace Vandergelder, of Yonkers, New York.  The only problem is that he is already engaged to Irene Molloy, a hat shop owner in the inner cities of New York. Meanwhile, the two clerks of Vandergelder’s hay-and-feed store, Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker, yearn for adventure outside of Vandergelder’s low wages and poor working conditions. The cunning Dolly decides to set up these two quirky fellows with Mrs. Molloy and her assistant, Minnie Fay, so that she can have Vandergelder to herself.Meanwhile, Vandergelder’s 17-year-old niece, Ermengarde, wants to marry Ambrose Kemper, a local artist with a kind heart. Her uncle tells her that she is too young, and after he disapproves of the marriage, Ermengarde and Ambrose run away, with the guidance of Dolly, to New York City to enter a dancing contest and prove to Vandergelder that they are mature enough for this next step in their young lives.Dolly proceeds to spin a web of romantic complications involving Vandergelder, Mrs. Molloy and Cornelius, Barnaby Tucker and Miss Fay, as well as Ermangarde and Ambrose. The story comes to a close as all the characters end up dining in the same restaurant in New York City. Dancing, deceit, and delicious dinners ensue, and everyone is even further tangled up in the ultimate plan that Dolly has conjured.SMFHS’s production of “Hello, Dolly!” consists of over 60 students, ranging from freshmen to seniors. The main cast members at SMFHS are Taylor Johns (12) as Dolly Levi, Alex Toth (12) as Vandergelder, Zack Triscari (11) as Cornelius, Sean Fleming (10) as Barnaby, Ariel McCleary (12) as Mrs. Molloy, and Shelby Denton (12) as Minnie Fay. In addition, Zach Manthey (12) and Olivia Feldman (12) play Ambrose and Ermengarde.This year’s performance of “Hello, Dolly!” will be presented in the Stow-Munroe Falls High School  auditorium on April 19 and 20 at 7 p.m., and April 21 at 2:30 p.m. General admission is $8 for students and senior citizens, and $10 or adults. A free performance will also be available at 9:30 a.m. in the morning of Friday, April 19 for any senior citizens who’d like to come.One can purchase exclusive reserved seating through the Donor Patron program.This special seating includes the very first set of rows in the high school auditorium (on the bottom floor as well as the balcony) for an up-front view of the performance. The cost for these are $40 for two seats, and is much appreciated, as the money supports and benefits the school’s drama club.Reserved seating is also an option, with each ticket costing $12. These seats provide a  closer and clearer view than that of general admission tickets.Tickets are on sale now during all rehearsals, which are every day at the high school. To pre-order reserved tickets or Donor Patron tickets, please contact 2013hellodolly@gmail.com. General admission tickets can be bought at the doors right before each performance.Robert Putka, who has been directing shows for over 30 years, directs this all-school musical. “Hello, Dolly!” will be his 61st production.With an always elaborate set and a strong cast of singers and dancers, “It Only Takes A Moment” to come and see this exhilarating performance at SMFHS.