Annisquam Village Players' 'Hello, Dolly!' is a Musical Delight

Money, pardon the expression, is like manure.

Annisquam Village Players presents the beloved Broadway classic, Hello, Dolly! The story revolves around the vivacious matchmaker, Dolly Gallagher Levi, who schemes to find the wealthy Horace Vandergelder a wife. In her plans, she secretly plots to marry him herself.

Musicals like Hello, Dolly are why we must keep older shows alive. Annisquam Village Players performs a delightful musical that captures both the heart and humor of a bygone era. Hello, Dolly is before my time, but the themes are still as relevant as ever. It’s a sincere commentary on love, wealth, and leading your way.

Jennifer McKay ignites Dolly Gallagher Levi’s robust flair. McKay is a strong actress with astounding vocals. Her commanding performance brings out a fierce woman ahead of her time, who finds a deeper meaning in love. Dolly is an essential figure who encourages female audiences to pursue independence and reexamine their values.

A talented cast joins the show, playing an assortment of lovable characters. Mike English plays Horace Vandergelder, the wealthy but curmudgeonly half-a-millionaire. English is spot on in his comedic delivery and his character’s eventual softness towards Dolly.

Bill Wrinn and James Brennan are a riot as the dynamic duo, Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker. They made audiences laugh several times with their witty banter and awkward charm. As the men pretend to be wealthy socialites, the pair ultimately learn to be happy with themselves. Being yourself is a reflective message.

Hello, Dolly has compelling female characters, like Irene Molloy and Minnie Fay, played with heartfelt sincerity by Victoria Fortune and Miranda Joyce. Irene and Minnie learn to follow their dreams and there is more beyond their hat shop. Both actresses have excellent singing voices.

As I say, no small part exists in the theater. Actors awaken characters like Ambrose (Kavika Babson), Ermengarde (Kiki Campbell), and Ernestina (Morgan Reilly) with animated flair. Reilly goes all out with her sprightly enthusiasm as Ernestina.

Most of the cast is old and new faces of Annisquam Village Players, ranging from theater veterans to young children who are just starting their theater journeys. The ensemble danced around as singing waiters and street-goers with high energy.

Which brings me to the songs of Hello, Dolly. The musical numbers are the heart of the show. After hearing it several times from the Pixar movie Wall-E, I didn’t realize that ‘Put On Your Sunday Clothes’ was from this show. It was one of my favorite ensemble dances.

Performed with a live orchestra, songs include ‘It Takes a Woman,’ ‘Ribbons Down My Back,’ ‘Before the Parade Passes By,’ and the signature song, ‘Hello, Dolly’ with Dolly dressed in her iconic red gown.

Directors Terry Sands and Deborah Michel have wanted to do Hello, Dolly for the longest time. From the elegant costumes, big hats, and set designs, Sands and Michel created a beautiful presentation in six weeks. They brought heart to this dazzling production.

Despite its early 20th-century setting, Hello, Dolly is still as relevant as ever. Hello, Dolly incorporates bold messages about love, wealth, and independence. Dolly’s signature song, ‘Before the Parade Passes By,’ is a powerful anthem that suggests second chances are possible.

I attended the final dress rehearsal of Hello, Dolly, which had accommodated mostly senior audience members. It was humbling to witness a spark from the crowd as everyone laughed at jokes and applauded the uplifting musical numbers.

Audiences are in for a treat. Don’t miss Hello, Dolly! playing at Annisquam Village Players from Aug. 5 through Aug. 10. It’s a delightful theater experience for everyone.