Highly regarded as one of the greatest stage musicals ever, "Hello, Dolly!" takes front and center at the Chico Theater Company.
The musical centers on matchmaker and widow Dolly Gallagher Levi, a New York professional who arranges couples. She accepts the task of securing the perfect woman for Horace Vandergelder, a wealthy bachelor.
The music book features some of the most memorable songs to grace the Broadway stage, including "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" and "Ribbons Down My Back." Performances will run through Feb. 15.
“It's going to be joyful, and they'll leave with a smile on their face and a song in their heart. And I can't really think of anything better."- Kathy Edson, director
Pulling double duty as director and costumer, Kathy Edson has been waiting since childhood to tackle the risk-taking musical about second chances.
“As a child, my mom pretty much played this record nonstop, along with a few other musicals,” Edson said. “It feels like part of my DNA at this point.”
The musical features elaborate musical numbers and a timeline dating back to the 1890s.
It also portrays one of Broadway's most beloved female characters.
That’s why Edson did not mind taking on the challenging production. Dolly is timeless, she said.
“It's going to be joyful, and they'll leave with a smile on their face and a song in their heart. And I can't really think of anything better,” Edson said.
Dressing the cast is an added bonus.
“It is literally one of my favorite things when I can find or make a costume and see somebody smile at themselves in the mirror and just feel good about themselves,” Edson said.
Jeff Allen, who is currently in the sophomore year of his theater journey, is up for the challenge of portraying the single, wealthy and often moody Horace Vandergelder.
He’s especially excited about exploring the relationship between Galladher and Vanderferden.
“Horace is a guy who has to be in charge. He has to win. That kind of thing,” Allen said. “But Dolly's the master manipulator, and she bests him, and that's what's really fun.”
The role of Dolly Levi has been played by notable icons, including Carol Channing, Barbra Streisand, and, most recently, Bette Midler.
“It's a fabulously smart satire on patriarchy and just that whole idea of who women are and who men are, and I just love the way that Dolly is a very strong woman.”- Regan Penning, actor
At Chico Theater Company, the role is taken on by Regan Penning. Unsure she could tackle the part due to prior commitments, it all went out the window when she hit the stage for the audition.
“As soon as I sang, 'Before The Parade Passes By,' I just knew that I wanted this role so bad,” Penning said.
But Penning was initially skeptical of the musical. Perhaps because ofits pervasive elements of“machismo.”
Penning’s perspective changed after repeat viewings and producing the show.
“It's a fabulously smart satire on patriarchy and just that whole idea of who women are and who men are, and I just love the way that Dolly is a very strong woman,” Penning said.
