Music on Stage brings 'Hello, Dolly!' to Cutting Hall
Music on Stage will present the musical "Hello, Dolly!" at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 10-25.
Tickets are $20 in advance or $23 at the door; children and seniors $18 in advance or $20 at the door. Visit www.cuttinghall.org or call (847) 202-5222.
The Daily Herald caught up with Artistic Director Frank Roberts of Elk Grove Village, who has worked on 55 shows for Music On Stage, to learn more about the production. Others working on this show include Producer Kathy Zimmerman, Music Director Marty Karlin and Stage Manager Erin McDermott.
Q. Why did Music on Stage choose "Hello, Dolly!" for its winter production?
Roberts. Our audiences seem to like the classic musical comedies, and this is definitely a classic our audiences will love.
Q. Explain the casting process for this show. How difficult (or easy) was it to find actors who could act, sing and dance?
Roberts. We usually have two nights of auditions and one night of callbacks, with readings from the script on that third evening.
Everyone is well-suited for their roles. There are 24 people in "Hello, Dolly!" Cast members include Carrie Dabelow, Don Orlando, Paul Mullen, Russell Badalamenti, Krist Neumann, Victoria Geraci, Brianne Gidbumb, Allison Kasbee, Marty Devine, Lisa Rausa, Pamela Galloway-Anderson, Kathy Blaheta, Julie Davy Cohen, Skylar Greenberg, Britny Hendrickson, Jane Liquin, Mary Rose Nicholas, Ryan Gallerani, Nici Hendrickson, Cooper Meek, Alex Ray, Matanel Roitman, Michael Ross, Steven Schur and Paul C. Stowick.
Q. Briefly explain the plot of the story. Are you doing the classic version of "Hello, Dolly!" or an updated/altered version?
Roberts. We are doing the classic version. Dolly Levi, born Gallagher, does what she can to make a living, and she is determined to marry a well-known "half a millionaire" in Yonkers, New York. In the process, she makes several more matches before she gets Horace to propose.
Q. What have been some of the difficulties or challenges in putting together this production?
Roberts. The biggest challenge has been the weather and illness that comes with working on a show in the winter months.
Q. What have been some of the highlights?
Roberts. When the cast is laughing at the scenes you are rehearsing, you know it's going to be a great show. The dancing is wonderful, and we have a great group of people working on this production.
Q. What do you think audiences will like best about this show (a specific scene, character, song, etc.?)
Roberts. I want people to come to the theater to escape their crazy, everyday lives and enjoy an evening of classic musical theater in the Northwest suburbs. I think they will enjoy the homage to a much less stressful time in our history and the beautiful performances.
Q. Anything else you think readers should know about this show?
Roberts. This is the second show in our 60th season and will be followed by Cole Porter's "Anything Goes" May 19 to June 3. Visit Music on Stage online at www.musiconstage.org.
If you go
What: Music on Stage's production of "Hello, Dolly!"
When: Feb. 10-25; performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays
Where: Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine
Tickets: $20 in advance or $23 at the door; children and seniors $18 in advance or $20 at the door.
Details: <a href="https://www.cuttinghall.org/">www.cuttinghall.org</a> or call (847) 202-5222