Troupe to bring 'Hello Dolly' out of storage to Cutting Hall

LZP Productions aims to broaden the area's theatrical experience, by mounting seldom seen shows, and in the past have staged "Phantom of the Opera," "Ragtime." and "Titanic," to name a few.

Miller-Priess plays opposite her husband, Ken, who stars as the grumpy Horace Vandelgelder. Other principals include: real life newlyweds Steve and Ashley Peter of Schaumburg, who star as the young couple matched up by Dolly, as well as Joe Marabotti of Chicago, Alana Stephens of Mundelein, Julie Koerner of Northbrook and Mary-Anne Belter of Palatine.

"The music is what sold us," Ashley Peter says. "Most people only know its title song, 'Hello Dolly,' but I think they'd be surprised at how many others they'll know."

Her particular favorite is a duet she sings with her husband, who plays the role of Cornelius Hackl, Vandelgelder's head clerk at his hay and feed store. They end up leading the cast in the singing of, "It Only Takes A Moment."

LZP officials have been able to borrow costumes from Lincolnshire Marriott and Rockford College among other venues, making the musical a visual treat as well as a musical one with the familiar feel-good songs.

"It's an irresistible story of the joy of living," Miller-Priess adds, "glittering with happy songs and alive with the personality of one of the most famous characters on the musical stage."

If you go

What: LZP Productions presents, "Hello Dolly!"

When: opens at 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, with performances continuing at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 3 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 30

Where: Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St. in Palatine

Cost: $17 at the door

Call: (224) 639-3422