Musical numbers highlight ECC's 'Hello, Dolly!'
When times are stressful, an evening of escapism at the theater can be just the ticket.
For example, take the lighthearted musical "Hello, Dolly!"
The musical, filled with upbeat dance numbers, tells the story of a widowed matchmaker who unintentionally finds love for herself.
"With all the cynicism in the world we thought it would be good to do something light, simple, and joyous," said Konnie Kay of St. Charles, director and choreographer of the Elgin Community College production.
"Hello, Dolly!" opens Friday and runs through March 1 at the Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive.
Auditions for the musical began in November. Performers from age 6 to 60 were chosen for the roles.
"We wanted to make sure we had age appropriate casting for each character," Kay said.
The cast has been working hard ever since, practicing the many songs and dance numbers.
"We have many beautiful voices in this show, and a lot of nice harmonies," Kay said.
"One of the most popular dance routines is the 'Waiter's Gallop.' I just love it! The waiters come on and off the stage with lots of tricks and dancing."
Many of the actors are very experienced and talented, according to Kay,
"Sarafina Vecchio, who plays Dolly, is fabulous," Kay said. "She has a presence that is just remarkable and is going to carry the show."
Vecchio, a Huntley resident, performs locally with Janus Theatre in Elgin, has appeared in short films, industrial films and has worked as a plus-size model at a national level.
Russell Hoke of Winthrop Harbor tackles the role of Horace Vandergelder. An Elgin area native, Hoke works as a professional opera singer, performing most recently with the Milwaukee Opera. Both Vecchio and Hoke have numerous performing experiences with ECC Musical Theatre.
Serving as artistic director is John G. Slawson, professor of music at ECC. Slawson is also artistic director and principal conductor of Heartland Voices, a choral chamber ensemble based in Elgin.
To purchase tickets for "Hello Dolly!", priced $16-$18, visit elgin.edu/arts or call (847) 622-0300.
<p class="factboxheadblack">"Hello, Dolly!"</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 20, 21, 27, 28 and 3 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 22 and March 1</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Performing Arts Center Blizzard Theater on the Spartan Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin</p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets: </b>$18 for adults; $16 for students and seniors </p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> Call (847) 622-0300 or visit <a href="http://www.elgin.edu/arts" target="new">elgin.edu/arts</a>.</p>