Wheaton North puts on spirited production of 'Hello, Dolly!'

Controlled chaos.

That's how Dolly Levi rolls.

For the matchmaking and meddling focal point of Wheaton North High School's spring musical, life mimics the art that creates her.

"It's chaos but it's controlled chaos," said Senior Abi Caskey, who plays the lead in "Hello, Dolly!" which opens at 7 p.m. today in the school's auditorium.

Caskey speaks to the life of Dolly, as well as the process of putting on a large musical that includes more than 100 students in the cast, crew and orchestra pit.

"There's a few things that you say, 'oh this is never going to come together,' but it does in the end," Caskey said. "And when you get to that final product, it's awesome."

All the pieces fall together beautifully in this production based on the play "The Matchmaker" by Thornton Wilder that follows the exploits of Dolly, a strong-willed woman determined to make love connections everywhere she goes.

And there are many pieces, says Director Carrie Dabelow, a drama teacher at Franklin Middle School.

Set in 1890s New York City, the show includes several different sets that physically come on and off the stage during the show.

Students constructed the sets and they'll work together to get them on and off, Dabelow said.

"Typically, there'll be one or two things onstage," she said. "This time it changes and changes and changes. It takes a lot of teamwork backstage to make sure everything is moving smoothly and make sure everything is there."

Another unique aspect to the musical are the costumes - each of the 50 students in the cast has a minimum of two.

"In a typical musical, everybody has one thing they wear," Dabelow said. "That's why this is a little harder to have each student have two costumes. That has been a real challenge."

She gives huge props to the production's costume designer, Dee Horkey, as well as a parent volunteer who made all of the women's oversized hats from scratch.

"My hat has an entire rooster on it," Caskey said. "It's very in the time period. It's very lively, but it still looks classy at the same time."

Preparing for "Hello, Dolly!" has been chaotic, students say.

But it's organized chaos.

"I'm really proud," Dabelow said.

Senior student director Jessica Wall added a shout out to the men of the show, some of whom doubted their ability to pick up some of the demanding dances.

"That's an accomplishment," she said. "Some of them think they can't dance, but the 'Hello, Dolly!' guys have worked very hard in the show."

"Hello, Dolly!" runs at 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday with a matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday at the school, 701 W. Thomas St.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for students and seniors.

For details, call (630) 784-7442 or visit cusd200.org.

If you go

If you go

What: “Hello, Dolly!”

When: 7 p.m. today, Friday and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Wheaton North High School's Taylor Auditorium, 701 W. Thomas St.

Cost: $8 adults, $4 students and seniors

Info: (630) 784-7442 or cusd200.org