“Hello, Dolly!”: The Perfect Yonkers Musical
Ximena Arceo ‘29
Photo by Ximena Arceo ‘29
Friday night, Reisinger Concert Hall was filled with laughter after a scene about leaving Yonkers to find love in New York City. Who would have thought a play set in the 1890s would resonate so much with the Sarah Lawrence community? On Nov. 15, the musical theatre ensemble presented the second of three runs of “Hello, Dolly!” The musical follows the matchmaker Dolly Levi, played by Anabel Richardson ‘27, as she tries to find a wife for Horace Vandergelder, played by Clayton Miller ‘26.
In the director’s note, student director Sarah Szafran-Pollock ‘26 explained the special connection she has with the show. Her first experience with it was as a feature dancer in a high school production, and when she later saw it on Broadway she fell in love with it all over again. It is clear that this production was made with love and care.
The main set consisted of prop windows in the background, with red curtains on the sides for actors and crew to enter and exit the stage. A projector displayed different images right above the windows. The stage would come alive every time a new prop was placed, changing from a hat shop to a high-end restaurant, every detail came together to transport the audience for the entire two hours and 30 minutes the production lasted.
The lighting was also dynamic and set the tone for some of the scenes. The intensity and direction changed according to the songs and lines, emphasizing a certain character or moment. Costumes were also important in setting the place and time period the story took place. One specific costume caused a big reaction in the audience, right after the number “Waiters’ Gallop,” Dolly emerged in the middle of the stage wearing a burgundy dress with black lace details, black gloves and a headpiece that resembled the dress. The audience gasped and clapped loudly, making it one of the biggest reactions of the night.
The cheers were not only reserved for the costumes, props and set, but also for the performances from the cast. Scenes with Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker, played by Liam Miley ‘28 and Sorin Villanueva ‘28 respectively, never failed to make everyone in the room laugh or smile. Especially in Act One with the song, “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” and the line: “we won’t come home until we’ve kissed a girl.” Audience members sitting together were seen looking at each other and smiling during this part of the performance.
Alice Wodatch ‘29’s voice, who interpreted the character of Irene Molloy, conveyed deep emotion and moved those who were present. Clayton Miller ‘26 owned the stage every time he stepped on it, his presence constantly strong. Anabel Richardson ‘27 portrayed Dolly with grace, every move gentle and delicate.
The choreography was energetic and exciting. During the number “Waiter’s Gallop”, the ensemble moved through the aisle, jumped, kicked and brought their legs as high as they could. Humour and dance were one in this number. The public clapped to the rhythm and continued to cheer throughout the performance.
By the end of Act Two, the investment of the audience increased, as they reacted in real time to the final numbers. Emotions grew larger and laughs could be heard from every seat. The finale was met with excitement and a standing ovation from most attendees. All the dedication and hard work from those involved in the production reflected until the very last second of the show.
