June 18-22
August 5-9, 2015
In the early 1900s, two timid clerks risk a one-day escape to New York City, where they encounter unpredictable complications, farcical situations, and poignant romance engineered by Yonkers’ most famous Matchmaker, Dolly Levi. One of the most beloved of Broadway’s classic musical comedies, this spectacular production will feature lavish new sets and costumes and a sparkling cast.
HELLO, DOLLY!
Book by Michael Stewart
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Based on the play “The Matchmaker” by Thornton Wilder
Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion
Produced for the Broadway Stage by David Merrick and Champion-Five, Inc.
Kathryn Kendall is thrilled to return to MTWichita where she previously appeared in Gypsy. New York/National Tours include the 42nd Street revival (Dorothy/Maggie), Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (Hildy, Mazeppa, Mr. Monotony Singer), White Christmas, Nunsense – 25th Anniversary Tour (Robert Anne) co-starring with Sally Struthers, Merman: Who Could Ask For Anything More (Lincoln Center), George White Scandals (Town Hall), Broadway Applauds Lincoln Center (Avery Fisher Hall), Forbidden Hollywood, Lyrics and Lyricist series at the 92nd Street Y (soloist for Irving Berlin on Broadway and An Evening of Kurt Weill), Fiorello! (Mitzi), Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney), Kiss Me Kate (Bianca) and Shenandoah (Jenny), both w/ John Raitt, and Show Boat (Ellie) with Eddie Bracken for several opera companies, as well as the St. Louis MUNY. Numerous regional credits span the country at prestigious theatres such as the Kennedy Center, Goodspeed Opera House, Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center and Actors Theatre of Louisville. Ms. Kendall had the great honor and privilege of working with Jerry Herman, the composer of Hello, Dolly!, when he supervised the Barrington Stage production of Mack and Mabel (Lottie). A few years later she had the great fortune to play Dolly Levi for the first time, fell in love with her and the show, and cannot wait to bring her to life again here at MTW! A true “Jerry’s Girl,” she has also played Mame and Jacqueline in La Cage Aux Folles. Other Regional/Stock favorites include Gypsy (Rose), Dirty Blonde (Jo/Mae), Moon Over Buffalo (Charlotte Hay), RSC Wizard Of Oz (Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch), Threepenny Opera (Jenny), Urinetown (Pennywise),The Little Mermaid (Ursula), and the critically acclaimed White Christmas (Martha) at the John W. Engeman. Ms. Kendall has performed in concert with orchestras across the country and was featured in By Strouse, a celebration of the music of Charles Strouse, which was performed for Mr. Strouse as a tribute at his acceptance of a Lifetime Achievement Award in Arts & Culture. Soap fans may recognize her from recurring roles on “The Edge of Night” and “Loving.” Ms. Kendall is a busy voiceover recording artist and a graduate of the Boston Conservatory. Many thanks to Wayne and everyone at MTWichita, and LF, CSG, JS, & MLYH!
Bill Nolte is delighted to be making his MTWichita debut! He was recently seen on Broadway in the revival of La Cage Aux Folles and as Franz Liebkind in The Producers, a role he also performed across the U.S., including stints in Las Vegas and Japan. On Broadway, he originated roles in Jane Eyre, Amour, and Alan Menken’s King David (which re-opened the New Amsterdam Theatre), A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden, and the revivals of 1776 and Joseph… Dreamcoat. Other Broadway appearances include The Secret Garden, Me and My Girl, and his Broadway debut as Old Deuteronomy in Cats. Regionally, he created the roles of Simon Stride in the Alley Theatre’s world premiere production of Jekyll & Hyde and Father in the American premiere of Stephen Schwartz’s Children of Eden at the Mill Mountain Theatre, in Roanoke, Virginia. Bill has been featured as Major Domo in Fanfare, choreographed by Jerome Robbins, with the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center; and as Elmer Candyjack in Sail Away starring Elaine Stritch at Carnegie Hall. He is a proud recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, an accomplished watercolorist whose paintings have been featured in solo shows in galleries across the U.S., and the recipient of a prestigious Tommy Award (1981) from the American Council of Prints for his textile designs. http://billnolte.com
Steve Hitchcock is thrilled to be joining MTWichita for a couple of shows this summer. You may have seen him last year in Catch Me If You Can, where he played several different colorful characters. He performs regularly around Wichita for Mosley Street Melodrama, where he is also the General Manager, and The Forum Theatre. Some favorite roles include: Emcee in Cabaret, Francis Henshall in One Man, Two Guvnors, and many stalwart Heroes in the melodramas at Mosley. He would like to thank Wayne, Nancy, and the MTW crew for this awesome opportunity; and to Patty for always being so supportive. Also, much love to Ted, Briley, Mom, Dad, Kari, Evan, Kenny, and Kati; who continue to be so encouraging and supportive as he pursues his dreams. Lights, please!
Kerry is happy to be making her MTWichita debut! Earlier this summer, Kerry starred opposite Charles Shaughnessy in My Fair Lady at Theatre By the Sea. National Tour: Mary Poppins (Winifred Banks and U/S Mary). Broadway Concert: Brigadoon (Jane Ashton), Camelot (Lady Anne). Off-Broadway: Lady, Be Good (City Center Encores!), The Irish and How They Got That Way, Meet Me In St. Louis, Ernest in Love (Irish Rep), A World To Win, Housewives’ Cantata (York Theatre). Regional: Mary Poppins (Mary: Theatre By The Sea), Oliver!, Singin in the Rain, Beauty and the Beast (MUNY), A Tale of Cinderella, A Wonderful Life (NYS Theatre Institute), Camelot (White Plains PAC), Sisters of Swing (Surflight). Thanks to Wayne, Ma and Joe and always for Dad. www.kerryconte.com
Patrick Garr is a Lexington, Kentucky native and is currently studying at University of Kentucky to receive his BA in Theatre with an emphasis in Musical Theatre and Dance. Patrick is also receiving his double major in Communications. His previous credits include: Woof in Hair, Benjamin in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Don John in Much Ado About Nothing, Mike in A Chorus Line, and “Sing, Sing, Sing” with Nan Giordano of Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. Patrick also had the privilege of working with Steven Kennedy and Tim McDonald on the 2012 MTI and iTheatrics Broadway Choreography DVD. Patrick would like to thank Lyndy and Jeromy Smith, Peggy Stamps, Beth Arnold, Nancy Jones, Susie Thiel, and his wonderful family. www.patrickgarr.com
Daisy Wright is beyond grateful to be back here at MTWichita this year for her second summer! Originally from St. George, UT, Daisy is an upcoming senior Musical Theatre major at the University of Oklahoma. Her credits include: Music Theatre Wichita: South Pacific, West Side Story, Joseph, Catch Me If You Can, 42nd Street. OU University Theatre: On The Town (Ivy u.s.), The Drowsy Chaperone (Mrs. Tottendale u.s.). OKC Philharmonic: The Christmas Show w/Beth Leavel (Dancer). Many thanks to my loving parents, family, friends, and teachers, and a BIG thanks to everyone at MTWichita for welcoming me back into their wonderful theatrical family for another summer of incredible fun!
This is Emily Vargo’s first summer with MTWichita and she could not be more thrilled! She acquires her BFA in Musical Theatre from Wichita State University this May, and thanks MTWichita and Wayne Bryan for being big influences and help throughout her college career. Some of her most notable Wichita roles are Luisa in The Fantasticks, which earned her the Mary Jane Teall award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, Wendla Bergmann in Spring Awakening, and Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls directed by none other than Wayne Bryan. “When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true!”
Trevor McChristian, a Wichita native, recently completed his first year at Elon University! He is ecstatic to be returning for his second full summer with the company at MTWichita after having spent several years in the Teen Choir and Interning! In 2013, Trevor was selected as the male representative from the Jester Awards to compete in New York City at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, where he made his New York debut at the Minskoff Theatre (where Lion King plays). Favorite MTW credits include: Joseph…Dreamcoat (Baker/swing—where he went on as Brother Asher), West Side Story (Anxious), Catch Me If You Can, Singin’ in the Rain, and Betty Blue Eyes (U.S. Premiere). He sends many humble thanks to the cast and crew, Wayne, Nancy, Josh, Thomas, his family and friends, and above all else Mom.
Timothy Robu is delighted to be a part of this year’s MTWichita season, as well as many previous ones. Audiences may remember Tim in past roles such as Thenardier in Les Misérables, Bedevere in Spamalot, John Hancock in 1776, the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, Amos Hart in Chicago, Oscar Shapiro in Curtains, Mr. Feldzeig in The Drowsy Chaperone, Herbie in Gypsy, and Lazar Wolf in Fiddler. Tim also performs at several other venues in the Wichita area and served as Technical Director for the Crown Theatre and Artistic Director of the children’s program for more than twenty years. He now works as an Exhibit Technician for Exploration Place. When not working at Wichita’s fine theatres, Tim has plenty to keep him busy as father to his two daughters, Katie and Francie. Thanks to Wayne and all the folks in Wichita who produce theatre, perform theatre, and enjoy theatre. They make the Wichita area a great place to work, live, and bring up kids in.
Cassie Austin is delighted to be joining MTWichita for the first time ever! A Libertyville, IL native and sophomore in the BFA Musical Theatre program at Brigham Young University in Utah, she is ecstatic about being back in the Midwest. Favorite Credits include Valentine de Villefort in the U.S. Premiere of Frank Wildhorn’s The Count of Monte Cristo (BYU), Katy in the NYMTF-bound new musical Single Wide (BYU), Brooke in Legally Blonde, and Cassie in A Chorus Line. Much thanks to Mom and Dad as well as her amazing teachers, friends and family for all of their love and support, and to Music Theatre Wichita for this amazing opportunity!
Katie Barna is thrilled to be spending her summer performing with Music Theatre Wichita! She is a recent graduate of Oklahoma City University from Suwanee, Georgia. While in college, she performed annually in the Home for the Holidays and ASDC Spring Show with the American Spirit Dance Company. Professionally, Katie performed in Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s Will Rogers Follies. She would like to express unending gratitude to family and friends for believing in her dreams and the Lord for His abundant blessings.
Caitlin Belcik is absolutely thrilled to be returning to MTWichita for her second season! She is from Edmond, OK, and this fall will be a sophomore at Penn State University in the BFA musical theatre program. Favorite credits include: Broadway: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Annie Who – original; Little Who – revival); Regional: MTW – Last year’s 5 fabulous shows!, White Christmas (Susan Waverly); Lyric Theatre – Sweet Charity, Bye Bye Birdie, Tarzan, Sound of Music, Call Me Madam (choreography assistant); ENHS – West Side Story (Maria). Much love and thanks to Wayne, Nancy, Josh and the MTW team for this wonderful opportunity, and to my teachers and parents for their support!
Karen Nicole Blackmon is a two-time Jester recipient and rising freshman at Wichita State University, where she will major in Musical Theater. Some of her favorite roles include “Maria” in The Sound of Music, “Milly” in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and “Dolly Levi” in Hello, Dolly!. This is Karen’s first time as a Koch Intern for MTWichita but has been involved in teen choir and past MTW shows. She would especially like to thank God, Pina Mozzani, Linda Starkey, Wayne Bryan, and Mrs. Mickey Armstrong for giving her the opportunity to continue doing what she loves.
Matthew Borchers is beyond stoked to be returning to MTWichita this summer! A St. Louis native, he graduated this past May from the Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre at The University of Oklahoma, and plans to move to the Big Apple this fall! Credits: 54 Below: Theory of Relativity. St. Louis MUNY: Holiday Inn. OKC Philharmonic: The Christmas Show (Featured Dancer). MTWichita: West Side Story (Baby John), Joseph…(Benjamin), 42nd Street (Soldier, Shadow Boy). Lyric OKC: Bye Bye Birdie (Harvey Johnson). Endless thanks to Wayne, Nancy and the MTW family for sharing your wisdom, love and kindness; so much gratitude and love to the Big Man Upstairs, family, friends and teachers for their constant support and guidance. BOOMER!
“Q” is Beyond Thrilled to return to MTWichita after appearing in Catch Me If You Can and 42nd Street last summer. Though based in California, Wichita has always felt like home! Regional credits include: Young Frankenstein (Sasha), 42nd Street (Oscar), White Christmas (Scooter), Chorus Line, Gypsy (Yonkers), Ragtime (Little Boy –IETLAward), Oliver! (Oliver), Full Monty (Nathan), On Your Toes (Young Junior). Q is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Heartfelt Thanks to Mom, Dad, and Mollie Rae for your unending love, support and encouragement! Much love and gratitude to Wayne, Nancy, and Josh for this Incredibly Awesome opportunity! Q thanks God for Abundant Blessings!
Aaron Patrick Craven is very excited to spend the summer with MTWichita! He recently earned a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Wichita State University. Favorite regional credits include A Chorus Line, Les Misérables, and White Christmas. Last year, Aaron was nominated to perform at the national conference of the American College Dance Festival of America, performing at the Kennedy Center. Aaron has also been seen as a Principal Dancer with Ballet Wichita and has toured internationally with Wichita Contemporary Dance Theatre. Love and thanks to Mom, Dad, Alex, Katie, Wayne, Josh and Nancy! Psalms 115:1 www.aaronpatrickcraven.com
Lexis is thrilled to be spending her summer with Music Theatre Wichita! A current student of Millikin University, she is pursuing a BFA in Musical Theater with a dance minor (2016), and has appeared on the Millikin mainstage in: And the World Goes ‘Round (Woman/Dance Captain), Peter Pan (Tiger Lily), Legally Blonde (Greek Chorus/Vivienne u/s), Cinderella, Machinal (Female Swing), the collegiate premiere of the new Gwon and Hammond musical String, and the workshop of Salzman and Cunningham’s The Legend of New York. Additional credits include: An Evening with Andrew Lippa (Featured Vocalist), The Nutcracker Ballet (Sugar Plum Fairy, Judith Svalander Dance Theater), Thodos Dance Residency, and the 84th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Featured Float Singer/Dancer). She sends all her love and thanks to her supportive friends and family.
Olga Esquivel-Holman is excited to be on stage again for this MTWichita walk-on role. She studied theater at UCLA, appeared in several Equity Waver Productions, was seen on “General Hospital,” in more than 20 national commercials, and more recently in 3 cooking competitions on the Food Network. Now living in Wichita with her husband Bill, an optometrist, she has volunteered in school, church and nonprofit boards and activities. She enjoys cooking, oil painting and is writing a novel. They have a wonderful daughter, Kristin.
Hannah Fernandes is absolutely elated to be a part of MTWichita this summer. Hannah is about to enter her junior year at Wichita State University as a Musical Theatre major. Her recent roles include Percy in The Spitfire Grill (dir. Wayne Bryan at WSU) and Cinderella in Into the Woods (dir. Linda Starkey at WSU). Hannah is so grateful for this marvelous opportunity and would like to send an enormous thank you to Wayne, Josh, Nancy, and the whole MTWichita team. All my love to Pina, Amy, Linda, Marie, and my amazing Mom and Dad! www.hannahlfernandes.com
Kat Geertsen – First MTWichita season. Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Kat graduated this past May from Viterbo University with a BFA in Music Theatre. VU credits include: Pippin (Leading Player), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Flo), Little Women (Beth), A Chorus Line (Judy Turner, #23). Other favorites: Next to Normal (Natalie), Disney’s Beauty & the Beast (Belle), Ragtime (Mother), Spring Awakening (Thea), Legally Blonde (Kate). Kat also served as Assistant Music Director for Drood, and joined the entire Fine Arts Department this March in a televised celebration of Viterbo’s 125th anniversary. Many thanks to Wayne, Nancy, and MTW, and to Mom, Dad, family, friends, and teachers for their immeasurable love, support, and faith.
Erik Hernandez is currently a junior at the Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music and he couldn’t be more excited to be joining the cast and crew of Music Theatre Wichita. He will receive his BFA in Musical Theatre next spring. His credits include Quisisana, Maine: Rent (Collins), A Grand Night For Singing (Ensemble); CCM: 110 in the Shade (Noah), Legally Blonde (Padamadan/Nikos), Les Misérables (Brujon), Carrie (George), and Threepenny Opera (Walt Dreary). Erik would like to thank his entire family, especially his mother Lorraine for the years of encouragement and support, MT16, Averie, and Allie.
Cameron Hill is a New Jersey native and now a rising senior musical theatre student at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She is thrilled to be making her MTWichita debut this summer! She has most recently appeared in CCM’s productions of 110 in the Shade, Legally Blonde, Carrie the Musical, and Les Misérables. Some of her favorite credits include Sarah (Ragtime), Diana Morales (A Chorus Line), Ti Moune (Once On This Island), and Chiffon (Little Shop of Horrors). She is grateful every day for her supportive parents and all of her teachers past and present.
Willie Hill is a third-year Music Theatre major from Tulsa, Oklahoma studying voice with Dr. Marilyn Govich at The University of Central Oklahoma. Willie’s favorite theatre credits include: working with a non-profit organization called “A Pocket Full Of Hope”; Jake in Side Show, Featured Vocalist in Holidays at Home, Curtis/C.C. in Dreamgirls, Richie in A Chorus Line, Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, Ubaldo Piangi in Phantom of the Opera, and Scarecrow in The Wiz. He would like to thank his family and his parents for their love and support.
Liz Jarmer is so happy and so grateful to be a part of MTWichita this summer! Liz is about to enter her senior year at Wichita State University as a music theatre major. Past roles include Shelby in The Spitfire Grill (dir. Wayne Bryan at WSU) and Sally in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (WSU). A huge thank you to Wayne, Josh, Nancy, and the entire MTWichita team for this incredible opportunity, as well as Pina, Amy, Linda, Marie, and Mom & Dad.
Lily Kaufmann is overjoyed to be returning to MTW this year after a truly unforgettable experience last summer. Hailing from up the river in Kansas City, she is happy to spend some of her summer just a few hours from home! There, she did shows with MTYP, KC Starlight and New Theatre Restaurant. Lily is a rising junior BFA Musical Theatre major at Florida State University, where she has been fortunate enough to be involved in many main stage musicals. Endless thanks to the encouragement of Wayne, Nancy and the MTW staff, along with Lily’s wonderful friends and infinitely supportive family for being there through it all. Go Noles!
Kyle McClellan is thrilled to be making his debut with MTWichita this summer! He is a rising junior at the University of Michigan, where his credits include Les Misérables (Prouvaire) and The Tempest (Sebastian). Regional: Walnut Street Theatre, Bucks County Playhouse. Other credits: 42nd Street (Billy Lawlor), West Side Story (Riff), and Hair (Claude). Much love and many thanks to Mom, Dad, Ty, Zo, the UMich faculty, and MTW for this incredible opportunity. Go Blue!
Carolyn Anne Miller is so happy to be returning to her MTWichita family for her third summer. She graduated this past May from the Chicago College of Performing Arts. Some of her favorite regional credits include Les Miserablés (Eponine), Catch Me If You Can (Brenda Strong), Betty Blue Eyes (Veronica), Amadeus (Constanze), and Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party (Mae). Carolyn would like to thank her mom, dad, and sister for all of their love and support throughout her career, and to Wayne for another wonderful summer back at MTW.
Kevin Nietzel is beyond thrilled to be joining the MTW family this summer! Originally from Cary, IL, he is a rising senior at Florida State University pursuing a BFA in Music Theatre. Favorite credits include Maine State Music Theatre, Wagon Wheel Theatre, and Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire. He would love to give a special thanks to Wayne, Nancy, and all of the production staff for such an incredible opportunity, and of course his amazing family for always being a true support system.
Faith Northcutt will be a junior in the International Baccalaureate program at East High, Dance Captain for Wichita Flight Competition Showchoir and vocalist for Heaven’s Gate. She is overjoyed to return to her MTWichita family, where credits include Joseph/Dreamcoat (Dance Capt. for youth choir), Mary Poppins (Teen Intern), King & I (Teen Intern), Finian’s Rainbow (Diana), Gypsy (Young Louise), and Les Mis (Young Cosette 2008). Other credits: The Pajama Game (Babe) – East High, Annie (Annie), and Legally Blonde (Margot/Dance Capt.) – MTYP. She is honored to be a Koch Industries performing Teen Intern for Hello Dolly. Much love & thanks to Wayne, Nancy, Josh, cast & crew.
Jessie Peltier is thrilled to be joining MTWichita this summer! Originally from Northern Virginia, Jessie is a rising senior Dance Performance major at Oklahoma City University. Credits include: A Chorus Line (Diana), 9 to 5: the Musical (Margaret), and La Cage Aux Folles all at the Summer Repertory Theatre in Santa Rosa, California. She has also performed in the ensemble of productions of Legally Blonde and The Producers. At school, she is a member of the American Spirit Dance Company, performing consistently in the annual Home for the Holidays Christmas shows and annual Spring shows. Special thanks to Mom, Dad, Alyssa, Chris, and Raynor for always believing in her and supporting her in pursuing her dreams.
Jared Thomas Roberts is beyond excited and humbled to be a part of the 2015 Music Theatre Wichita Summer Season. He is a rising junior pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at Point Park University. At PPU, Jared has been in productions of 21, a world premiere musical (Ball Player/Reporter) and The Boyfriend (Marcel). Past productions include: A Chorus Line (Mike), Footloose (Ren), Legally Blonde (Warner), Cats (Alonzo/Macavity). He would like to thank his family and friends for always supporting his artistic endeavors and his teachers and trainers for helping him grow into the performer he is today. “When you become the image of your own imagination, it’s the most powerful thing you could ever do.”
Jon Paul Roby is thrilled to be performing with MTWichita this summer! Regional credits include Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Syracuse Stage, and Reagle Music Theatre. Jon Paul will be starting his last year in the BFA Musical Theatre program at Syracuse University in the fall. He would like to thank his family for their love and endless support as well as Wayne, Nancy and the entire MTW team for this incredible opportunity. Enjoy the show!
Ximone Rose, a New Orleans native, graduated this May from the University of Michigan where she just played Caroline in Caroline, Or Change. She is so thrilled to be making her MTWichita debut this summer and is looking forward to moving to New York afterwards! Keep a look out for her name! GO BLUE.
Sierra Scott is beyond excited to be cast in this walk-on role for MTWichita! Sierra is a veteran TV news anchor with 28 years of broadcast experience. She currently hosts two television shows on the KSCW. You can see her at 4:30pm Monday through Friday on “The Brett and Sierra Show” and hosting “It’s ALL Good!” on Sunday nights. Sierra has also appeared in walk-on roles in several movies, (Spellbound and The Stars Fell On Henrietta), on a national talk show (“Vicki”), a TV series (“Major Crimes“), her story is featured in a book (“Miracle Makers; Catalysts for Change”), she’s listed in the Guinness Book of World records, and was featured on the cover of an international magazine called “Shoeholics” that focuses on her favorite addiction. Sierra is honored to share the stage with some of the most amazingly helpful, kind, supportive and talented actors in the business. An MTW ticket holder for more than 10 years, she also wants to give a HUGE THANKS to Wayne Bryan and the MTW staff for their unending patience and understanding and for giving her this once in a lifetime opportunity to see a production from a totally unique and fascinating perspective. A special thanks to all my friends for their love and support while following my dreams. I LOVE you Mom and Harrison!!!!!
Jeremy Seiner is extremely excited to be a part of the 2015 MTWichita company. Favorite past roles include Frank Jr. (Catch Me If You Can), Claude (Hair), and Noah (Children of Eden). Jeremy recently recieved his BFA from Penn State, and would like to thank his friends and family for all of their constant love and support.
Avery Smith is a rising senior drama major at Carnegie Mellon University. He is a Chicago native and is very excited to be performing alongside the many talented artists of the 2015 MTWichita Company. For his first year of college he attended The Boston Conservatory where he appeared as Horse in The Full Monty. After his first year at the conservatory he decided to further his education at Carnegie Mellon University. While at CMU recent credits include Hello Again, The Wiz, and Babylon. Additionally, he has performed to honor alumni and Tony Award Winner Billy Porter. Also, Smith is featured on American R&B vocal group The Dells re-release of their hit “Open Up My Heart” featured on their album Open Up My Heart: The 9/11 Suite. Other credits include Damn Yankees (Applegate), A Little Night Music (Liebeslieder/u.s. Fredrik) Kiss Me, Kate (Paul). For Avery it is always a privilege and a blessing to be able to perform. He would like to thank all of his friends and family for all of their love and support! Mom, Dad, Austin, Amber, Amaris…YOU ROCK! “Live the moment, seize the day. Love every minute, because there’s only one today.”
Sarah Quinn Taylor, a rising senior at the University of Oklahoma, could not be more elated to return home to MTWichita for her fifth summer season. Recent/Favorite credits include: Janet Van DeGraff, The Drowsy Chaperone; Chris Hargensen, Carrie the Musical (University Theatre), Cosette, Les Miserablés; Arista, Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Lyric Theatre OKC), Greek Chorus, Legally Blonde; Ensemble, Betty Blue Eyes, 9 to 5, Finian’s Rainbow (MTWichita), Pops Chorale/Dancer, The Christmas Show (OKC Philharmonic). Endless love and thanks to Wayne, Nancy, and Josh, her unbelievably encouraging friends and family, her devoted mentors and teachers who daily challenge her to push beyond limits, and her incredibly supportive husband, Jeff Taylor. MUTAU. 1 Peter 4:10-11
Halli Toland is excited to return to MTW for a second summer! She is a rising sophomore at the University of Michigan pursuing a BFA in musical theatre, and is originally from Toledo, Ohio. Her university credits include Helga in Cabaret and Dance Captain for The Music Man at U of M. Some of her favorite credits include Graziella in West Side Story and Dance Captain for Catch Me If You Can (both at MTW), as well as Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone at Toledo Repertory Theatre. She would like to thank her instructors Mark Madama and Linda Goodrich, as well as her amazing family and friends back home for their love and unending encouragement. Lastly special thanks to MTW for this wonderful opportunity. GO BLUE!
Lauren Brooke Voigt is thankful, grateful, and honored to be an Intern for Hello, Dolly! Lauren will be a junior at Maize High School in the fall, and enjoys singing, dancing, and acting. Her most recent role was “Annelle” in Steel Magnolias at MHS. She is a competitive member of the Midwest Dance Mechanix dance studio as well as a member of the En Avant Ballet Company. She has danced in the summer intensive program at the Tulsa Ballet. Lauren thanks: God, her family and friends, Wayne, Nancy, Josh, the Hello, Dolly! artistic team, Koch Industries, the MDM staff, Mom, Dad, and Carter. ¡Con mucho amor!
Gina Ward is so excited to be making her professional theatre debut at Music Theatre Wichita! She is coming all the way from Tampa, FL and is a rising senior at Florida State University. Past credits include: How to Succeed… (Swing) and Company (Jenny). She would like to thank Wayne, Nancy, and all of the artistic team for believing in her and for giving her this amazing opportunity. She would not be the performer she is today without Broadway Dreams Foundation, Kate and Gayle, MT ’16, her mom and dad, and most importantly her Sissy.
Jacob Wasson is a rising freshman at Point Park University. A seven time Jester nominee, his favorite past roles include Sid (The Pajama Game), Jimmy (Thoroughly Modern Millie), and Bobby Strong (Urinetown). This is Jacob’s 11th summer here at MTWichita and he is thrilled to be a part of the professional ensemble! He would like to thank his family, G, Wayne, Nancy, and all of his teachers.
Mark Madama has directed productions on both coasts, and as far away as Ireland, Poland, and Czechoslovakia, and yet he happily celebrates his 27th consecutive MTWichita season, with Aida being his 43rd production as director. Favorite shows here include The Full Monty, 9 to 5, Sunset Boulevard, The King and I, The Music Man, Curtains, Big River, Annie Get Your Gun, Oklahoma!, Damn Yankees, Cinderella, How to Succeed…, Funny Girl, Fiddler on the Roof (2001 and 2012), The Pajama Game, Evita, The Music Man, The Sound of Music, State Fair, Meet Me in St. Louis, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, The Secret Garden, Tintypes, Sweet Charity, Gigi, Cabaret, Into the Woods, They’re Playing Our Song, Good News!, and three editions of West Side Story, plus his performance as Zach in MTWichita’s first A Chorus Line. Other credits include The Producers, Aida, Cinderella, and Footloose at Kansas City Starlight, Hello, Dolly! at the New London Barn Playhouse, and two engagements teaching at Music Theatre Italy near Venice. Mark Madama and Wayne Bryan are the co-authors of the revised version of Good News!, which has received more than 300 productions in the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain. Mark is an Associate Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan, where he has directed Caroline, Or Change, Ragtime, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, A Little Night Music, The Full Monty, Rent, Big River, City of Angels, The Pajama Game, Guys and Dolls, Assassins, Good News!, Nine, Children of Eden, Company and Horton Foote’s 1918.
Brian J. Marcum is so honored to be back at MTWichita – the place that gave him his start in this wonderful musical theatre world – this time as choreographer! Twenty something years ago Brian was an ensemble member in the last MTW production of Hello, Dolly! Since then, Brian has become a director, choreographer, and professor as well as a Broadway performer. As a director and choreographer, Brian’s work has been seen all over the country. On Broadway, he was the Associate Choreographer of the holiday hit ELF – The Musical. He has also directed and/or choreographed for The North Carolina Theatre, Alpine Theatre Project, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, and Summer Repertory Theatre, among others. As a performer Brian was in the original casts of four Broadway shows: The Gershwins’ Fascinating Rhythm, Saturday Night Fever, the Tony Award-winning revival of 42nd Street and The Boy from Oz starring Hugh Jackman. He was a replacement in Spamalot and The Drowsy Chaperone. He has toured nationally with Annie Get Your Gun and State Fair, and internationally with The Who’s Tommy. Brian danced with the world famous Radio City Rockettes in both the Christmas Spectacular and the Spring Spectacular and danced numerous times on the Tony Awards, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in music videos and the movie of The Producers. Brian teaches master classes all over the country and has been on the dance faculty at Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, and both Broadway Dance Center and Ballet Arts in NYC. Brian is currently an Associate Professor of Dance in the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management at Oklahoma City University, where he teaches tap, jazz, and theatre dance.
Thomas W. Douglas is back for his 15th season in Wichita! He has performed more than 200 opera, oratorio, orchestral, and musical theater productions nationally and internationally. Highlights include conducting Webber’s Phantom of the Opera in Basel, Switzerland and Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte with the Anchorage Opera, and directing Ain’t Misbehavin’ in Malaysia. Thomas is currently the Music Director for the Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra, and the Artistic Director of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, which is regularly receiving accolades for innovative, creative, and dramatically provocative productions. His MTWichita history includes ShowBoat with Kelli O’Hara, Ragtime, Smokey Joe’s Café, 9 to 5, Ragtime with Darcie Roberts, Hairspray, The Full Monty, Miss Saigon, Beauty and the Beast, and Les Misérables, among many others. Thomas is the founder and Artistic Director of the Neighborhood Opera Company, having recently produced Mozart’s Don Giovanni with an African American cast. With the Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, he has conducted jazz legend Nathan Davis’ opera Just Above My Head, Carmen Jones, and Porgy and Bess. Thomas has been the recipient of the Mary Jane Teall Award and the Robert Frankle awards for his contribution to theatre in Wichita, KS and Pittsburgh, PA. Thomas has enjoyed the stage roles of Amonasro in Elton John’s Aida, Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors. Recently named the Director of Opera Studies in the School of Music in addition to his position as Director of Choral Activities and Professor in the School of Drama, this is Thomas’ 25th year on the faculty of Carnegie Mellon University.
Bruce Brockman is thrilled to be returning to Music Theatre Wichita. A Set Designer and Scenic Artist, and Director of the School of Theatre Film and Television at the University of Arizona, Brockman has previously designed 42nd Street, Finian’s Rainbow, Les Misérables, Camelot, Annie Get Your Gun and Oklahoma for MTW. Thanks to Wayne for having me back, and thanks to my old music teacher, Bill Oldham, for giving me the opportunity to design my very first musical theatre production, Hello, Dolly! about a million years ago!
Dixon Reynolds is thrilled to be back at Music Theatre Wichita after designing costumes for last summer’s Catch Me If You Can and 2013’s Betty Blue Eyes! He is an Associate Professor of Costume Design at State University of New York at Fredonia and a freelance designer. His designs are seen in a broad range of styles from Theatre, Dance, Opera, Film and his favorite: new and experimental theatrical works, including musicals! Dixon is the resident costume designer at the Kavinoky Theatre in Buffalo, NY. Some of his designs have been seen at The Irish Classical Theatre, ART Park, Summer Repertory Theatre, Buffalo United Artists, Shakespeare in Delaware Park, The Hartt School of Music, Triad Stage, and American Dance Festival. He has also worked in the costume departments at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Playmakers Repertory Company, Roanoke Festival Park, HBO Productions and CBS Productions.
Madelynn Nevins is excited to be designing the her first show at MTWichita! She joined this summer camp experience 9 years ago as an apprentice and has enjoyed the ride ever since! Madelynn spent the first part of the summer as the Assistant Lighting Designer at MTWichita and this last year as the Production Manager for Music Theatre for Young People producing art and teaching youth about the craft. She also spent the year in many different design capacities for various companies such as Laughing Feet Performers, Mosley Street Melodrama, Wichita State University, and Prairie Pines Dinner Theatre. Madelynn would like to thank everyone at MTWichita, WB, Professor Homie, the Man in the Overalls, Jan, MAB,her family, and fur babies for their support.
Robert Hornbostel is Ecstatic to be in his first summer with MTWichita. Originally from and returning to Chicago, Robert enjoys working with excellent people to create elaborate and inspiring storytelling with others. Robert has spent three previous summers with the Santa Fe Opera, as well as the previous winter with the NEbraska Theatre Caravan on tour for both A Christmas Carol and The Fantasticks. Robert is a recent graduate of Illinois State University. More info and selected samples of previous work can be found at TechMagicDesigns.com.
Taylor Malott is extremely excited to spend her first summer with Music Theatre Wichita. She is a Cincinnati native who recently graduated from the University of Cincinnati (CCM) with a BFA in Theatre Production and Design with an emphasis in Wig and Makeup Design. She has been a licensed cosmetologist for more than five years. Taylor has been a part of the wig build crew at Utah Shakespeare Festival and was the department head at Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh for their 2014 season. Taylor could not be more grateful for this opportunity to work for MTW.
Megan is extremely grateful to be spending her sixth season working with MTWichita helping them bring these wonderful stories to life. She has found great mentors and friends working with this wonderful company. Most recently she worked at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Florida. She is a graduate from Sterling College with a B.A. in Theatre and Art with an emphasis in Illustration. Credits include 42nd Street, Catch Me If You Can, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Disney’s and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins and Singin’ in the Rain (MTWichita).
Maria is a recent graduate from the University Of Arizona. There she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre production and design, with emphasis in scenic and prop design. Her past credits include Assistant Scenic Design for Arizona Repertory Theatre’s production of The Man Who Came to Dinner. Maria is very excited to start her third season with Music Theatre Wichita. She would like to thank everyone at MTW for the opportunity and enjoyable summers. Maria would like to give a very special thanks to her mom, Carmen Leon and her boyfriend, Brandon Kahler for their constant support. Without it she wouldn’t be here today.
Debbie Roberts has designed costumes for many shows here, including 42nd Street, White Christmas, Thoroughly Modern Millie, High School Musical, State Fair, Funny Girl, The Most Happy Fella, On the Town, West Side Story, My Fair Lady, Annie Get Your Gun, Man of La Mancha, Crazy for You, The Sound of Music, My One and Only, and various Festival of Broadway shows. A graduate of Friends University, Debbie received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance and Ballet. “I am so proud of the work that Music Theatre Wichita does, it is always a pleasure to work each season. While California remains my home, for over 25 years Wichita has been my summer home. I look forward to meeting new people and learning new skills each time. Enjoy the shows!”
This is Haley’s first summer at MTW, and she is thrilled to be here. She just finished her first year of grad school at The University of Virginia, getting her MFA in costume design and technology. She has worked for Porthouse Theatre and Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. She is grateful for the opportunity and is looking forward to the summer ahead!
Katrina Miller is excited to be spending her first summer with Music Theatre Wichita. A freelance scenic artist and designer, Katrina comes to Wichita from the Lehigh Valley in eastern Pennsylvania. She holds an MFA in theatre design and production from Purdue University and a BFA in theatre design and technology from Northern Illinois University. Her adventures in theatre have taken her all over, from the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, to the Texas Shakespeare Festival, to the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, with many other stops in between. She would like to thank her amazing husband Phil for being so supportive of all her endeavors.
Jeff Taylor is extremely honored to be back with this excellent cast and crew for his 15th summer at MTWichita. Throughout the years since 2000, he’s had the chance to apprentice, build, design, and even act for MTWichita, and has now become the year-round Production Manager, working closely with the awesome MTW staff. A loyal Kansan, Jeff graduated from Wichita High School East, earned his BA in Musical Theatre from Friends University, and his MFA in Design and Technology from UMKC. Jeff thanks Wayne for his continual guidance throughout the many years together and his wife Sarah, for the many wonderful years to come.
Mitch is very excited to be spending his second season with Music Theatre Wichita. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Mitch has been fortunate to spend the last year in Chicago working in production management at the Goodman Theatre while also freelancing at the Steppenwolf and Paramount theatres. Mitch’s previous credits include two summer with the Santa Fe Opera, technical direction and carpentry work at the University of Oklahoma, and leadership of the University of Oklahoma chapter of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). Mitch would like to express his gratitude to Jeff and Wayne for having him back for another summer!
AJ is happy to return to MTWichita for his 10th season. Most recently AJ was the Master Carpenter at Childsplay in Phoenix, Arizona. AJ is very grateful for all the help he has received from the Wichita theatre community and would like to include a special thanks to Local 190 for all the hard work they do during the summer and throughout the year.
Steve Landes is proud to return for his 22nd summer as the Apprentice Program Director. A Wichita resident for twenty two years, Steve worked for Friends University, the Wichita Center for the Arts, Music Theatre for Young People, and Shakespeare in the Park. He has just finished his 37th year as a high school theatre teacher. He has been inducted into the Kansas Thespians Teacher Hall of Fame, and is currently co-state director of Kansas Thespians. Steve moved to the Kansas City area fourteen years ago for a teaching position. As an educator, Steve continues to be very excited about working with the apprentices in this unique training program (and MTW is deeply grateful for Steve’s creative dedication to our young people!).
![Mary Sue Dymak (Rentals & Inventory Director / Drop Fabricator / Orchestra Pit Manager / Archivist / A Bunch of Other Stuff) [whew!]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MjE4NToyNTY=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTk2IDIzNSIgd2lkdGg9IjE5NiIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyMzUiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
WOW! 40 seasons! Who would have thought that back in 1976, a summer job would turn into such a career!! Being one of the oldest members of the production staff, this will mark summer productions numbering 197 to 201. In the off season, I still keep my hand in stage managing for Ballet Wichita Orchestra (19 years) and enjoying a fabulous working relationship with Wichita State University, all the while keeping our ever growing rental business running. I seem to get around a lot but only inside Century II. My life remains happily engaged in larger and more complex tasks working for my favorite employer. My thanks to WB…..I offer my deepest love and respect to all who work in this fabulous building and for our organization.
Originally from Oklahoma, Tiffany is returning for her sixth MTWichita season. She spends the other 9 months of the year in the Twin Cities where she works as a freelance stage manager in addition to being the production stage manager for Theater Latte Da. While in the Twin Cities, she has the pleasure to work with companies including the Pillsbury House Theatre, The Children’s Theatre Company, Park Square Theatre, and the Guthrie. Prior to her move to the Twin Cities she worked on more than a dozen productions as part of the stage management team at Phoenix Theatre, in Phoenix, AZ. This summer marks 10 years as a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association. Missing you, Em!
Amanda Bowman is thrilled to be home for her 11th summer at MTWichita and honored to be stepping into this new role. She spent the last two seasons at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and has also worked for The Palace Theater in the Dells, Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Crown Uptown, IATSE #190, Walt Disney World, and Merrimack Repertory Theatre. Ms. Bowman is a graduate of Wichita State University. Thanks and love to Wayne, Nancy, her family, and KBEAT. Proud member of AEA. For Grandpa.
Joshua Larson has choreographed for Wichita State University, Friends University, and at various high schools, studios, organizations, and theatres in and around the Wichita area, with his choreography earning him four Jester Awards. His choreographic and directing talents have been used at MTWichita as the staging director for the Teen Choir (2006-present); director/choreographer of Festival of Broadway (2008-2010, 2014, 2015) and Curtain Up! (2013-present); and choreographer/adjudicator for the dance portion of MTWichita’s national audition tour (2013-present). Joshua received his undergraduate degree in dance performance from Oklahoma City University and his Master of Liberal Arts (with a Theatre Concentration) from Baker University. He has traveled the country evaluating national dance competitions including Starbound and The Elite Dance Cup. Performing credits include shows at Carnegie Hall, on the Holland America Line, and with the following groups: MTWichita, Stiletto Entertainment, Tuacahn, Silver Tree Productions, Oklahoma City University, Windwood Theatricals, and The American Spirit Dance Company.
Linda Starkey continues her relationship with MTWichita, having performed in My Fair Lady, Oliver!, Cabaret, and The Sound of Music, and having conducted the Teen Choir and assisted with MTWichita’s apprentice program. Currently serving as the Director of the School of Performing Arts at Wichita State University, Linda has also served as Associate Director of the Opera and Music Theatre program there, and taught voice for more than 30 years. She has directed for Opera Kansas, WSU Opera Theatre, WSU Theatre, Wichita Community Theatre, Wichita Children’s Theatre, and the Center for the Arts. In 2005, her production of Pippin was chosen to be an alternate for the American College Theatre Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Jennifer Fisher is so excited for her seventh season at MTWichita. She would like to thank Wayne and all the amazing, talented people at Music Theatre Wichita for including her in the magic! During the year Jennifer is an educational interpreter for Sedgwick County Co-op, and leads the deaf ministry at Central Community Church, where she interprets services, concerts, conferences, classes, and support groups. Jennifer has been signing for more than 10 years and is focused on musical performance interpreting, having trained in Nashville, TN under Gate Communications. Her goal is to create a performance that’s as impactful for the deaf as it is for the hearing. Jennifer thanks her girls Kara and Stephanie and her husband for their support. Most importantly, thanks to God for the blessings He’s given and the opportunity to work in such a remarkable place. 2 Cor. 4:16-18
Nancy Reeves joined MTWichita in 1988 as a bookkeeper and soon took on other responsibilities. She first took over the position of Company Manager and more recently added Producing Associate to her job description. As Company Manager Nancy’s duties include coordinating auditions, handling thousands of submissions each season. Other duties include handling the travel and housing accommodation arrangements for guest artists, and maintaining active communications with all department and department heads throughout the season. As Producing Associate Nancy attends auditions and participates in casting decisions, works with agents, and participates in contract negotiations. Her long tenure at MTWichita and close personal connections to people throughout Wichita allow her to be an outstanding resource for MTWichita and for artists working in Wichita during the summer season. She can quickly connect a need to a resource, whether that is a qualified rehearsal pianist, an appropriate caterer for a donor appreciation event, or a convenient hotel room for a guest artist.
Wayne Bryan begins his 28th season as Producing Artistic Director of Music Theatre Wichita, where he has now produced 135 Broadway-scale musicals, including dozens for which he has also served as director or performer. Raised in southern California, Wayne began his professional career as both actor and director at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre, while stationed as a Navy officer in Coronado. Wayne’s performing credits include Good News!, Rodgers and Hart, and Tintypes on Broadway, the First National Tour of Joseph / Dreamcoat, and TV appearances on such shows as “M*A*S*H” (CBS), “American History” (PBS), and “Keystone” (A&E). His directing credits include award-winning productions on both coasts, including Festival at New York City Center. Wayne is co-author with Mark Madama of a revised version of the collegiate musical Good News!, whose 1993 Wichita premiere has been followed by over 300 subsequent productions around the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain, plus an internationally acclaimed cast album. Wayne was a 2002 recipient of the Kansas Governor’s Arts Award as an Individual Artist, and received the NCCJ Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award, recognizing individuals who fight discrimination and encourage diversity. Thanks to all our supporters and patrons; to the performers, artistic teams, and crew members; to the musicians; to the box office staff; to the Guild and the Board of Directors; and to the wonderful year-round staff, all of whom make this job so joyful and fulfilling.
Hello, Dolly! is an amazingly charming show, with an amazingly convoluted history!
The basic story (a clever matchmaker traps her wealthiest client for herself) was first told by British playwright John Oxenford in his 1835 farce A Day Well Spent. Seven years later, a Viennese comedian-playwright named Johan Nestroy turned Oxenford’s romp into a German-language version called Eiene Jux will er sich machen (“He’ll Have Himself a Spree”), which continued to be produced in German-speaking companies for the next 90 years or so.
In the mid-1930s, the famous Austro-German theatre impresario Max Reinhardt, while visiting in America, brought the German comedy to the attention of playwright Thornton Wilder (Our Town), who enthusiastically turned it into an American farce called The Merchant of Yonkers. Starring Jane Cowl, it was produced in New York in 1938, and was a mighty flop. But Wilder rewrote it, and under the title The Matchmaker it opened in London in 1951, starring Sophie Stewart. Another flop.
Undeterred, Wilder kept revising, and persuaded the esteemed director Tyrone Guthrie to stage it for the International Drama Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1954, with Ruth Gordon as Dolly Levi. Finally, a smash! From there it enjoyed a year in London, then a successful 1955 engagement on Broadway, and a 1957 American tour. In 1957 a film version was produced, starring Shirley Booth as Dolly, Paul Ford as Horace, Anthony Perkins as Cornelius, Shirley MacLaine as Irene, and Bobby Morse (in his Broadway role) as Barnaby.
In 1963, producer David Merrick thought of musicalizing The Matchmaker (which he had co-produced with the Theatre Guild) as a new project for his team of director-choreographer Gower Champion and librettist Michael Stewart, who had collaborated on Bye Bye Birdie and Carnival. Upcoming songwriter Jerry Herman had written the score for the hit Milk and Honey (set in Israel), but Merrick had to be convinced that Herman could write “Americana.” Herman took a draft of the script home for a weekend, then came back with several songs with which he successfully auditioned for Merrick.
From the beginning, Ethel Merman was the star the creators had in mind, but after her long run in Gypsy Merman wasn’t interested, and returned the script without even reading it. A number of stars were considered (most of whom later played the role somewhere or other), but Gower Champion’s favorite was Carol Channing, who was eventually selected to create the musical version of Dolly.
The show (originally called Dolly: A Damned Exasperating Woman) underwent an unusually stormy pre-Broadway tryout tour, with additional writers and composers called in to help. Four songs were dropped, three new ones were added (including “Before the Parade Passes By”), and actor Jerry Dodge replaced another actor as Barnaby.
But director-choreographer Champion triumphantly guided the show to victory. Wild enthusiasm greeted its Broadway debut in January of 1964, and the American public (who had for several weeks been grieving over the assassination of JFK) seemed grateful to laugh again. The title song, ebulliently recorded by Louis Armstrong, became an international sensation – one of the last Broadway songs to do so.
Mary Martin headed the London company, and then took the show on a memorable tour of military bases in Vietnam, brining hope and encouragement to homesick Americans. Other leading ladies on Broadway and on tour included Betty Grable, Ginger Rogers, Dorothy Lamour, Eve Arden, Martha Raye, and Phyllis Diller.
When the Broadway box office eventually showed signs of slipping, David Merrick closed the show down briefly, and brilliantly reopened it with Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway leading a sparkling new African-American cast.
Finally, Ethel Merman led the show through its last happy days on Broadway, while Ms. Bailey took an ethnically diverse company on tour. For over ten months the show held Broadway’s long run record, until it was overtaken by Fiddler on the Roof.
Many musical theatre lovers consider Hello, Dolly! to be one of the last great American musical comedies, and we are excited to offer this spectacular new production as our 2015 season finale.
225 W. Douglas, Ste. 202
Wichita, KS 67202
316.265.3107
office@mtwichita.org