The show opens April 11 and has a cast of more than 20 actors from around the Palouse. The well-known musical has already garnered such attention that the April 12 show is sold out.
“Hello, Dolly!” is the story of Dolly Levi, a meddlesome widow who plays matchmaker for several couples, including herself. Familiar songs include “Hello, Dolly,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,” “Elegance” and “It Only Takes a Moment.”
“The show is colorful with all the frills, bustles, top hats and walking sticks,” Rich said. “It is a bit of theater history mixed in with vaudevillian classic routines that made Carol Channing a star as well as other leading ladies from Mary Martin to Ethel Merman, and we have our own Miss Tina McClure of Moscow,” Rich said.
Channing originated the role for the show that was first produced on Broadway by David Merrick in 1964. Lyrics and music are by Jerry Herman and the book is by Michael Stewart. The musical is based on Thornton Wilder's 1938 farce The Merchant of Yonkers, which was later renamed The Matchmaker in 1955.
Tickets are available in advance for $17 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger. Prices at the door are $20 for adults and $12 for children 12 and younger. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the RTOP Box Office at (509) 334-0750.