By carole Robinson, staff writer
crobinson@williamsonherald.com
Widowed Dolly Levi loved her dear departed husband, Ephram so much she wanted to ensure everyone had the opportunity to be as happy. As a self-proclaimed meddler who enjoys arranging things like furniture, flowers and lives as she strives to teach lessons such as dance instruction and romance, she is perfectly suited for the task.
When asked by Ambrose Kemper what she did for a living, in the first scene of the Michael Stewart play, Hello Dolly, the flamboyant Dolly replied, “Some people paint, some sew … I meddle.”
So begins a whirlwind race around New York City in the 1890s with the beloved matchmaker, Dolly Levi and several unsuspecting victims.
The drama department at Christ Presbyterian Academy presents the musical production, Hello Dolly at 7 p.m. on Thursday Nov. 12 and Saturday Nov. 14. There will also be a matinee show on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Director Matt Logan is digging into the past – early 20th Century vaudeville for his inspiration.
“This is a musical performed in heightened reality, a style that pulls from the entertainment genre called vaudeville,” Logan, who is a CPA alumni and the artistic director of Studio Tenn., said. “At the turn of the century vaudeville was the most popular form of entertainment. In this style, actors play directly to the audience and utilize cartoon-like body language. Comedians like Lucille Ball, Milton Berle, Bob Hope and Fanny Brice all began in vaudeville. I felt that this style was an ideal and fresh way to play one of America’s favorite musicals.”
Productions such as Hello Dolly are not only a fun project but an opportunity for student to experience in the moment the reaction and interaction of other actors and the audience, according to Artistic Director, Paula Y. Flautt.
“Of course, through such we can be educated and entertained,” Flautt said. “But of more significance is what such artistic encounters bring in knowing ourselves, others, life and truth more deeply.”
Tickets for the production are $8 and may be purchased by calling 373-9550 or at the door prior each performance. Doors open 30 minutes before the curtain rises.
For more information, visit www.cpalions.org
Carole Robinson can be contacted at crobinson@williamsonherald.com
Posted on: 11/12/2009
