A feed store, a hat shop, a railroad station and an elegant hotel serve as the backdrops for the McPherson High School musical, “Hello, Dolly!”

With performances planned for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the 27 cast members bring to life the familiar story of Dolly Levi, a matchmaker.

A recent widow, Dolly sets out to marry one of her clients, Horace Vandergelder. Chance meetings in a hat shop and an accidental exchange of wallets in a restaurant set up romance for two new couples and place Dolly and Horace on a collision course of love.

Cindy Marion, director, is quite pleased with the selection of this musical.

“The writing is fun,” Marion said. “It's written by Thorton Wilder, and in the story each character evolves. Both Dolly and Irene are not afraid to move on with life and make some changes.”

The two female leads are not the only ones who undergo change. Cornelius Hackl, played by MHS junior Michael Holman, goes to New York to embrace new experiences. As he tells his friend Barnaby Tucker, he is 33 years old and has never even kissed a girl.

This role is Holman's second stage experience at high school; he appeared last year in “Scrooge.” However, he has several community productions in his repertoire including: “Music Man,” “Uncle Stonehill's Hat,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “Annie” and “The Sound of Music.”

With all of these performances, Holman is comfortable on stage. The biggest challenge he said is dealing with what goes wrong on stage during an actual performance.

He doesn't think he's much like Cornelius' character.

“Cornelius has been working at a store for a scary boss,” Holman said. “Eventually he works up courage to go to New York City. He's 33 years old and never been kissed, but he finally comes of age.”

A new look to the musical is created by the addition of the newly formed McPherson Community Orchestra. The 15-member musical group includes three MHS students: sophomore Shannon Nakai -- violin, junior Julia Snell -- flute; and senior Joel Wagoner -- trumpet. Directing the musical orchestra is Kyle Hopkins, MHS band director.

According to Hopkins, a number of individuals are interested in reinstating a community orchestra; he has acted as a manager and helped assemble members to perform with the group. Mark Cagle, Central Christian College music department chair, is the community orchestra conductor.

“We are using some of the same players for this performance,” Hopkins said. “We are trying to promote the orchestra and hoping to get some continuity in the program.”

Accompanying the orchestra on the piano is Jenny Williams, a musician who has full respect from Marion.

“I don't even think of a date for the musical without Jenny there,” Marion said.

Members of the musical cast sing and dance their way through 16 numbers on stage, including the well-known title song. One of the most carefully choreographed songs is the “Waiters' Gallop,” which demands precise timing and athleticism.

According to Marion, this play has its particular challenges including something they had not anticipated. Rebecca Martin, a member of the singing/dancing ensemble, broke her foot and worked through dress rehearsals on crutches.

Performing in the title role of Dolly is Marsha Sterneker, MHS junior.

“It's been hard to achieve this character,” Sterneker said. “It's difficult on songs to be both flirtatious and manipulative.”

Sterneker was a member of the Arts Council Children's Choir, but is not enrolled in choir at MHS. She said she became intrigued with theater and has given all her attention to that interest.

Other leads include: Adam Silver as Ambrose Kemper; Austin Curtright as Vandergelder; Mallory Thompson as Ermengarde; Mikael Andrewson as Tucker; Stephanie LeBlanc as Minnie Fay; Sarah Holgerson as Irene Molloy; Rane Baldwin as Mrs. Rose; Jenny Unruh as Ernestina; Robb Krehbiel as Rudolph Reisenweber; Derek Skinner as Stanley; JJ Krehbiel as cook; Jackie Moore as a judge; Jamie Frye as a court clerk; and Lyle Smith as a policeman.

The supporting cast of singers and dancers includes: Crystal Allmon, C.J. Bruner, Carlie Copeland, Jordan Crawford, Mona Hale, Zach Love, Martin, David Mills, Sarah Nealeigh, Lexie Peters and Ben Richter.

Set painting and construction was completed by Drama I, Drama II and Drama III students under the direction of Rachel Prochaska, set/light designer. Students in drama classes also worked on costumes with direction from Pat Wheeler, costumer.

Production staff members include: Mike Marion, music director; Melissa Mollach and Chantalle Hanschu, choreographers; Grace Chin, poster design; Kirstyn Smith, props chair; and Sarah Holgerson, program.

No matinee performance for senior citizens is planned for this musical, but a reduced price will be given to them at the three evening performances. Activity cards will be honored at the door; adult and student tickets also will be available.

“Hello Dolly!” will be submitted as an entry for the 2006 Music Theater of Wichita Jester Awards and The Kansas State Thespian Conference.

McPherson Unified School District 418
514 N. Main
McPherson, KS 67460
620-241-9400
It is the policy of McPherson USD 418 not to discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race,
religion, color, age, or national origin in its educational programs and/or activities, nor in its employment practices.

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