Les Cheneaux Education Foundation Presents 'Hello Dolly' July 25 - 27

The Les Cheneaux Education Foundation's production of the enduring Broadway hit "Hello Dolly" will begin Friday, July 25, at 7:30 p.m., in the Cedarville High School Old Gymnasium. Performances will also be Saturday, July 26, and Monday, July 28, at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance will be offered at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 27.

"Hello Dolly" marks the 20th anniversary for Education Foundation Summer Theater in the Les Cheneaux. Beginning in 1989 with its production of "Bye Bye Birdie," starring Mike Kasper in the title role and a cast of more than 50 community members, the Foundation's community theater program has grown in scope over the years.

Producer and director Lisa Dunn recalls the early days of the program when "…our sets were made out of refrigerator boxes, our lights were made out of coffee cans, and we all wore many hats. In our first production, 'Bye Bye Birdie,' former high school band director, John King, appeared in the role of Harry MacAfee. He also served as music director and percussionist, so between scenes on-stage, he would rush down into the pit and play drums."

"Our community is why our theater program has been so successful over the years," said Mrs. Dunn. "Because of their support and participation, we have been able to grow into a program which can offer a good live theater experience."

Carol Channing created the role of incurable meddler and matchmaker Dolly Levi in the 1964 stage production. Lisa Dunn will appear as Dolly in the local production, and David Murray will perform the role of Horace Vandergelder, the unwitting object of Dolly's matchmaking for herself. The production also stars Elliot Nelson as Barnaby Tucker, Alice Coyne as Minnie Fay, Amy Winberg as Ermengarde, and Noah Jacobus as Ambrose. The real life husband and wife team of Phil and Sonnet Quinn appear as romantic leads Cornelius Hackl and Irene Molloy. Their daughter, Kaya, 1, has attended rehearsals, as well. Emily Pieri is debuting as choreographer for several numbers, and her mother, Lori Pieri.

Cedarville High School Band Director Alan Jacobus is serving as music director. Betty Stuble will again be at the keyboard, and Luke Murray and Andrew Figures will be handling lights. Joanne Roosen will be stage manager, and Doug Sheckler sound engineer.

Ten new wireless microphones will replace the 10-year-old equipment previously used. A new booth has also been built in the balcony to house and protect the new equipment.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for students ages 13 to 17 and senior citizens, and $10 for children 12 and younger. Tickets are available at Safe Harbor Books in Cedarville (906) 484-3081 and The Village Idiom in Hessel (906) 484-3533.