La Conner Schools and Community Presents Hello Dolly! November 17-19, 2006.
“Stunning” is the word for Ria Peth’s role as Dolly in this production of Hello Dolly. She came out on stage with energy at TEN and stayed there through to the final bow. Ria is very versatile, but this role of Dolly simple “is” Ria Peth. Her delivery was so natural it did not feel like watching a show.
She was well supported by the cast – with many of them standouts in their own right. Steve Burks as Horace Vandergelder also seemed made for the role, his acting ability is on par with any equity performer in my opinion.
John Baker as Cornelius Hakl and Luc Van Pelt as Barnaby Tucker were solidly cast as the well meaning, good hearted, bumbling dynamic bachelor duo. Both roles were very believable and they played off each other like seasoned vaudeville performers.
The Maitre D’ was side splittingly funny – I apologize I don’t know the name of that role. It was a great surprised to have such a strong actor appear in the second half of the show.
My hat is off to pianist Ramon Hayes. I never heard a moment where music was off from the singers, he guided well and has a seasoned commanding presence at the piano. Bravo!
I’ve only lived in Skagit County now for 8 months, but this is the funniest show I’ve seen up here yet. NO dead spots in the show.
Ria, you are incredible – the room was full of your fans this evening (myself included!) and deservedly so.
Hello Dolly Cast
Ria Peth as Dolly
Dolly Gallagher Levi – Ria Peth
Horace Vandergelder – Steve Burks
Cornelius Hackl – John Baker
Barnaby Tucker – Luc Van Pelt
Minnie Fay – Courtney Blunt
Irene Molloy – Jacqueline Monaghan
Ambrose Kemper – Justin Woods
Ermengarde – Kendall Dubuque
Ernestina – Sara Harlan
Rudolph Reisenweber – Lawrence Welk
Stanley – Dave Hedlin
The Waiters – Dave Ehman, Jon Skifflington, Dick Painter, Ed Markus, Steve Vanderpool
Cook – Sally Dixon
Judge – Brendon Huddleston
Policeman/Paperhanger – John Markus
Court Clerk – Mary Hedlin
Mrs. Rose – Jan O’Leary
Townspeople – Linda Nelson, Mary Hedlin, JoAnne Mason, Turine Higgins, Gail Bruce, Dave Hedlin, Ed Markus, Steve Vanderpool, Dick Painter, Brendon Huddleston
Children – Bailey Cunningham, Patrick Filler, Anna Bruce, Cydney McFarland, Alex Wirth, Kyle Wirth, Dylan Watkins, Ashley Watkins, Shane Berrios, Aubrey Stewart, Sam Dixon, Jack Dixon, Grace Malcomson, Morgan Harlan, Emily Markert
THE CREW
Producer – Tim Bruce
Director – Maureen Harlan
Music Director – Shegay Vanderpool
Pianist – Ramon Hayes
Stage Manager – Jennings Hart
Choreography – Cyndee Meister
Seamstress – Mary Ann White
Dressers – Anne Van Pelt and Debbie Blunt
Hairdress – Marianne Meyer
Set Construction – Charles Talman, Lyle Johnson, Marty Chamberlain, Mike Holt, Bob Coe, Bob Strickert, Mit Harlan, Michael Harlan
Lights – Vicki Jones, Charles Talman, Susan Erickson
Program and Publicity – Sara Harlan, Leah Chamberlain