Review: Fairfax High's Production of 'Hello Dolly'

By Ciara Corcoran of Paul VI Catholic High School for The Cappies

Dolly Levi does it all! Dance lessons, instruction for the guitar or mandolin, furniture arranging, and even matchmaking.

Yes, matchmaking. This twisted spinster can find anyone a spouse, but can she find one for herself? Fairfax High School’s production of Hello, Dolly! told the story of this meddling busy-body as she sought the love of the Yonkers half-millionaire, Mr. Horace Vandergelder. 

Hello, Dolly! was written by Michael Stewart, with lyrics and music by Jerry Herman. This classic musical of love and romance opened on Broadway in 1964 with Carol Channing in the leading role of Dolly Levi.

Hello Dolly!, set at the turn of the 19th century in Yonkers, New York, revolves around three love stories - those of Cornelius Hackl and Irene Molloy, Barnaby Tucker and Minnie Fay, and Dolly Levi herself with Mr. Vandergelder. 

Alexandra Nicopoulos stole the show in the starring role of Dolly. She was the epitome of elegance mixed with comedy that was expressed beautifully through her heart-to-heart talks with her late husband Ephraim Levi and her fast-talking diatribes to Mr. Vandergelder.

Nicopoulos's strong, rich voice was particularly notable in songs such as “Before the Parade Passes By” and “So Long, Dearie.” Nicopoulos portrayed great onstage chemistry with partner Doug Klain, who played the miserly Mr. Vandergelder. The pair projected charm as they bickered over dinner or discussed marriage for the umpteenth time.

Will Park and Derek Yost, who played Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker, worked wonderfully as a duo and truly came alive when matched with their partners Deanna Payne and Margaret Murphy, who played Irene Molloy and Minnie Fay.

These young lovers were endearing, whether receiving a dancing lesson from Dolly or singing about “Elegance” as they strut down the streets of New York. In particular, Deanna Payne had a crisp and strong singing voice that was showcased in the number “Ribbons Down my Back.”

This show utilized colorful time period costumes that not only fit each character but set the atmosphere of the show. Dolly’s regal green and gold frocks suited her well, as did Minnie and Irene’s youthful pink and purple gowns.

Despite some sound difficulties, the leads powered through them with poise and grace. 

The classic love story came alive through Fairfax High School’s production of Hello, Dolly! as they proved that it only takes a moment to fall in love a whole life long. 

Editor's Note: The Cappies program is the critics and awards program for high school theater. In this program, high school students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools and write reviews for local news publications. At the end of the year, student critics vote for awards that are presented at a formal Cappies Gala.

Did you see Fairfax High perform 'Hello Dolly?' If so, what did you think of it? Tell us in the comments below.

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