Oct 30

Oct 30 Hello, Dolly! Set to join the Lenoir Community College Performing Arts series

By: Cailyn Kennedy

Hello, Dolly! bursts onto the stage, bringing to life the bustling world of New York City at the turn of the 20th century. Audiences are invited to join Dolly Levi, the spirited matchmaker with an unshakable wit and a heart as grand as her dreams, on her quest to find love, not just for others but, perhaps, for herself. With toe-tapping numbers, heartfelt moments, and Dolly’s infectious zest for life, this production promises to transport audiences to a world where love, laughter, and second chances are just a dance away.

The show, directed by Lenoir Community College's Jessica Cruz, will take place November 15-17 and November 22-24 at LCC in the Briley Auditorium on the Turner Stage. This show is one of many that will be a part of the performing arts series at LCC. Tickets are available now at www.lenoircc.edu/lccfpa. Ticket prices are as follows – orchestra seating: $20.00, standard seating: $15.00, accessible seating: $15.00, and student standard seating (ages 4-17; 18+ student ID required): $10.00.

Stepping in to fill the shoes of Dolly Levi, the bold, witty, and charismatic matchmaker with a flair for drama and a heart full of ambition, is Suzanne Gallaher. Gallaher has also appeared in The Music Man, Annie, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Christmas Carol, and School of Rock. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support and hopes you enjoy the show.

Taking on the role of Irene Molloy, the sophisticated and independent milliner with a warm heart, seeking adventure and a life beyond societal expectations, is Marleigh Ferguson, who is excited to be returning to the LCC stage after a six-year break. Ferguson is abundantly blessed to be a part of this cast, to be directed by Jessica Cruz, and to work with choreographer Gabby Cruz. She would like to dedicate her performance to her late godmother, Valerie.

Shelton Carter will be playing the role of Cornelius Hackl, a lively, earnest, and slightly awkward store clerk with big dreams, ready to embrace adventure and find love beyond the routine of Yonkers. Carter is from Goldsboro, NC. This is his first performance with LCCFPA. He works for a local nonprofit and a bakery in Goldsboro. Hello, Dolly! is special to him, as it was the first major production he performed in 22 years ago when he was 11 years old.

Jack Rooney is an energetic young man with a lifelong passion for the musical arts. In this show, he will be taking on the role of Barnaby Tucker, who is a cheerful, innocent, and eager young clerk with a knack for mischief. He is looking for excitement and is ready to follow Cornelius on any adventure. As a student at LCC, Rooney adores performing with LCCFPA whenever he can while pursuing his music degree. He is ecstatic to sing and dance as Barnaby!

Rosie Cruz will be playing the role of Minnie Fay, a sweet, slightly naïve, and curious assistant with a playful spirit, always ready with a quick remark and eager to experience the world beyond the shop. Cruz is so excited to be back on the Turner Stage. You may have last seen her as Wednesday in The Addams Family. Other roles include Jasmine in Aladdin Jr., Anna in Frozen Jr., Eva in Bring it On, and Ensemble in Matilda. She would like to thank all her family and friends for always supporting her.

Keith Parrish will play Horace Vandergelder in this show. His character is a gruff, no-nonsense businessman with a strong sense of practicality, set in his ways but unknowingly on the brink of discovering love and a bit of joy in life. Parrish is astounded that he was offered the role of Horace and is even more astounded that no one seems to mind his singing too much. He has played both Ebenezer Scrooge and Mr. Potter, so with Horace under his belt, he is confident that he is now the go-to guy for cranky, miserly, oldish curmudgeons.