The Matchmaker 1955 - Articles Page 3

Opened: December 5, 1955

The Matchmaker - 1955 - Broadway History , Info & More

Booth Theatre (Broadway)
222 West 45th St. New York, NY

Horace Vandergelder, a wealthy merchant in 19th-century Yonkers, NY, decides to take a wife and employs a matchmaker, Mrs. Dolly Levi. Dolly subsequently becomes involved with two of Vandergelder's clerks, several lovely ladies, and the headwaiter at an expensive restaurant, where this swift farce runs headlong into hilarious complications. After everyone gets straightened out romantically, Vandergelder finds himself affianced to the astute Dolly Levi herself.



The Matchmaker opened on Broadway in 1955 and ran for 486 performances, Wilder's Broadway record, and closed in 1957. It was later adapted into the musical Hello, Dolly!.

The Matchmaker - 1955 - Broadway Cast

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The Matchmaker - 1955 - Broadway Articles Page 3

Photo Flash: First Look at Taproot's THE MATCHMAKER, Opening Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Sep 20, 2013


The Matchmaker is coming to Taproot Theatre this September, promising a story of love, adventure and humor with heart. Thornton Wilder's hit comedy about love, money and the love of money has matchmaking busybody Dolly Levi brokering true love for a wealthy businessman. Will anyone get what their heart desires? Unlikely circumstances and hilarious complications bring surprises at every corner in this play that inspired Hello, Dolly!. Producing Artistic Director, Scott Nolte directs The Matchmaker, which opens tonight, September 20 and runs through October 19, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Rachel Maddow, Elizabeth Marvel & More Set for PUBLIC FORUM Series This Fall
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 17, 2013


The Public Theater (Artistic Director, Oskar Eustis; Executive Director, Patrick Willingham) will kick off the fourth season ofPUBLIC FORUM with the new series Drama Club, a book club for plays that will feature one-night-only readings and discussions of works by Kia Corthron, Tony Kushner, and Thornton Wilder at Joe's Pub. Curated by Jeremy McCarter, the popular PUBLIC FORUM series presents the theater of ideas: conversations and performances with leading voices in politics, media, and the arts.

Official: Karen Ziemba to Lead Drury Lane's HELLO, DOLLY!, Oct. 2013 - Jan. 2014
by Tyler Peterson - Aug 16, 2013


Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, presents the Tony Award-winning musical sensation HELLO, DOLLY!, previewing October 17, opening October 24 at 8 p.m., and running through January 5, 2014. HELLO, DOLLY! stars Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba as "Dolly Levi." She received the Tony Award, the Drama Desk Award, and the Outer Critics Circle Award for her performance in Lincoln Center Theatre's Contact. Ziemba also received Tony Award nominations for her roles in Steel Pier, Never Gonna Dance, and Curtains and the Drama Desk Award for And the World Goes 'Round, as well as the Outer Critics Circle Awards for both Never Gonna Dance and Curtains. She has starred in productions at The New York City Opera, Carnegie Hall for PBS' Great Performances, and NY City Center Encores. Other Broadway roles include "Diana Morales" in A Chorus Line, "Peggy Sawyer" in the original production of 42nd Street, "Polly Baker" in Crazy for You, and "Roxie Hart" in Chicago.

Taproot Theatre to Wrap 2013 Season with THE MATCHMAKER, 9/18-10/19
by Tyler Peterson - Aug 15, 2013


The Matchmaker is coming to Taproot Theatre this September, promising a story of love, adventure and humor with heart. Thornton Wilder's hit comedy about love, money and the love of money has matchmaking busybody Dolly Levi brokering true love for a wealthy businessman. Will anyone get what their heart desires? Unlikely circumstances and hilarious complications bring surprises at every corner in this play that inspired Hello, Dolly!. Producing Artistic Director, Scott Nolte directs The Matchmaker, which opens September 20 and runs through October 19, with previews on September 18 and 19. There is a Pay What You Can performance on September 25.

Alfred Hitchcock's TO CATCH A THIEF to Open 2013 CAPA Summer Movie Series, 6/28
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 13, 2013


The 43rd annual CAPA Summer Movie Series at the historic Ohio Theatre (39 E. State St.) begins June 28, featuring 27 films over eight weeks. The series opens with Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief (June 28-30) starring Cary Grant as the reformed cat burglar searching for a copycat thief while romancing Grace Kelly who is vacationing in the sunny French Riviera.

BWW Reviews: Impressive, Tireless Cast Highlights GA Ensemble's Charming HELLO DOLLY!
by Matt Tamanini - Apr 12, 2013


'Hello Dolly...it's so nice to have you back where you belong.' I have to admit, prior to seeing the ebullient production of 'Hello Dolly!' at Georgia Ensemble Theatre, I generally considered the musical, by Jerry Herman (music and lyrics) and Michael Stewart (book), to be a relic of a bygone era, based on a play of an era even more bygone (Thornton Wilder's 1938 comedy 'The Merchant of Yonkers,' reworked as 'The Matchmaker' in 1955). However, after seeing this joyful production, directed by Suzi Award winner Heidi Cline McKerley, I must concede that this heart-warmingly energetic show is in fact back where it belongs, on stage entertaining audiences young and old.

HELLO DOLLY Will Open 4/19 at SCERA Center
by Kelsey Denette - Apr 12, 2013


One of the most successful musicals to ever play on Broadway is coming to the SCERA Center for the Arts this month for a three-week run April 19 through May 11.

HELLO DOLLY Begins 4/19 at SCERA Center
by Kelsey Denette - Apr 8, 2013


One of the most successful musicals to ever play on Broadway is coming to the SCERA Center for the Arts this month for a three-week run April 19 through May 11.

OUR TOWN Next Up For Dickson's Renaissance Players
by Jeffrey Ellis - Aug 8, 2012


Thornton Wilder's American classic, Our Town, is the third production of The Renaissance Players' 2012 theatrical season, running August 10 - August 19 at The Renaissance Center's Anne Deason Performance Hall.

San Pedro Playhouse Presents HELLO, DOLLY!, Now thru 8/19
by BWW News Desk - Jul 20, 2012


The San Pedro Playhouse presents HELLO, DOLLY!, a regional production cast solely of local talent. The show plays the Russell Hill Rogers Theatre from tonight, July 20 through August 19. Tickets for HELLO, DOLLY! are available at www.sanpedroplayhouse.com or by calling the Box Office at (210) 733-7258.

Culver City Public Theatre Kicks Off Season Tomorrow With THE ODYSSEY
by Kelsey Denette - Jul 13, 2012


Culver City Public Theatre (CCPT) opens its 14th season of free family friendly summer shows July 14th in Dr. Paul Carlson Park. All performances are open to the public. Founded in 1998, CCPT (a donation and grant supported 501c3 non-profit) is a member of the American Association of Community Theatres (AACT).

Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre Presents HELLO, DOLLY!, Now thru 6/23
by BWW News Desk - Jun 14, 2012


Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre (CST) in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho announces Ellen Travolta and Jack Bannon in the revival of Hello, Dolly! as their 45th Anniversary Season opener. CST is delighted to bring back this smash-hit to Northwest audiences. Travolta and Bannon (real-life husband and wife team) portrayed the beloved matchmaker Dolly Levi and the grumpy Horace Vandergeller during CST's 2000 season.

Culver City Public Theatre's Upcoming Season Will Include THE ODYSSEY, A SERVANT TO TWO MASTERS and More
by Kelsey Denette - May 23, 2012


Culver City Public Theatre (CCPT) announces its 14th season of summer shows in Dr. Paul Carlson Park for families and theatre fans of all ages. All performances are open to the public and free. Founded in 1998, CCPT (a donation and grant supported 501c3 non-profit) is a member of the American Association of Community Theatres (AACT).

Lorna Luft Unable to Continue in NMST's HELLO, DOLLY!; Jacquelyn Piro Donovan Steps In
by Kelsey Denette - May 11, 2012


Due to a severe back injury, Ms. Lorna Luft will be unable to play the role of Dolly Levi in the award-winning North Shore Theatre (NSMT) production of HELLO, DOLLY! scheduled to open Tuesday, June 12, and play through Sunday, June 24. Press night is scheduled for June 13 at 7:30pm.

STAGE TUBE: Florida Theater's HELLO, DOLLY! Cast Parodies 'It's Gettin' Hot in Here'
by Stage Tube - Apr 3, 2012


Vicki Lewis (Damn Yakees, Chicago) and Tony Winner Gary Beach (The Producers, La Cage aux Folles, Beauty and the Beast) star in 'It's Gettin' Hot in Here, Take Off Your Sunday Clothes.'

Spotlighters Opens HELLO DOLLY, 4/13
by Kelsey Denette - Apr 2, 2012


Hello, Dolly! opens at Spotlighters Theater on April 13, and is described as 'an ebullient and irresistible musical about the joy of living, glittering with happy songs, shining with loving scenes, and alive with the personality of one of the most fabulous characters on the musical stage.'

Photo Flash: Jerry Herman Visits Maltz Jupiter Theatre's HELLO, DOLLY!
by Jennie Mamary - Mar 25, 2012


The Maltz Jupiter Theatre presents the final show of its 2011/12 season Hello, Dolly! through April 1, directed by Tony®-nominated director and choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge and starring Broadway veteran Vicki Lewis and Tony® winner Gary Beach. Composer and lyricist Jerry Herman was in the audience at last night's show. Herman, who won a Tony Award for Hello, Dolly!, came backstage after the show and congratulated the cast on the performance. Check out the photo below!

Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre Announces HELLO, DOLLY!, 6/14-23
by Kelsey Denette - Mar 13, 2012


Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre (CST) in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho announces Ellen Travolta and Jack Bannon in the revival of Hello, Dolly! as their 45th Anniversary Season opener. CST is delighted to bring back this smash-hit to Northwest audiences. Travolta and Bannon (real-life husband and wife team) portrayed the beloved matchmaker Dolly Levi and the grumpy Horace Vandergeller during CST's 2000 season.

Broadway Veteran, Tony Winner Gary Beach to Star in HELLO, DOLLY, 3/13-4/1
by BWW News Desk - Mar 13, 2012


The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is heading into the final show of its 2011/12 season. The Tony Award®-winning classic musical Hello, Dolly! bursts onto the Theatre's stage March 13 through April 1, directed by Tony®-nominated director and choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge and starring Broadway veteran Vicki Lewis and Tony® winner Gary Beach.

Broadway Veteran, Tony Winner Gary Beach to Star in HELLO, DOLLY, 3/13-4/1
by Harmony Wheeler - Feb 24, 2012


The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is heading into the final show of its 2011/12 season. The Tony Award®-winning classic musical Hello, Dolly! bursts onto the Theatre's stage March 13 through April 1, directed by Tony®-nominated director and choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge and starring Broadway veteran Vicki Lewis and Tony® winner Gary Beach.

Gary Beach, Vicki Lewis to Lead Maltz Jupiter Theatre's HELLO, DOLLY!
by Kelsey Denette - Feb 21, 2012


The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is heading into the final show of its 2011/12 season with Hello, Dolly!, March 13 through April 1, directed by Tony®-nominated director and choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge and starring Broadway veteran Vicki Lewis and Tony® winner Gary Beach.

San Pedro Playhouse Presents HELLO, DOLLY!, 7/20 - 8/19
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 21, 2012


The San Pedro Playhouse presents HELLO, DOLLY!, a regional production cast solely of local talent. The show will play the Russell Hill Rogers Theatre from July 20 through August 19. Tickets for HELLO, DOLLY! are available at www.sanpedroplayhouse.com or by calling the Box Office at (210) 733-7258.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day 1/16- HELLO, DOLLY!
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 16, 2012


Today in 1964, Hello Dolly! opened at the St. James Theatre, where it ran for 2844 performances. The show features lyrics and music by Jerry Herman and a book by Michael Stewart, based on Thornton Wilder's 1938 farce The Merchant of Yonkers, which Wilder revised and retitled The Matchmaker in 1955. Hello, Dolly! was first produced on Broadway by David Merrick in 1964, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical and nine other Tonys. The show album Hello, Dolly! An Original Cast Recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002. The show has become one of the most enduring musical theatre hits, enjoying three Broadway revivals and international success. It was also made into a 1969 film that was nominated for seven Academy Awards.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's HELLO DOLLY! Concerts to Feature Sandi Patty, Gary Beach & More
by BWW News Desk - Jan 13, 2012


The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's concert version of HELLO, DOLLY is set to feature Sandy Patty and Gary Beach, with Jack Everly at the helm.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's HELLO DOLLY! Concerts to Feature Sandi Patty, Gary Beach & More
by Kelsey Denette - Dec 27, 2011


The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's concert version of HELLO, DOLLY is set to feature Sandy Patty and Gary Beach, with Jack Everly at the helm.

The Matchmaker FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of The Matchmaker have there been?
The Matchmaker has had 1 productions including Broadway which opened in 1955.
What Tony Awards has The Matchmaker been nominated for?
The Matchmaker has been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Direction for Tyrone Guthrie.

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