Farmington Players Will Perform HELLO DOLLY! at Farmington Players Barn Theater

The Farmington Players will present the Tony Award-winning Hello Dolly! beginning this week. The show runs April 24 - May 16 at the Farmington Players Barn Theater in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

The story follows Dolly Gallagher Levi (Laurie Nanes of Southfield) a turn-of-the-century matchmaker who sets out to find a match for a miserly, unmarried, "half-a-millionaire" Horace Vandergelder, played by Chris Martin of Redford. Along the way, Dolly maneuvers through romance, mischief and second chances with wit and style. But everything changes when she decides the next match she needs to make is for herself.

"Hello Dolly! is about the aspirations of the young and old alike for a fuller, freer participation of life," says Director Dave Reinke of Novi. "Dolly herself sings, 'As the parade passes by, I'm going to get in step while there's time left...' And get in step she does, bringing all of us joy, love, and hope for a brighter tomorrow."

For Laura Nanes, playing Dolly is a step back in time. As she says, "I performed this role 25 years ago and I am so excited to bring Dolly Levi back to life as an adult! I love this woman! She has her hands in everyone's business with the goal of spreading joy and love."

For Chris Martin, getting Horace in step with Dolly has been a joyful experience. As he says, "I am having a blast with this show. Everyone involved is top notch, especially Laura. She is an incredible talent, a consummate pro and an absolute joy to work with. She totally owns Dolly! All I have to do is wander around and be a cranky old man (which, frankly, is not much of a stretch)."

Laura Nanes says, "This is classic musical theatre at its very best and you will leave this show having laughed, having smiled and spending time reflecting on your own adult experiences." And Chris Martin says, "People should come see the show because not only is it an iconic piece of musical theater, but it's also real. No AI, no special effects (other than those made by hand). Just real people sharing their real talent with their friends and neighbors!"