Will 'Dolly' Say 'Hello' To West End?

By: Charlie Piane Aug. 21, 2009

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WhatsOnStage.com is reporting that Open Air Theatre's revival of Hello, Dolly!, directed by Timothy Sheader, is looking at a West End transfer at the beginning of next year.

The production stars Samantha Spiro in the title role, and received rave reviews when it opened earlier this month. The production, which began performances July 30, is playing to sell-out audiences and continues in Regent's Park until September 12.

Based on Thornton Wilder's The Matchmaker, Hello, Dolly! features music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and a book by Michael Stewart. The score features such memorable songs as Put On Your Sunday Clothes, Ribbons Down My Back, Before the Parade Passes By, Elegance, Hello, Dolly!, It Only Takes a Moment and So Long, Dearie. The show opened on Broadway in 1964 with Carol Channing starring as Mrs. Dolly Gallagher Levi. A 1969 film adaptation starred Barbra Streisand in the Dolly role, and saw a young Michael Crawford as Cornelius Hackl.

Photo Credit: Catherine Ashmore