MALVERN — People’s Light invites you to delight in “one of the sweetest and smartest romantic farces ever written” (The Wall Street Journal). Crafted with satirical wit and whimsy by beloved American author Thornton Wilder, and directed by Abigail Adams, The Matchmaker pits wealthy widower Horace Vandergelder against the vivacious and sly matchmaker Dolly Levi in a search for the perfect wife. This merry mix of outrageous misbehavior, mistaken identity, and spontaneous romance cavorts across the Leonard C. Haas Stage from February 15 to March 12, 2017. For tickets, call 610.644.3500 or visit peopleslight.org.
People’s Light chose The Matchmaker, the inspiration for the blockbuster musical Hello, Dolly!, to center the 2016-17 season because it celebrates the best features of the American character. “This play is full of idealism and open hearts,” says Producing Director Zak Berkman. “It concerns itself with themes of love, adventure, and making an honest living.
“Right now feels like a good time for a classic American satire fueled by exuberance, and the happy chaos of Dolly’s world.”
Director Abigail Adams says, “I love The Matchmaker for its unabashed belief in the importance of generosity, wonder, and delight,” she says. “Our music will be live, our set and costumes a joyful explosion of color, and our cast will leap into cupboards, crawl under tables, and dance with glee.”
The diverse ensemble includes long-time members of the Theatre’s resident company alongside a host of guest artists. Kathryn Petersen (Ghosts, Dividing the Estate) plays Dolly Levi opposite Graham Smith (A Single Shard, The Cherry Orchard) as Horace Vandergelder. Other company members include Peter DeLaurier as Rudolf, Melanye Finister as Miss Flora van Huysen, Teri Lamm as Mrs. Molloy, Mark Lazar as the Cabman, Stephen Novelli as Joe Scanlon, Pete Pryor as Malachi Stack, and Marcia Saunders as Gertrude. Returning guests include Tabitha Allen as Minnie Fay, Christopher R. Brown as Barnaby Tucker, Liz Filios as Musician, and James Ijames as Ambrose Kemper. Artists new to People’s Light include Melanie Hsu as Musician, Mina Kawahara as Ermengarde, and Brandon Meeks as Cornelius Hackl.
Abigail Adams, the Theatre’s Artistic Director and CEO, directs the production. Frequent guest Tony Straiges (The Cherry Orchard, Noises Off) designs the set, and company member Dennis Parichy (Sense and Sensibility, Auctioning the Ainsleys) designs lights. Resident artist and Costume Shop Manager Marla J. Jurglanis (All My Sons, Sense and Sensibility) designs costumes. Returning guest Audrey M. Brown stage manages, and Resident Director Samantha Reading choreographs. Cast member Liz Filios designs sound, composes, and directs music for the production, while resident artist Gina Pisasale serves as Dramaturg.
