RIVERSIDE, CA - Just as Dolly Levi makes her glorious return to the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant, the musical "Hello Dolly"  returns to the stage of the Riverside Performing Arts High School (at Ramona) 26 years after their first production of this popular musical.  Under the direction of Robin Speer, the splendor and wonder of the early 1900's came to life with faced-paced choreography, soaring voices and the "usual lightning service."  It was difficult to leave the theater without humming the memorable tunes of composer and lyricist Jerry Herman.  Although the melodies are familiar to most theater-going audiences and fans of the Barbra Striesand movie, mounting a full stage production of Hello Dolly is no easy task. Numerous costume changes for every cast member, complex dance routines, challenging choral interludes and a sea of pantaloons is only the beginning.  The cast and crew have certainly met the challenge.

Based on the play The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder, busybody and self-proclaimed meddler Dolly Levi hatches a scheme to lure the rich and friendless Horace Vandergelder into her matrimonial trap. All the while, she manages to find a match for all the eligible bachelors in her path.  Playing the part of Dolly Levi is Allie Harris and Sarah Rainbolt on alternating nights.  While onstage for almost every moment, each actress gives a splendid, yet completely unique performance.  Miss Harris has impeccable comedic timing and "sold" every song  with conviction.  Miss Rainbolt's approach was quite refined and elegant as she filled the theater with her  lovely singing voice.   Both these actresses are certain to have  successful acting and singing careers if they choose that path.  

Newcomer Stephen Pierce, and senior Jacob Ragsdale alternately play Horace Vandergelder, the grumpy old man who owns the local hay and feed store.  Both giving excellent performances, Jacob stays true to the traditional Vandergelder grumpiness while Stephen shows a more sensitive side, which actually works quite well, lending more depth to the role. Playing the goofy, yet charming Cornelius Hackl is Jon Maxwell and Steven Palmer. Both young men are fine actors with soaring energetic voices.  Cornelius' sidekick is Barnaby Tucker (Jeremy Wiley), who thinks only of a stuffed whale and how many cents he has left in his wallet.  Wiley's characterization is outstanding and keeps the audience laughing throughout the production.  Keep an eye him, he is sure to go far in theater.

Other amazing actresses include: Kelsey Harold and Megan Wiese who play Irene Malloy singing "Ribbons Down My Back" with beauty and class; Brianna Briseño and Whitney VandenRaadt play the ever-adorable Minnie Fay. With very little spoken dialogue to work with, Kelsey Upward & Erin Nelson are very cute playing the part of the constantly whining Ermengarde. With their partner, Matt Wine, they dance all over the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant with grace and energy.  Other notable cast members are Mandy Sparkman playing Ernistina, Jaime Printz playing Rudolph, Jennifer Small as Mrs. Rose and the comical judge with his judicial profile (beacon of justice) is played by Matthew Thompson-Moore. 

Staying true to the period, Robin Speer's Choreography is a vision, particularly during the show-stopping "Put On Your Sunday Clothes," and the dynamic "Waiter's Gallop," which is worth the price of admission. With vocal direction by Rick Woodbury and the outstanding orchestra led by Paul Salyers, the cast and crew of "Hello Dolly" have created an evening of theatrical enjoyment. Don't miss the triumphant return of Dolly Levi.  The show runs May 6-8 at 7pm.  Visit their new website at www.riversideperformingarts.org. 

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