Directed by Kurt Elison Music Direction by Kelsey Thompson
Choreography by Robbie Cromwelll Orchestra directed by Marden Pond
Book by Michael Stewart Music & Lyrics by Jerry Herman Based on the play The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder Presented by
Theatricals
Book by MICHAEL
STEWART
Music & Lyrics by JERRY HERMAN
Based on the play The Matchmaker by THORNTON WILDER
Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion
Produced for the Broadway Stage by David Merrick and Champion Five, Inc. Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. | concordtheatricals.com
The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author’s rights and actionable under United States copyright law. For more information, please visit: concordtheatricals.com/ resources/protecting-artists
Produce r SCERA
Adam J. Robertson
President & CEO
Director
Kurt Elison
Music Director
Kelsey Mariner Thompson
Choreographer
Robbie Cromwell
Dance Captains
Jacob Benson
Mckenzie Rucker
Orchestra Conductor
Marden Pond
Production Stage Manager
Crysta May Lamb
Scenic Designer
Chase Ramsey
Scene Shop Manager
Zippy Hellewell
Scene Shop Supervisor
Ethan Harrison
Carpenters
Ethan Harrison
Maverick Higbee
Max Warren
Trevor Kroff
Scenic Painters
Faith Sage
Olivia Kleven
Madi Fontana
Emily Wiley
Costume Designer
Deborah Bowman
Stitchers
Kelsey Seaver
Deborah Bowman
Christine Price
Costume Shop Staff
Crysta May Lamb
Costume Shop Volunteer
Ryan Hadlock
Properties Designer
Kae Jordan
Prop Shop Manager
Kae Jordan
Props Assistants
Paige Wright
Trulan Peck
Tristan Peck
Mable Evans
Lighting Designer
Caleb Wallengren
Sound Designer
Audio Engineer
Master Electrician
Chase Elison
Electricians
Crysta May Lamb
Story Anderson
Sound Assistant
Katie Jeffreys
Deck Crew
Ethan Harrison
Followspots
Alathia Burnside
Benjamin Wilson
Special Thanks
American Heritage School
This project is supported by the Utah Division of Arts & Museums, with funding from the State of Utah and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
Cast of Characters
Dolly Gallagher Levi ..................................................................................... ALLISON BOOKS
Opening Act I ........................................................................................................................ Ensemble
I Put My Hand In ........................................................................................................................... Dolly Yonkers March ...................................................................................................................... Orchestra
Scene 2: Horace Vandergelder’s Feed Store | Yonkers, New York
It Takes a Women Vandergelder, Cornelius, Barnaby, Male Ensemble
It Takes a Woman (Reprise) ............................................................................ Vandergelder, Dolly
Put On Your Sunday Clothes ...................................... Cornelius, Barnaby, Dolly, Ermengarde Dolly, Ambrose, Ensemble
Put On Your Sunday Clothes (Encore) ............................................................................ Ensemble
Scene 3: New York City Street | Mrs. Malloy’s Hat Shop | Fourteenth Street Association Parade
Before the Parade Passes By.................................................................................. Dolly, Ensemble
Finale Act I ...................................................................................................................................... Dolly
ACT II
Scene 1: Outside the Hoffman House Hotel | Harmonia Gardens Exterior
It Only Takes a Moment ...................................................................................................... Cornelius It Only Takes a Moment (Part II) Irene, Cornelius, Ensemble
End of Courtroom Scene .................................................................................................... Orchestra
So Long, Dearie ............................................................................................................................. Dolly
Change of Scene Orchestra
Scene 4: Vandergelder’s Feed Store
Finale Ultimo ........................................................... Vandergelder, Dolly, Company, Orchestra
Curtain Music ....................................................................................................................... Orchestra
Welcome to Hello, Dolly! — the grand finale of SCERA Shell’s summer season, which has taken us on a journey through New York at the turn of the century with Newsies, Annie, and now Hello, Dolly! This was a time of rapid change and endless possibility: the telephone had just been invented, X-rays had revolutionized medicine, Freud began exploring the mind, and the Spanish-American War had drawn to a close. Waves of immigrants were arriving from Southern and Eastern Europe, reshaping the cultural landscape of the city, while the women’s suffrage movement was gaining momentum. Amid all this progress and upheaval, Hello, Dolly! offers a joyful glimpse into a bustling world on the brink of modernity — full of charm, ambition, and the timeless pursuit of love and second chances.
Bringing this production to life has been a true joy. The cast’s dedication, energy, and heart have made every rehearsal something special, and it’s been an honor to guide such a committed group of artists. Hello, Dolly! is no small feat — the cast has taken on an incredible amount of dancing and tackled some challenging music, all with enthusiasm and grace. One of the greatest privileges of this experience has been collaborating with Marden Pond and the SCERA Orchestra. This marks the first time in 20 years that we’ve had a live orchestra performing at the Shell, making this production even more meaningful. We hope you feel the magic we’ve felt throughout this process — and that you enjoy this unforgettable evening of theatre under the stars.
Cast & Staff Biographies
(in alphabetical order by last name)
LAUREN BILLINGS
(Ernestina) Lauren is thrilled to be back at the SCERA Shell, and is honored to be part of this incredible cast and crew! You may have seen her in various SCERA productions such as Crazy For You as Irene, and The Addams Family as Morticia, but her favorite roles are that of wife to D and momma to TT!
ALLISON BOOKS
(Dolly Gallagher Levi) Allison grew up watching Hello Dolly with her mom and fell in love with the role of Dolly, so this is a literal dream come true for her!
Allison has a degree in Theater Performance and is an award-winning vocalist, placing first in the National Association of Teachers in Singing competition twice and placing at Regionals in Las Vegas. Her vocal work has also included professional musical recordings as a featured soloist. She has worked as Music Director for a Fine Arts Summer Day Camp in West Los Angeles, CA. She has been featured in several films as well, including The Single's Ward and Legally Blonde II. Allison has been Directing and Music Directing for the past several years in many different theaters. Recent Directing/Music Directing shows: Crazy For You at the SCERA Shell, Big Fish, The Sound of Music at the SCERA Shell, Elf: The Musical, and Catch Me If You Can. Favorite performing roles: Lady of the Lake in Spamalot, Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, Ursula in The Little Mermaid, and Madame Thenardier in Les Mis. Allison wants to thank Kurt, Kelsey, Robbie and Crysta for giving her this amazing opportunity and for all their hard work! And a special thanks to Steve, her hubby of 21 years, and their 4 kids for the love and support!
DEBORAH BOWMAN
(Costume Designer) Debbie started singing and acting when she was four years old and has enjoyed the stage ever since, and you've seen her singing in SCERA’s Night of Broadway concerts. Debbie feels blessed to have a high school hobby turn into her dream job these last 18 years working at the SCERA Costume Shop. She has costume designed many shows, with some favorites being Les Mis School Edition, Fiddler on the Roof, Big Fish, Oklahoma, The Play That Goes Wrong, The SpongeBob Musical, Catch Me If You Can, The Drowsy Chaperone, Matilda The Musical, The Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid, Hairspray, The Scarlet Pimpernel and Newsies. But her favorite role to play is grandma to five beautiful grandbabies, mom to two great kids (and their spouses), and wife to her extremely supportive husband John!
ROBBIE CROMWELL (Choreographer) Robbie is ecstatic to have had the opportunity to choreograph Hello, Dolly! and share his creativity through dance. Hello, Dolly! is the first musical Robbie has choreographed in its entirety. He was the assistant choreographer in Crazy For You last summer at SCERA Shell and has contributed choreography to The Addams Family, Oklahoma!, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He has also competed, performed, and choreographed ballroom dance for over 18 years at the youth, amateur, and professional levels. In addition to choreographing, Robbie has performed in several recent productions; his credits include Cinderella (The Ruth), Crazy for You and Mary Poppins (SCERA), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (HCTO) and The Addams Family (TCT). Robbie would like to thank both the production team and the cast of Hello Dolly! for placing their trust in him to choreograph, and for their dedication and effort they’ve all put
in to make this such a brilliant show. “This show has been a dream, and I am so proud of all of you!”
CHASE ELISON
(Sound & Lighting Manager) Chase has been involved in theatre since he was 11 in SCERA’s Oliver. At age 15, he began working at the Lehi Arts Center, and he currently serves as SCERA’s Sound and Lighting Manager, where he has designed lighting for many of SCERA’s Theatre for Young Audiences productions. “I dedicate my work to my grandparents Jerry & Barbara. They introduced me to theatre and music at a young age. My grandma taught me piano for many years, and I had the honor of working with my grandpa for several productions here at SCERA. Love and miss you guys, ‘Ya done good!’”
KURT ELISON
(Director) Kurt has been on the stage since he was just a little kid, and is so excited to be working on this show with this crew. Recent directing credits include Fiddler on the Roof here at the SCERA Shell, Bright Star at the Lehi Arts Center, and A Christmas Story: The Musical at SCERA Center. Kurt has loved being on the stage, and off the stage as a director. He learned a lot from his late father, who showed him how theater can be so meaningful and fun. Kurt has directed several shows: Beauty and the Beast, See How They Run, Wait Until Dark, And Then There Were None, She Loves Me, Damn Yankees, The Drowsy Chaperone, Big Fish, Clue The Musical, Blithe Spirit, The Mouse Trap, just to name a few. He loves being involved with the community, and working with great people from around this great valley. Kurt would like to thank this wonderful production team, and his wife and kids who have always been so supportive of Kurt’s theatre passion.
CAPRI GALLACHER (Ermengarde) Capri is excited to return for her seventh time performing at SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre! She loves to dance and sing, and in addition to SCERA,
has performed in productions with Odyssey Dance Theatre and Hale Center Theatre. Capri is thrilled to be part of this amazing production of Hello, Dolly! with her best friends and would like to thank everyone who helped make it such a great show. She would also like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for all of their love and support, with a special shout out to her mom for always believing in her and being her good luck charm :) “I love you so much!”
BRYAN HARPER
(Horace Vandergelder) Bryan is excited to be back at SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in this beautiful production. SCERA is a favorite venue of Bryan's and he's loved being a part of many SCERA productions - including as young Winthrop in The Music Man (a few years ago...!)
Other of Bryan’s recent credits around Utah include lead roles in The Wizard of Oz (SCERA); A Christmas Story: The Musical (SCERA); Arsenic and Old Lace (Grand Theater Co.); Oliver! (HCTO); The Music Man (HCTO); and The Sound of Music (Sundance). When not performing, Bryan enjoys traveling, golfing and generally any time he can get with his family. “Thanks to Wendy, Jack, and Max, always my biggest fans. I love you! And thanks to Kurt, Kelsey, Robbie, and Crysta for trusting me with this role and for putting together a fantastic production.”
ZIPPY HELLEWELL
(Scene Shop Manager) Zippy graduated from UVU with an AA in Theatre Arts. He has been doing theater since 5th grade when he was in his elementary school's production of Guys and Dolls Jr. and has loved it ever since. Zippy started off acting, but he also found his love for backstage along the way. He started working in technical theater in junior high and high school, as well as some classes at UVU. He recently designed the set for Disney’s Newsies that played on this stage in June, as well as The Play That Goes Wrong, Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper and A Christmas Story: The Musical. “This show is a bittersweet ending for me, as Hello, Dolly will be my last show as manager of the scene
Cast & Staff Biographies
(in alphabetical order by last name)
shop. I’d like to thank all of my SCERA Family for making it a great place to work over the past 6 years, I’m gonna miss you all!”
CHLOE HENRY
(Irene Malloy) Chloe has been performing for most of her life and is excited to be making her official SCERA debut in Hello, Dolly! She recently graduated with her BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Music from UVU, and has spent the last year as Miss Orem in the Miss America Organization. She is currently employed as a bridal industry model at Maggie Sottero Designs, and as an Educator at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. Some of her favorite roles include Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera and Rapunzel in Into the Woods Hello, Dolly is one of her all-time favorite shows, and she is excited to share it with you!
KAE JORDAN
(Props Designer / Prop Shop Manager) Karen joined the SCERA Family last fall as the new Prop Shop Manager. She jumped right into the deep end with A Christmas Story: The Musical, and it’s been a whirlwind every day since! Kae has an extensive design background, from interior architecture and design to event and theatrical design. Originally from Idaho, she has made Orem her home and is excited to bring her experience and talent to SCERA’s live theatre and special events. She says “It’s truly a joy to come to work with such kind and talented people, and it really comes out in the productions that happen here. There’s something magical about SCERA, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.”
CRYSTA MAY LAMB
(Production Stage Manager)
Crysta works as a stage manager and theatre technician around the valley but is most happy to call SCERA her home! She’s grateful to be here at SCERA Shell for her 15th summer. Some of her favorite SCERA credits include Mary Poppins, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Beauty and the Beast, Bye Bye Birdie, Brigadoon, Oklahoma!, and Les Miserables. Crysta also works for BYU as the Dance Production Stage Manager working on more than 30 dance productions yearly including contemporary, cultural, ballet, world, and ballroom. Much love and thanks to Daxton and her SCERA family for their love and support.
CRAIG MAIRE
(Rudolph Reisenweber)
Thrilled to be singing und etwas at SCERA in Hello Dolly!, his first musical on stage. Previously played Sir Wm Lucas in Pride and Prejudice with Eagle Mountain Community; many roles with The Hill Cumorah Pageant in Palmyra , NY; Guitar player with Rexburg Community in The Sound of Music; The Castle musicals; Singer with Lehi Community Choir and acted in short films. Loved acting workshops at The Ruth in PG. “Liebe und Bisous to my wife, family and friends!”
JACOB NILSON
(Cornelius Hackl) Jacob is thrilled to return to the SCERA Shell stage, where he previously performed as Cowboy Bob/Lyle in Footloose. Other favorite roles include Laurie in Little Women (Fields Production Co.), Tony in West Side Story, and Jean Val Jean in Les Miserables. After some time away, Jacob is grateful to have found MAGIC again by being
OPENING AUG 8th
A partnership with the James & Andrea Clarke Family will allow us to make continued improvements to SCERA Center for the Arts – the first was a complete repainting of the outside of our unique historic venue! The Clarke Grand Theatre is clean, comfortable and elegant – and with a giant 40' x 20' screen, 733 seats and incredible digital projection and sound – our presentation of your favorite feature films is the best around! And, with the best ticket and concession prices in town, we hope you'll support your local independent theatre, where proceeds go back into the community to support SCERA's charitable non-profit artistic mission!
back on stage—and couldn’t be more excited to share it with you tonight.
MARDEN POND (Orchestra Conductor)
Marden is active as a composer, arranger, conductor, producer, author, and educator. He is the author of a variety of books and articles on music, and has taught and designed courses at several colleges and universities. Dr. Pond has served as the conductor or music director of the Nachtmusik Chamber Orchestra, CityJazz big band, Oratorio Society of Utah, and numerous studio, professional, community, and educational ensembles. He has performed with the Gabriel Trumpet Ensemble, Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, Utah Symphony, Bob Hope, and John Davidson. Marden received an Emmy award for his work as composer and associate producer on Utah’s Sanctuary: Great Salt Lake His scenic overture, Mach 3, was premiered, toured, and recorded by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Symphonic Band. A CD/DVD of Marden’s Mormon Battalion: A Symphonic Saga was commissioned by the Mormon Battalion Association. Pond’s concert work commissioned by the BYU Symphonic Band, Granite, is dedicated to the stone workers who quarried and shaped stone for the Salt Lake Temple. He has created music and conducted for many noted performers, including Laura Osnes, Merrill Osmond, Jenny Oaks Baker, David Glen Hatch, and Alex Boyé. Marden is the recipient of SCERA’s 2017 Star Award for Music. He is the composer of music on over twenty recorded albums. The CD, Title of Liberty, which he co-produced, received a Pearl Award as Classical Instrumental Album of the Year. His music encompasses many styles and genres: major symphonic, jazz, electronic and digital scores, chamber music, film scores, music for theatrical dance, choral and vocal compositions, and historically-focused epic overtures and suites. Dr. Pond arranged/conducted music for a special performance in Arlington National Cemetery on the one-year anniversary of the 9/11 Pentagon attack. A prolific composer, Pond has over 300 works listed in the ASCAP catalog.
His music has been performed nationwide and recorded in Europe and the U.S. He was named Utah’s Composer of the Year and honored with awards and commissions from ASCAP, National Endowment for the Arts, Meet-the-Composer, Ririe Woodbury Dance Company, Utah Arts Council, Salt Lake Arts Council, Utah Premiere Brass, National Pony Express Association, Entrada Institute, Synergy Dance, Performing Dance Company, Young Dancemakers, Utah Statehood Centennial Commission, Utah Governor’s Award for Contributions to International Understanding, Barlow Endowment, and the prestigious Alfred Lambourne Prize. Marden and his wife, Judy, are the parents of 8 children and grandparents of 25 grandchildren.
CHASE RAMSEY
(Scenic Designer) Chase was recently seen in movie theaters for Horizon: Part 1 from Warner Brothers. Also Falling for Christmas (Netflix), Sweet Pecan Summer (Hallmark), The Storied Life of AJ Fikry (Amazon), Yellowstone (Paramount), and The Book of Mormon Musical on Broadway playing Elder Cunningham. Director of the new film Scratchy, Cage, and Tumbleweed as well as Forget the Rest. Also known for his work as a past Food Network host and director/writer for the Walt Disney Company. He is the cofounder of King Cup Productions. Recent directing credits with SCERA have been Annie, Bright Star, The Little Mermaid, Into the Woods, Oklahoma, and The Play that Goes Wrong Instagram: @chaseramseyartist
COLEMAN ROWBERRY
(Ambrose Kemper) Coleman is so excited to play Ambrose in Hello Dolly! This is his first time doing any sort of acting or dancing in more than 8 years. He has, however, been in an acapella group at BYU for the past year and recently sang as the apostle Thomas in the Lamb of God by Rob Gardner. Shoutout to Alia, #HappyB-dayGirl
Cast & Staff Biographies
(in alphabetical order by last name)
KELSEY MARINER
THOMPSON (Music Director) Kelsey holds a bachelor of music in vocal performance from UVU and has performed throughout the United States, as well as in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and stages in southern Spain. Favorite directing credits include: Mary Poppins (SCERA Shell); The Wizard of Oz, James and the Giant Peach TYA, and A Year with Frog and Toad TYA (SCERA). Performing credits include: Alice Murphy in Bright Star (SCERA), Tammy in May We All (HCT), Marguerite St. Just in The Scarlet Pimpernel, Fantine in Les Miserables, Anita in West Side Story, Eliza Doolittle u/s in My Fair Lady (SCERA), Belle in A Christmas Carol (HCTO), Grandma in The Addams Family (Lehi Arts), and Revered Mother in Nuncrackers (PG Players). Kelsey would like to dedicate this show to her favorite person and husband, Jacob, and her children, Kody, Jack, and Baby Boy (arriving this October).
JOEY THOMPSON (Barnaby Tucker) HOLY CABOOSES! Joey is very excited to be joining the cast of Hello, Dolly! for his second production at SCERA. Joey has been involved in theatre since elementary school and has enjoyed playing previous roles including Prince Roderick in Rapunzel: A Very Hairy Fairytale (SCERA), Race in Newsies (HCT), Marius in Les Miserables (NMRHS) and Charlie Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (PCA). Joey is an Illustration major at UVU and loves using all forms of art to tell stories. Joey hopes you laugh a lot during this production!
“To have joy one must share it.”
REBECCA VARNEY
(Minnie Fay) Rebecca is thrilled to be performing again at the SCERA Shell! Her most recent performances include Luisa in The Fantasticks and Catch Me If You Can. With over 20 years of performing experience, Rebecca also loves the creative process of choreographing musicals. Some notable choreography credits include A Christmas Story: The Musical at SCERA Center and Crazy For You at SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre. In addition to her creative pursuits, Rebecca serves as the Dance Education Director and Volunteer Coordinator at SCERA, where she shares her love of the arts with others. She is grateful for the support of her friends and family and her son, Banks, as well as the talented cast and production team.
CALEB WALLENGREN (Lighting Designer)
Caleb is an Utah/Salt Lake County based lighting designer and is thrilled to be part of this amazing show! His favorite credits include: The Phantom of the Opera (The Ruth Academy), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Secret Garden, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Anastasia, The Pirates of Penzance, The Addams Family, Beauty and the Beast, The Sound of Music (Timpanogos Community Theater), What About Luv? (UVU Theatre Arts Guild), Dogfight (Sentinel Theatre), and Bandstand (DoGood Theater).
In 2022 Caleb was a finalist for the Utah High School Musical Theatre Awards for Best Student Lighting Design for his work on Man of La Mancha at Skyridge High School.
