Hello, Dolly!

Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

Book by Michael Stewart.

Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman

Based on the play, “The Matchmaker,” by Thornton Wilder.

Original Production Directed & Choreographed by Gower Champion.

Jerry Herman’s energetic Hello, Dolly! is a musical filled with charisma and with heart.

Matchmaker Dolly Levi is a widow, a matchmaker, and also a professional meddler --but everything changes when she decides that the next match she needs to make is to find someone for herself. Set in New York City at the turn of the century, Hello Dolly! is boisterous and charming from start to finish. Hello, Dolly! features such memorable songs as “Before the Parade Passes By”, “It Only Takes a Moment”, “Put on Your Sunday Clothes”, and - of course - the title number, “Hello, Dolly!” Dolly herself is one of the strongest and richest starring roles for a woman ever written for the musical theatre, and famous Dolly Levis have included Carol Channing, Ethel Merman, Pearl Bailey, Mary Martin, Barbra Streisand, and most recently, Bette Midler and Bernadette Peters.

Artistic Director: Reba Hervas - reba.hervas@overshadowedproductions.org

Vocal Director: Tara Kaufman - tarakaufmanmusic@gmail.com

Choreographer: Julie Gernand - juliegernand@gmail.com

  • Audition Dates

    • Monday, April 28, 2025, from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

    • Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

    • Invited callbacks will be on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

  • Audition Location

    • Overshadowed Theatrical Productions — 900 Foster Ave, Medinah, IL 60157

  • About Auditions

  • AUDITIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

  • To reserve your audition time slot, please email hellodollyotp@gmail.com

    • Please let us know your date and time preferences for an audition slot.

    • Please be prepared to stay at auditions for approximately 1.5 hours.

  • Audition Requirements

    • Prepare to sing approximately 1 minute of song either from the show, OR in the style of the show.

    • Please bring sheet music for the accompanist OR a performance track to back you as you sing. We will have a Bluetooth speaker available, or you may bring your own.

    • Prepare a monologue. A list to choose from will be provided to you when you sign up for an audition slot.

    • Please bring comfortable clothing and shoes for a brief dance call.

We are seeking talented and enthusiastic actors of all ages and experience levels to join our vibrant production of Hello, Dolly!

We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

  • Rehearsal and Production Information

    • Please check your calendar and let us know your conflict dates when you cannot attend a rehearsal so we can schedule rehearsals for specific scenes to minimize conflicts.

    • We want to point out that communication of subsequent conflicts needs to be with as much notice as possible.

    • Participating in a show at Overshadowed is a serious commitment, and rehearsal attendance is essential. However, we understand that you are volunteering your time, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.

    • This is a Non-Equity production.

    • Rehearsal dates:

      • Read through is on May 12, 2025

      • May 13 - July 10, 2025

    • Production dates:

      • July 11 - August 2, 2025

      • Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm

      • Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm

Character Breakdown

Miscellaneous character parts will be cast from the chorus. This production calls for 8 leading roles and a fairly sized ensemble that is present throughout the entire show.

    • Age: 35-60

    • Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano G3-G5

    • Dance ability: Some

    • Dolly is a strong, high-spirited character who loves life and has a great deal of charm. She is a widow in her middle years, an opportunist and a meddling matchmaker. She needs a commanding stage presence, but she must also show compassion and vulnerability.

    • Age: 40-65

    • Vocal Range: Baritone B2-E4

    • Dance ability: Some

    • Vandergelder is a well-known widowed “half millionaire”, authoritative, strong and gruff, set in his ways, but must show a vulnerable, softer side.

      He is the owner of a Hay and Feed store and a client of Dolly’s.

    • Age: 25-40

    • Vocal Range: Baritone. Bb2-F#4

    • Dance ability: Strong

    • He is Vandergelder’s chief clerk, 33 years old, charming and naive, but not as naive as Barnaby. Cornelius is energetic, enthusiastic and adventurous, he seeks the company of Irene Molloy.

    • Age: 17-22

    • Vocal Range: Baritone C3-G#4

    • Dance ability: Strong

    • A 17-year-old assistant to Cornelius. He

      is fun loving and naive. His energized boyish innocence must come through.

    • Age: 30-40

    • Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano G3-F5

    • Dance ability: Strong

    • A beautiful and charming widow, she is a milliner with a hat shop near 14th Street in New York City. Dolly “matches” her with Vandergelder. A smart, classy lady that ends up spending the evening out on the town with Cornelius, Barnaby, and

      Minnie.

    • Age: 17-22

    • Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano D4-F5

    • Dance ability: Strong

    • A young girl who works in Irene’s hat shop. Naive but straight laced.

    • Age: 18-25

    • Vocal Range: Tenor E3-G#4

    • Dance ability: Strong

    • A young, energetic struggling artist, good natured and accommodating who wants Vandergelder’s permission to marry his niece, Ermengarde.

    • Age: 16-20

    • Vocal Range: Mezzo Soprano E4-G#5

    • Dance ability: Strong

    • She is Mr. Vandergelder’s

      17-year-old niece who is very dramatic and prone to tears. She wants to marry Ambrose.

    • Age: 30-45

    • Vocal Range: Any

    • Dance ability: Some

    • An eccentric-looking girl in need of Dolly’s matchmaker services.

    • Age: 40-60

    • Vocal Range: Bass F2 - C4

    • Dance ability: Some

    • Maitre’d of the Harmonia Gardens, proper, commanding. NOTE: Please audition with a German accent.

    • Age: 40-70

    • Non-singing role, but will also perform in the singing chorus. Singing audition required.

    • Sells vegetables and a friend of Dolly’s from years before.

    • Age: 30-65

    • Non-singing role, but will also perform in the singing chorus. Singing audition required.

    • White whiskered night court judge. Easily moved to tears by romance.

    • Age: 16 - Senior

    • We are looking for 20 to 30 strong singers who will also play featured character parts (both speaking and non-speaking) throughout the show. Needed types include: NYC townspeople, feed store customers, Harmonia Gardens customers, waiters and staff, various colorful 14th Street Parade characters. “Hello Dolly!” features lush choral singing for both mixed voices and an all-male ensemble. Previous experience singing vocal parts is helpful.

    • Age: Teen - Adult

    • We are looking for 12 to 24 strong dancers of various ages. This group will be prominently featured throughout the show and will learn the most challenging choreography which includes ballroom, jazz, Broadway and some ballet.

    • Age: Teen - Senior

    • In addition to a large cast we need many volunteers to sew, paint, construct scenery, hang lights and be on the run-crew. Run-crew for “Hello Dolly!” will require many volunteers to help with multiple quick costume and scenery changes. Run-crew will be needed July 5th-August 2nd and must be able to attend all performances and rehearsals during those dates. Volunteers may sign up during auditions. Run-crew is a great way to get involved and be a part of this fantastic show!