The heartwarming tale of "Hello Dolly!" is brought to life at Santa Margarita
Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s production of “Hello Dolly!” brings the audience into an
adventurous story filled with love, comedy, and raw talent as Dolly Gallagher Levi searches for love
again after her husband passes away. She begins to fall for the most unlikely person, and along the way
helps a few friends out to find a love of their own.
With crisp vocals and endless energy, Ryan Melosini as Cornelius Hackl discovers the big city of New
York and searches for his true love that would grow to last in his heart for all time. With a smile on his
face, and confidence in his soaring vibrato, Melosini stands out in songs such as “Put on Your Sunday
Clothes.”
Alongside Melosini is Dylan Field as the quirky and high-energy Barnaby Tucker. Unlike Cornelius’ desire
for love, Barnaby desperately wants nothing more than to see the big whale and will stop at nothing for
his victorious moment. With the help of Dolly, Barnaby is also able to discover a fresh, sweet love with
Minnie Fay (Julia Smith).
Stealing the show from the moment she enters is Andrea Martinez as Dolly Gallagher Levi. With soaring
vocals, she proves to be well beyond her years with her versatility as she ranges from comedic and witty
to meaningfully touching.
As the strong stage management team moves each scene forward with an eloquent flow, the ensemble
works together to bring out laughs and applause from the audience. Even though chaos may ensue as
props fly, entrances and exits are made by sprinting, and even impressive acrobatics occur, each
member of the ensemble coordinates with ease, especially in songs such as, “Waiter’s Galop.”
The hair and makeup team led by Kianna Rezaei, Elliana Maggetti, and Morgan Delaney create a realistic
and perfect atmosphere that ties the performance together to bring this touching tale to life.
Creating a visually appealing and classic tale, the cast and crew of Santa Margarita’s “Hello Dolly” has
the audience roaring with applause and humming the songs days after they have left the theater.
by Christopher Diem of Corona del Mar High School
-------------------------------------------------Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s ‘Hello, Dolly!’ is Captivating
Dolly Gallagher Levi may be a woman of many trades, but she has her eye on one objective: Horace
Vandergelder and his renowned half-a-million dollars. Following her adventures throughout New York,
Dolly’s pursuit of “love” takes precedence as she searches for assurance from her former husband,
leaving her in an unfortunate emotional predicament between loyalty, independence, and personal
gain.
The epicenter of the entire production, Andrea Martinez immediately captures the energy of the show
with a supreme confidence and mature, beyond-her-years vocals. While initially spellbinding, Martinez
maintains the audience’s focus by balancing the eccentricity of her character with underlying emotional
subtext, conveying subtle, reserved anguish whenever referring to her deceased husband Ephram. She
continues to transform her character throughout the rest of the show with commendable versatility,
displaying an impressive range between forlorn grief and farcical, precisely-timed comedy.
Equally effective is the dynamic duo of Ryan Melosini as Cornelius and Dylan Field as Barnaby, who
combine standout vocals with mutually flawless comedic timing, leaving audiences rollicking in laughter.
Similarly, Hannah Rabatin plays off the character of Ernestina by exaggerating her naturally humorous
demeanor through a raspy, coy alto. In her scenes with Mr. Vandergilder, played by Evan Meeks, her
dramatized seduction is juxtaposed with his dignified solemnity. As hat shop assistant Minnie Fay, Julia
Smith creates a lofty stage presence exemplified in “Elegance,” wherein she struggles to maintain her
reserved demeanor amidst an arduous walk across the city.
The acting, however, is not the only outstanding aspect of this production. Stage managers Patrick
Carpenter and Taryn Mack, for instance, manage seamless set transitions throughout, even when
working with the Talon Theatre’s newly-acquired curtains. Furthermore, Paige Schuler and Faith
Quigley’s make-up design complements every character on an individual level, creating a consistent
overall appearance while adding a distinct personality to every cast member. Ernestina is most
noticeable with wild, azure eyeshadow and dazzling, red lips that accentuate her character’s tawdry
temperament. Leighton Holritz and Mackenzie Nienhuis proves similarly adaptable with their
resourceful use of props, particularly pronounced in the use of edibles. A difficult undertaking for any
designer, they nevertheless uses them to add to the existing choreography in creative ways.
A combined feat of cast and crew alike, “Hello, Dolly!” proves to be as satisfying as it is technically and
theatrically spectacular.
by Jackson Maxwell of Mission Viejo High School
-------------------------------------------------Santa Margarita Performs “Hello, Dolly!” with Elegance
As city-goers storm the stage, hailing the arrival of Dolly Levi, the cast of Santa Margarita’s “Hello,
Dolly!” put on their Sunday clothes to enact a tale of affluence, affection, and adventure before the
parade passes by.
Following the death of her husband, meddlesome matchmaker Dolly Levi returns to society in order to
procure a match for the half-a-millionaire malcontent, Horace Vandergelder. Little does he know, Dolly
intends to marry him herself, putting her past behind her and plunging the cast down a rabbit-hole of
meddling, marketing, and matrimony.
Bustling with dignified confidence, Andrea Martinez struts the stage with socialite charm as Dolly.
Through quick quips and brash teasing, Martinez draws uproarious laughter, however when regarding
her departed husband, she employs reverential grief with masterful subtlety. Using a classy, cultivated
tone, Martinez highlights an aging vocal dynamism in both her speaking voice and luxurious alto belt.
Reserved at the outset, Martinez’s Dolly begins to explode with refined, enchanting bravura as she reenters society.
Ryan Melsosini and Dylan field are hilarious as the dazed comedic duo of Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby
Tucker. Nearly vaudevillian at times, the two exude wide-eyed enthusiasm and bewilderment as they
hide from their boss in armoires or blindly attempt “elegance”. While Field furnishes the slapsticksilliness, Melsosini provides soaring vocals that capture both the beguilement of New York and the
complications of love.
Samantha Drust is delicately dignified as Irene Molloy. Upright and conservative in her hand gestures,
Drust daintily steps about the stage with coveted grace. By contrast, Hannah Rabatin is downright dirty
as Ernestina Money. With a crass, grungy tone and hip-forward, swaying sensuality, Rabatin juxtaposes
her righteous curmudgeon date, Horace Vandergelder (Evan Meeks).
The ensemble creates visible relationships throughout, forming a truly bustling cityscape inhabited by
interesting couples and characters. In numbers such as the “Waiter’s Gallop”, red-coated waiters leap
to-and-fro with fluid elegance, seamlessly executing complex choreography.
Hair and Makeup exceptionally highlight the time-period without stifling individuality. Facial hair varies
from massive mutton chops to petite moustaches, while makeup went from the wild powder of Ms.
Money to a night-judges humungous nose.
Many props prove versatile, such as chicken being run-through in one scene and literally eaten in the
next. Also as seamless was the Stage Management whose fluid cue calling allowed for efficient setchanges and precise spotlights.
Gracefully, Santa Margarita teaches us to wring out life’s moments “before the parade passes by” with
“Hello, Dolly!”.
by Jason Marrs of Mission Viejo High School
-------------------------------------------------Hello, Santa Margarita Catholic!
In the classic musical, “Hello, Dolly!” a widow, matchmaker, meddler, opportunist, exuberant woman by
the name of Dolly Gallagher Levi decides to start her life anew after a couple of years in isolation as she
awaits a sign from her former husband that she should move on.
Andrea Martinez portrays the role of Dolly Levi with her rich, classic tone and a maturity well beyond
her years. The confidence that exudes Martinez is not overdone but rather subtle similarly to her
emotional decisions. She maintains a balance between Dolly’s reserved and flamboyant natures with a
very nuanced performance, relying on inflection and a natural comedic timing to connote how she feels
inside. This transformation enabled her voice to become lighter, her movements become grander and
her sass become hilariously obvious. Once she returns to the human race, the relationship between her
and the set in his ways, authoritative, Horace (Evan Meeks) blossoms.
All in all, the relationships in this performance are very well developed. Ryan Melosini (Cornelius Hackl)
and the enthusiastic Dylan Field (Barnaby Tucker) create good comedy. In particularly, the scene in
which they are exploring the town and come upon Ms. Molloy’s hat shop and are dodging their boss,
Horace, invokes numerous laughs from the audience due to their wild facial expressions and fluid
physicality.
Ryan Melosini and Samantha Drust (Cornelius and Irene Molloy respectively) have a very natural and
sweet connection. This is emphasized through their long looks and simplistic acting. Minnie Fay and
Barnaby Tucker (Dylan Fields) had a very light and youthful relationship in which they dance, laugh and
seemingly have a good time together. These unique couples are created in the fun number, “Dancing”.
Minnie Fay is performed by Julia Smith with a sweet smile, nasally pitch and great stage presence.
The ensemble is continually strong and energetic throughout the production especially in the songs “Put
on Your Sunday Clothes” and “Waiters Galop” in which they prove to be both effective and versatile.
Hair and makeup is done very individually depending on the character, creating distinct personalities
that are meanwhile highly consistent as they emphasize setting and time period. For Hannah Rabatin,
(Ernestina Money) blue eyeshadow adds even more ridiculousness to her character. All in all, makeup is
utilized to create little details, such as the judges nose, in order to add more depth to the actors.
The props by Leighton Holritz are very versatile throughout the whole performance and adds to an
effectively established time period. These props included frilly umbrellas and decorative hats along with
all the plates and food used in the restaurant scene.
The stage management by Patrick Carpenter and Taryn Mack is seamless. Cues on spotlight were precise
and there is a fluidity with the on stage cast members that helped the show flow in a way that
encouraged the audience to get wrapped up in the story, from which they learn it’s never too late to fall
in love.
by Rachel Heurlin of Mission Viejo High School
-------------------------------------------------“Hello, Dolly” looking swell at Santa Margarita
Dolly Gallagher Levi (Andrea Martinez) is New York City’s most treasured matchmaker, an influential
woman who facilitates love wherever she confidently strides; however, despite her successes with other
people’s romance, she herself is barren of affection since the death of her husband, Ephraim.
In her quest to get the brute millionaire, Horace Vandergelder (Evan Meeks), to get on one knee and
marry her, Santa Margarita Catholic High School puts on a production of “Hello, Dolly” to remember.
Andrea Martinez enchants in the title role. She steps onstage with incredible flamboyance and splendor
that is captured through her radiating smile, jazzy voice, and graceful mobility. Martinez’ powerful belt
and prime vocal quality walks us through a character arch that transitions between comedy and drama
interchangeably. She vividly communicates her character’s sense of empowerment in the song, “When
the Parade Marches By,” which highlights her range both as a lead actress and female vocalist.
Ryan Melosini plays Cornelius Hackl, a store clerk who is thrilled by the whirlwind of the outside world,
falling in love with Irene Molloy (Samantha Drust) in his adventure around New York City with Barnaby
Tucker (Dylan Field). Melosini’s classically toned voice is emphasized in the ballad, “It Only Takes a
Moment,” which mixes the ensemble’s accompanying harmonies with his rich, love struck vocals.
Physical comedy is well performed by Melosini, Drust, Martinez, and Field in the number, “Motherhood
March,” in which Melosini and Field run back and forth into a closet and underneath a table, in a
hilarious effort to avoid Vandergelder’s gaze and suspicions, all the while the girls sing about America,
marching, and motherhood.
The student execution of choreography is impressive in this production. The ensemble as a whole are
engaging and synchronized, especially in numbers such as “Hello, Dolly” and the “Waiter’s Gallop,”
which involve an enormous amount of people dancing across and back onto the stage.
The stage management lead by stage manager Taryn Mack is seamless in execution. The fluidity of
“Hello, Dolly” is apparent through their quick scene transitions and precise calling of light cues. A follow
spot follows Dolly in her highlighted moments, which are smooth and effective in nature.
Overall, the students at Santa Margarita Catholic High School charmingly come together in the name of
love to put on an entertaining production of “Hello, Dolly,” leaving the audience in an uproarious
applause.
by Rachel Umana of Mission Viejo High School
-------------------------------------------------Say 'Hello' to Santa Margarita's 'Dolly!'
A timeless classic of love and wit, "Hello, Dolly!" is a brassy comedy set in early 20th century New York.
Santa Margarita High School presents a charming rendition with a sentimental tinge that's all about a
lady breaking back into life--with glamorous style.
Dolly gets by with match-making jobs, and when she's commissioned by Horace Vandergelder to get him
hitched, she finds the perfect woman--herself of course! The catch? He doesn't know it yet. As her
clever plot unfolds, bantering goofs and delightful heartthrobs going along for the ride shine through to
make this production one not to miss.
Andrea Martinez holds her head and auburn tresses high as the classy Dolly, demonstrating versatile
emotion with witty banter and melancholic soliloquies. Her gorgeous, classical voice accentuates her
spectacular performance with smashing belts and soaring ballads. Martinez conveys a mature character
exhibiting tasteful confidence and subtle emotion that reveals a profoundly characterized thought
process.
Ryan Melosini captures the charming and boyishly optimistic Cornelius Hackl, in his desire to almost get
arrested and kiss a girl. Dylan Field as Barnaby Tucker embodies the adorable and energetic sidekick to
Cornelius. The two present a dynamic duo of farcical and physical comedy. Coincidentally, the young
men find love while traipsing through New York in the lovely hatter Irene Molloy and her assistant
Minnie May, making two adorable couples.
Hannah Rabatin portrays the relatively small but memorable character of Ernestina Money, all done up
with heavy rouge, red lipstick, blue eye shadow, and a tacky yellow dress. She has a brash nasality and a
bizarrely overt sexuality apparent from her exaggerated expression and physicality.
The ensemble handles the complex choreography of flips, twirls, and leaps this show demands
commendably. They also handle the creative props of Leighton Holritz's design, from shish kabob sabers
to flying turkeys, rather well.
The stage crew under the management of Patrick Carpenter seamlessly moves the show through one set
after another with no noticeable error, picking up on the precise cues without missing a beat.
The hair design accurately represents the 1890's-- mostly consisting of lush curls, individualized for each
character for the sake of variety in a rather stereotypical and cliché era.
Santa Margarita High School spectacularly conveys that "it only takes a moment to be loved a whole life
long" in their dazzling production of "Hello, Dolly!"
by Trevor Casillas of Mission Viejo High School
-------------------------------------------------Santa Margarita presents an animated ‘Hello, Dolly!’
As the music begins, the bustling streets of New York City come to life in “Hello, Dolly!” at Santa
Margarita Catholic High School. Throughout the characters' wild antics, Santa Margarita’s rendition of
this classic show is marked by an energetic ensemble and whimsical characters.
“Some people paint, some sew”, but widowed Dolly Levi “meddles” for a living. Dolly is a charismatic
matchmaker assisting the grumpy Horace Vandergelder, the well-known half-a-millionaire of Yonkers,
New York, seek a wife. When the two travel to New York City, Horace’s two clerks, Cornelius Hackl and
Barnaby Tucker secretly follow in hopes of having their own long-awaited adventure, and maybe even
kiss a girl.
Andrea Martinez struts about as the meddlesome Dolly Gallagher Levi with her head held high and a
mischievous smirk on her face. Martinez’s versatility is exemplified in the subtle pretension during her
solo “So Long, Dearie” and the reserved sadness in her features when she speaks to her late husband,
Ephram. Throughout each scene, Martinez exhibits powerful vocal ability grounded in her mature tone
and wide range.
Ryan Melosini and Dylan Field portray Vandergelder’s two impassioned clerks, Cornelius Hackl and
Barnaby Tucker, as they venture to New York City on a well-deserved evening off, determined to each
kiss a girl. Together, Melosini and Field display effective comedic-timing as they scramble to hide from
Mr. Vandergelder. Melosini’s strong vocals are showcased in “It Only Takes a Moment”, as he reveals
Cornelius’s vulnerable side and professes his love.
Equally memorable are Samantha Drust as Irene Molloy and Julia Smith as Minnie Fay. With delicate
gesticulations and their noses pointed up, Drust and Fay exhibit both poise and childlike charm in
“Elegance”, as Irene and Minnie attempt to keep up appearances at the Harmonia Gardens.
The ensemble remains unified in every dance number, yet exemplifies individuality, emphasized by the
hair and makeup design by Faith Quigley, Paige Schuler, Elliana Maggetti, Kianna Rezaei, and Morgan
Delaney. While ensemble members succeed at solving any onstage problems, the stage management
team (Taryn Mack and Patrick Carpenter) is marked by well-timed cues and smooth scene transitions.
With contagious energy, Santa Margarita’s polished rendition of “Hello, Dolly!” is a truly pleasant
experience.
by Stephanie Chang of Northwood High School
-------------------------------------------------Santa Margarita's "Hello, Dolly!" A Perfect Match
Dance lessons, interior design, matchmaking…the illustrious Dolly Levi does it all in this production of
“Hello, Dolly!” put into play by Santa Margarita Catholic High School.
Leading the extravaganza, the bold Dolly Levi (Andrea Martinez) takes charge of the floundering love
lives of those around her, but when it comes to her, she finds herself lonely, unable to move past her
late husband. That is, until she meets the well-to-do half-millionaire Mr. Vandergelder (Evan Meeks).
Charming her way through the plot, Dolly’s endless scheming makes for an uproarious combination of
misguided love and utter chaos. She orchestrates the flow and musicality of the show with her booming
belt and unfailing charm, showcased in rousing anthems such as “Before the Parade Passes By” and “So
Long, Dearie.”
Dolly’s tireless matchmaking efforts are not lost, however, with the abundance of romance present
between a series of lovers. Particularly notable, the surprising romance between the esteemed widow
Irene Molloy (Sam Drust) and the humbled shop clerk Cornelius Hackl (Ryan Melosini) delivers a sense of
endearment, exemplified through their heartwarming declarations of love when they find themselves in
a courthouse in “It Only Takes a Moment.”
With her dauntless attempts to woo the wealthy Mr. Vandergelder, the gaudy Miss Ernestina Money
(Hannah Rabatin) uses her elaborate rouses and brassy advances to provide comedic relief to the
audience.
After barely escaping Miss Money’s coquetry, Mr. Vandergelder comes to realize his underlying
appreciation for Dolly. Exhibiting their evolved feelings for each other, Mr. Vandergelder’s snarky humor
nicely contrasts with Dolly’s glamorous disposition in an unlikely, yet lovable, pairing.
As a whole, the enthused ensemble never ceases to entertain the audience with their rhythmic dancing
and harmonious vocals. From elegant waiters in the “Waiter’s Gallop” to dashing dancers in “Polka,”
they display a level of professionalism beyond their years.
Adding to the overall professionalism of the show, seamless set changes, orchestrated by stage manager
Taryn Mack, meet each and every cue with precision.
Accurately depicting the 1890s time period, the impeccable makeup worn by the cast was personalized
to meet the needs for each unique character through the work of makeup designers Faith Quigley and
Paige Schuler. Their extraordinary attention to detail was noticed in Dolly’s bold lip colors and Mr.
Vandergelder’s enhanced old age.
Bringing this old romance new life, Santa Margarita Catholic High School certainly found its match with
“Hello, Dolly!”
by Miranda Wolford of SOCSA Dana Hills
-------------------------------------------------Say ‘Hello Dolly’ at Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Santa Margarita Catholic High School goes back to the 1890s in their production of “Hello Dolly.”
Dolly Gallagher Levi is a widow who recently decided that she is ready to find love. Through the 24-hour
adventure she holds surprise after surprise for her client Mr. Vandergelder to help him find love too.
Dolly, played by Andrea Martinez, uses her bold confidence to dominate the stage. She sways her hips
to show her flirtatious attitude that can make any man fall in love with her. Martinez’s vocals make her a
standout performer. Her ability to hit high notes powerfully captivates the audience.
The man that Dolly uses her charms on is Horace Vander played by Evan Meeks. He establishes his
authority through his demanding voice and the way he holds himself with his shoulders back and head
held high. He shows his versatility as an actor by adding a humorous side to the strict Mr. Vandergelder
with his impeccable comedic timing.
Hanna Rabatin plays Ms. Ernestina Money. She has an outrageous personality and shimmies around the
stage to attempt to seduce Horace. Rabatin holds nothing back with her performance.
The song “The Waiters Gallop” shows the chaos that is occurring in the restaurant at the climax of the
show. The waiters use trays, swords, and food designed by the props crew and the many talents of all of
the dancers are shown throughout the song.
The props crew designed and created mops that the actors use to brighten up the choreography in “It
Takes a Woman.” The mops represent the hair of a woman and her use of helping clean. The real stars
of this production are the prop designers.
To give personality to the actors Paige Schuler and Faith Quigley use make up and hair styles. Wigs and
mustaches put the characters right into the 1890s. Different make up styles are given to each actor
based on their character’s personality. The make up designers were very meticulous in the make up
designs, which put everything together for the show.
Santa Margarita’s “Hello Dolly” is an exceptional show complete with commendable acting, singing, and
technical work.
by Brooke Healey of San Juan Hills High School
-------------------------------------------------Santa Margarita’s 'Hello, Dolly!' Makes You Never Want to Say Goodbye
With laced parasols twirling in the air and dancing couples dotting the stage, Santa Margarita’s ‘Hello,
Dolly!’ creates an enchanting tale of a wild day in New York City. Moving from the small town of
Yonkers to the bustling city full of parades and quaint hat shops, the true complexity of relationships is
exemplified throughout the cast. From matchmakers to grumpy half millionaires, Santa Margarita fills
the stage with the life that romance can provide.
The protagonist of our show, widowed Dolly Gallagher Levi (Andrea Martinez), fills the New York scene
with her confident strut and the versatility of her character. Moving from comedic songs like ‘So Long,
Dearie’ to numbers such as ‘Before the Parade Passes By’, Martinez takes full advantage of the soul in
her voice and enchanting personality. Building strong relationships, both with the man she intends to
marry and between the people around her, Martinez fully encompasses the meddling matchmaker that
controls the course of the show.
The youthful and refreshing couple, Barnaby Tucker (Dylan Field) and Minnie Fay (Julia Smith), are
paired together once Tucker leaves his workplace to finally kiss a girl. Between the sweet naivety of
turned up noses in ‘Elegance’ and innocent pecks on the lips, Smith and Field bring a certain light to the
show that is a sweet and refreshing relief from the dramatic events of the city.
During the course of this wild day in New York, the show finds its way to the most expensive restaurant
in the city: Harmonia Gardens. With waiters and chefs crossing the stage in well-coordinated dance,
Ernestina Money (Hannah Rabatin) makes an appearance all dressed up in her gaudy makeup and pink
feathered boa. With her overly sexual dancing and raspy voice, Rabatin offers a comedic element to the
show as she displays how far Dolly will go to marry the man she desires.
‘Hello, Dolly!’ as a whole had a simple grace and fluidity, mostly to the credit of the stage managers
Taryn Mack and Patrick Carpenter. Transitions and lighting between scenes created a seamless
production that was topped off by the efforts of the prop team. With handmade food that brought the
Harmonia Gardens to life, props added a new depth to the show.
Santa Margarita incorporated all the elements of drama and romance to life in ‘Hello, Dolly!’.
by Hailey Hageman of St. Margaret's Episcopal School
-------------------------------------------------A matchmaking tryst comes to Santa Margarita High School
The curtain is pulled back and a large ensemble of colorful actors begin to sing the opening words of
“Hello Dolly” by Michael Stewart and Jerry Herman. This age old play about a widowed matchmaker and
her decision to get married again is a vibrant and successful performance.
Dolly Ghallager-Levi (Andrea Martinez) lights up the stage with her strong vocals and wonderful comedic
timing. Her ability to fill the entire space with effective physicalization and vocal quality make her
performance all the more real and inviting. Her emotional range of character is not only vast but
surprisingly unfeigned. Her portrayal of this vivacious character is full of witty line delivery and uses
specific vocal tones which show a depth to the comedy of the character.
Barnaby (Dylan Field) and Minnie Fay (Julia Smith) are an ideal comedic team right from the start. Their
ability to play off of each other and the combination of their individual artistic talent is highly enjoyable.
Giggling through the show they bring a light and lilting atmosphere to the stage whenever they occupy
it. Much of the youthful joviality of the show comes from this dynamic duo.
Ernestina Money (Hannah Rabatin) is hilarious. Her brazen sexual overtures and gritty voice make her
character entertaining and add a new dynamic to the ensemble. She makes the most of her limited
presence on stage by soaking up the spotlight and smiling as though she just won the lottery. Her
feather boa and heavy makeup just augment her brash and somewhat crude character.
The ensemble lights up the stage with eager faces and bright costumes that make everyone stand out.
Their stunning harmony emphasized the strong vocal ability of the entire cast and their movement was
both entertaining and highly polished. The capability of every person in the ensemble to portray an
individual is astounding, as well as each relationship in which the different ensemble members are
engaged.
The props for the show, done by Leighton Holritz and Mackenzie Nienhuis are daring. For a restaurant
scene each waiter holds a plate full of food while turning one-handed-cartwheels and rushing around
the stage to the tune of the head chef’s whistle. There is also a scene in which food is consumed on
stage, which can be risky but they pull it off without a hitch. Also, the beautiful parasols the
townswomen carried add to the accurate representation of the time period.
Santa Margarita’s Hello, Dolly! is a lighthearted comedy that celebrates the wonders of love, old and
new.
by Rebekah Olsen of St. Margaret's Episcopal School
-------------------------------------------------Santa Margarita Says Hello to Success
Santa Margarita Catholic High School brings 1890's New York to life in "Hello, Dolly!" a heartwarming
story about a matchmaker's journey to love.
Andrea Martinez bursts onstage with a confident air and bright blue hat as Dolly Gallagher Levi. She
calmly arranges the turbulent love lives of her many clients, and her mature voice and large personality
fill the stage without being overpowering. Dolly reveals a more vulnerable side as she implores her
deceased husband to give her a blessing to marry the wealthy Horace Vandergelder (Even Meeks).
Cornelius Hackl (Ryan Melosini) and Barnaby Tucker (Dylan Field) are an unforgettable duo as they
explore New York City and meet Irene Molloy (Samantha Drust) and Minnie Fay (Julila Smith). Their side
splitting antics in "Motherhood March" are particularly memorable. Cornelius shines in the song "It Only
Takes a Moment" as he professes his newly found love for Mrs. Molloy. Minnie Fay and Barnaby Tucker
are sweet as they enter a youthful and innocent relationship.
Hair and makeup is done by Faith Quigley, Eliana Maggetti, Paige Schuler, Kianna Rezaei, and Morgan
Delaney. Each person is given an individual look while keeping continuity within the musical. Miss
Ernestina Money (Hannah Rabatin) stands out with heavy rouge and vibrant blue eyeshadow, reflecting
her brassy personality. The gigantic fake nose on the Judge (Bryce McKenzie) is another highlight.
Props are made by Mackenzie Nienhuis and Leighton Holritz and are a great contribution. Characters use
them throughout the show to illustrate what they are saying. A combination of fake and real food
appears in the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant shows dedication to the musical.
A lighthearted story with cheerful music, Santa Margarita Catholic High School infuses this musical with
life and joy. "Hello, Dolly" serves as inspiration to embrace life and put one's best foot forward.
by Elizabeth Craig of Tri-School Theatre
-------------------------------------------------Santa Margarita Catholic High School makes a match with 'Hello, Dolly!'
Santa Margarita Catholic High School performs a vibrant musical about love and loss "Hello, Dolly!"
"Hello, Dolly!" tells the story of matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi who lives in Yonkers, New York during
the 1890s. Recently widowed, Dolly resolves not to marry again until a surprising twist of events lead
her to fall in love with Mr. Vandergelder.
Andrea Martinez plays the bold Dolly Levi. Martinez establishes Dolly's audacious personality through
her booming, mature voice and her strong stare. She makes a graceful transition from her confident
persona to a vulnerable widow. As she talks to her deceased husband, she gazes longingly ahead with
teary eyes and speaks with a soft, subtle tone.
Ryan Melosini, who plays Cornelius Hackl, and Dylan Field, who plays Barnaby Tucker, are a comical,
mischievous team. After spotting their demanding boss, Horace Vandergelder, down the street,
Cornelius and Barnaby run into Mrs. Molloy's hat shop and frantically hide in closets and under tables,
exchanging wide-eyed, shocked looks. Melosini professes his love for Mrs. Molloy in "It Only Takes a
Moment" with a beautiful voice. Samantha Drust shows Mrs. Molloy's sweet character through her
graceful hand gestures and smooth voice. Julia Smith shows desire for wealth in "Elegance" by
hilariously imitating high society and holding her chin up high. Mrs. Money shows her overtly sexual
position with her raspy voice and swaying hips.
Each character has a unique hair style, including elaborate updos and buns, that reflect the turn-of-thecentury fashions. The show features an array of foods that are all hand-made and detailed. To make the
dishes look more realistic, the characters bite into and slice the food. The stage management is skillful
and impressive with seamless set changes and precise ques for the spotlights.
Santa Margarita Catholic High School artfully performs the whimsical "Hello, Dolly!"
by Elizabeth Neoman of Tri-School Theatre
-------------------------------------------------Santa Margarita's cherry 'Hello, Dolly!'
In a time of feathered hats and dashing gents, one meddling widow is putting her mark on the world.
Dolly Levi, a matchmaker with an extraordinary knack for everything else, decides that it's time to jump
back into life before it passes her by. She decides to make it her mission to marry the unsuspecting and
wealthy Horace Vandergelder. And so, in true Dolly fashion, she embarks on a series of cleverly
charming schemes while managing to match up a few others along the way. A light-hearted tale of love,
loss, and new beginnings, "Hello, Dolly!" Is truly one for the books.
Andrea Martinez dominates the stage as Dolly. Mature, the epitome of elegance and refinement,
Martinez exudes a subtle confidence as she glides across the stage. Eyebrows raised and with an everknowing smile, she perfects the meddlesome character, but has all the maternal aspects of the caring
woman as well.
Cornelius Hackl and his young partner Barnaby Tucker (played by Ryan Melosini and Dylan Field) add
youthful cheeriness to the show as they frantically dash under tables or clumsily evade their employer.
Their silliness attracts the attention of Julia Smith's Minnie and Samantha Drust's Irene Molloy. Smith's
nosy, playful behavior and high squeaks of excitement create a girlish romance between her and Field.
Drust's light step, rosy attire and witty remarks create a dainty and romantic character, all while keeping
her comedic aspects. Drust's maturity creates a more profound relationship, leading to "It Only Takes A
Moment" where Melosini and she exchange sincere, loving looks.
The production would be amiss without the work of Faith Quigley and Paige Schuler's makeup design
and Mackenzie Nienhuis and her props crew.
Makeup helped translate each character's personality on stage; the youthful characters with rosy cheeks
ones and mature ones with deep rouge. And whether bright eyeshadow or hair appliqués, it is applied
beautifully, adding more than simple definition.
The props team's intricate, life-like pieces dazzle. Piles of food good enough to eat and endless
feathered hats line the stage. Their ability to be handled in hectic settings like the Harmonia Garden is
truly remarkable.
The entire cast and crew of Santa Margarita's "Hello, Dolly!" embodied the true spirit of the show,
leaving people's hearts full of hope, humor, and the desire to say "Hello" all over again.
by Veronica Perry of Tri-School Theatre