Onstage
This delicious and dizzy comedy by Thornton Wilder was a hit in its own right before it became the basis for the immortal Hello, Dolly! THE MATCHMAKER introduces to the indomitable Dolly Levi, who is determined to bring love into the world and spread it around, including a little something for herself.
Story
THE MATCHMAKER is a farce in the old-fashioned sense. It uses such time-honored conventions as characters hidden under tables and in closets, men disguised as women, a complex conspiracy to bring young lovers together, and a happy ending in which three couples are united with plans to marry.
Crusty old Horace Vandergelder employs Dolly Levi to find him a wife, unaware that the crafty Dolly has designs on him herself. As Dolly spins her web, more and more potential lovers get caught in it, including Vandergelder’s two clerks, the proprietor of a New York hat shop, and the staff of a classy restaurant. The play’s themes of love and adventure are played out to the hilt in the hands of one of the greatest and most innovative of all American playwrights.
Photo
Photographs by Tom Hurst Photography
STAGE LEFT
Presents
The Matchmaker
by
Thornton Wilder
The Cast
Cornelius....................................Michael Marinaccio
Irene Molloy................................Erin Beute
Ambrose.....................................Jamie Cline
Thomas/August/Gypsy................Mason Criswell
Barnaby......................................Eric Fagan
Ermengarde................................Kristin Gunderson
Barber/Rudolph/Cab....................Dan Johnson
Minnie Fay..................................Trenell Mooring
Dolly Levi....................................Meghan Moroney*
Horace Vandergelder....................Ron Schneider*
Flora VanHuysen..........................Betsy Bauer
Malachi........................................Tommy Keesling
Gertrude/Cook..............................Jenny Weaver
PRODUCTION TEAM
Costume Designer...........................Camille McClellan
Lighting Designer.............................Erin Miner
Sound..............................................Kurt Wagner
Set Designer....................................Cindy White
Props Master.....................................Kurt Bippert
Assistant Stage Manager..................Alicia Tolson
Stage Manager..................................BJ Oswalt
Director..............................................Rob Anderson
*Members of Actors Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers, appearing under a special agreement with Actors Equity Association. Produced by a Special Arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
Backstage
Go GREEN with Mad Cow Theatre! Read the program for The Matchmaker online here.