The streets of New York City at the dawning of the 20^th century was the setting for the Waterville Playshop’s most recent production of Hello Dolly. Lead by Dee Isch as the “jack of all trades” Dolly Levi, the cast put on a lively and energetic performance. The show ran October 13—16 at the Anthony Wayne High School’s theater.

The performance was anchored by Dee Isch as Dolly and Joel Kirkwood portraying her targeted husband to be, Horace Vandergelder. Dee Isch’s expressive face provided for a spunky performance highlighted by a heartfelt rendition of “Before the Parade Passes By.” Mr. Kirkwood puffery and stodginess as the shop owner, Vandergelder as he led a chorus of men in the humorous singing of “It Takes A Woman.”

One of the strengths of the production was the talent of the supporting cast. Ben McGilvery as Cornelius and Garen Hatcher as Barnaby left the audience in stitches with their comedic portrayal of the adventuresome shop assistants seeking an exciting night on the town. McGilvery continues to show why he is a playshop favorite. His strident tone and clarity made the often overlooked numbers “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” and “It Only Takes a Moment” standout.

Matt Oster and Aimee Reid brought a charming innocence to the roles of the runaways Ambrose Kemper and Ermengarde Vandergelder. Reid hit the right notes with her whining and simpering Ermengarde.

The young Brandy Tell demonstrated an emerging acting force with which to be reckoned in her portrayal of the hat shop assistant Minnie Fay. Her enthusiasm was infectious and her acting revealed a complexity often desired in community theater performances. Her counterpart was the hat shop owner Miss Irene Malloy which was performed by newcomer Victoria Clyce. Clyce sang a beautiful and melodic rendition of “Ribbons Down My Back” with a wistful, tenderness. We hope for a return for future performances by Tell and Clyce at the playshop!

The performance faced two complex staging challenges which were passed with flying colors by director Anna Francis. The hat shop scene has a prolonged slapstick sequence requiring the actors to enter and exit through doors and emerge from under tables and closets with the timing precision of a Swiss watch. The actors often cannot see each other and the choreography is complicated. It was executed beautifully with sidesplitting results.

The events surrounding the climatic moment of Dolly Levi’s entrance at the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant are no less challenging. Led by choreographer Deborah Tell, the cast pulled off a rousing entrance by Isch as Dolly in a scene that always thrills. Dolly’s descending of the grand staircase flanked by natty dressed waiters never ceases to captivate the audience. The scene featured tap dancing by Ken Morris and Rebecca Vail as well as a bevy of leaping and prancing waiters. The scene again requires clever timing as the waiters assist Vandergelder and Cornelius in a switching of wallets. This was handled deftly and smoothly.

This reviewer would be remiss if he failed to recognize the brief, albeit scene stealing performance of Jane Williams as Ernestina Money. As a veteran actor and director, Jane continues to add her personal flair to yet another playshop performance. Her comic turn as the “little rough around the edges” Ernestina was a classic moment of levity.

Hats off to the musical combo led by Pam Martin, vocal direction of Tasha Roberts and the relatively workmanlike effort of the crew. Of particular note, producers Pat Dickey and the Board of Trustees are to be lauded for fielding a cast featuring so many generations of performers. After all, a community theater should reflect the talents of all ages within the community. Rest assured, Waterville Playshop does indeed have elegance!