Schwartz Center's 'Matchmaker' features music, vaudeville

"The Matchmaker," Dolly Levi, center (played by Tracey Huffman), works her wiles on Minnie Fay, left, (Kristen Frazier) and Mrs. Molloy (Jessica Heley) in the hat shop. The Schwartz Center performances of the play are April 25 through May 4. Call 254 ARTS for tickets.Charles Harrington/University Photography

Cornell's Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts will round off its 2001-2002 theater season with a playful and energetic production of "The Matchmaker."

One of Thornton Wilder's most successful works, this 1954 play was made into a motion picture in 1958 and adapted in 1964 as the musical "Hello, Dolly!" which also was made into a film in 1969. Cornell's production of "The Matchmaker" opens April 25 in the Kiplinger Theatre.

"The Matchmaker" embodies the American spirit of optimism and adventure. Set at the turn of the 20th century, the miserly but wealthy widower Horace Vandergelder seeks a new wife with the help of the inventive matchmaker, Dolly Levi, who has ideas of her own. When Horace's two store clerks embark on their own illicit adventure in the city, lively chases, chance encounters and hilarious situations ensue.

Director David Feldshuh, who most recently directed the Schwartz Center's "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Amadeus," characterizes "The Matchmaker" as "an opportunity to explore a script brimming with all types of comedy: comedy based on character, on situation, on physical gags and verbal wit. It also presents a chance to look back at vaudeville 'olios,' sketches performed before the curtain during set changes."

Vandergelder and Levi will be played by second-year Resident Professional Teaching Associates Brian Russell and Tracey Huffman. The store clerks are played by RPTA Joe Hickey (Cornelius) and undergraduate Greg Roman (Barnaby). Other lead roles include: Ermengarde (Lauren Wells), Malachi Stack (RPTA John Payne), Mrs. Molloy (Jessica Heley), Minnie Fay (Kristen Frazier), Rudolf (Michael Benn) and Miss Van Huysen (Megan Auster-Rosen).

Resident scenic designer Kent Goetz has created an elaborate set, showcasing fanciful Victorian elements such as hatboxes and bird cages. The colorful and ornate costumes are designed by resident costume designer Sarah Bernstein. The complicated sound needs for the play are being created by theater student Scott Kelly, and local talents Mary Corsaro and David Conn are choreographer and musical director, respectively.

To celebrate opening night, the Schwartz Center will host a "Single Mingle." Interested singles, over age 21, are invited to join in an hour of conversation and hors d' oeuvres before the April 25 performance. The Single Mingle begins at 7 p.m. in the Schwartz Center Reading Room. All that's needed is a ticket to that evening's performance.

"The Matchmaker" performances are April 25-27 and May 2-4 at 8 p.m. There will be one matinee, Saturday, May 4, at 2 p.m. Tickets in advance are $7 for students and seniors and $9 for the public. Tickets at the door will be $8 and $10. [a post-performance discussion is scheduled.] following the performance on the evening of Thursday, May 2.

For tickets and information, call or visit the box office in the Schwartz Center, 430 College Ave., 12:30-5:30 p.m., weekdays; or call 254-ARTS.