SALT LAKE CITY, UT, May 16, 2022 (Gephardt Daily) — The Pioneer Theater Company’s production of “Hello, Dolly!” is beautifully costumed and choreographed, well acted and sung, and a few other things you might not expect from this musical theater classic.

It’s easy and fun.

The Broadway character of Dolly, a shrewd and manipulative powerhouse, was written for belter Ethel Merman, who played her after opening with the larger-than-life Carol Channing. The legendary Barbra Streisand starred in the 1969 film as Dolly.

Dolly, Broadway actress and television host in this production, Paige Davis, brings a lighter touch to the role. Her version of Dolly isn’t pushy and sassy, ​​she’s playful and sassy.

Davis’ Dolly still gets everyone what they want, but in a more whimsical, light-hearted way, and has a strong vocal range, if not a powerhouse voice.

Hello, Dolly!, written by Michael Stewart and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, is based on Thornton Wilder’s The Matchmaker. As the 19th century turns into the 20th, the widowed Dolly makes a living from services, including dating.

Other notables in the PTC cast include Kris Coleman as the miserly, grumpy widow; Horace Vandergelder, a half-millionaire looking for a wealthy wife to scrub his floors and run his household. Coleman brings a deep, rich voice and perfect timing to the role.

Another standout character is Kelly McCormick as Irene Malloy, a widow and milliner who hopes to marry for money after giving up love. McCormick has a beautiful voice and a face that effortlessly reveals all of her character’s emotions. Despite Vandergelder’s reservations, audiences will fall in love with Mrs. Malloy.

And Alexander Mendoza and Michael J. Rios embody social ineptitude, nervous optimism and weird timing as Vandergelder’s overworked associates who take chances and break free. The actors bring a lot of humor to the show.

Quirky supporting characters fill out the story, and an excellent cast of dancers, some with gymnastic skills, add energy, athleticism, and sizzle to the production.

Director/choreographer Karen Azenberg brings all the elements together, with stunning scenic design by James Noone and inspired and dazzling costumes by Eduardo Sicangco.

PTC’s “Hello, Dolly!” is the whole package and a sparkling box wrapped in gold ribbon. It’s a great gift to give before the final curtain call on Saturday 28th.

For theater and ticket information click here.