Synopsis of Hello, Dolly!
- Creators: Music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, book by Michael Stewart, based on Thornton Wilder‘s play “The Matchmaker.”
- Setting: New York City, late 19th century (1890s).
- Plot Overview:
The story follows Dolly Gallagher Levi, a strong-willed and charismatic matchmaker and widow who decides to find a match for the wealthy but grumpy Horace Vandergelder. Dolly is determined to marry Horace herself, believing that they are perfect for each other.Dolly travels to Yonkers, New York, to orchestrate the matchmaking, but her plans are complicated by a series of romantic entanglements involving Horace’s clerks, Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker. Cornelius and Barnaby seek adventure and romance in New York City, where they fall for two young ladies, Irene Molloy and Minnie Fay. Throughout the play, Dolly uses her wit, charm, and determination to bring people together, resolve misunderstandings, and ultimately find love and happiness for herself and others. - Themes: Love, matchmaking, second chances, and the joy of life.
- Genre: Musical comedy.
- Notable Songs: “Hello, Dolly!,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “It Only Takes a Moment,” and “Put On Your Sunday Clothes.”