DANBURY - Well Hello Dolly, it is so very nice to see you on your feet and in production as the season opener for Musicals at Richter. Under the superb direction of Brad Blake, this legendary classic of musical theater proves itself once again to be timeless.Hello Dolly! at MAR is summer theater at its best. You must go, and say Hello, to Dolly.Staged on the grounds of Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 8:30 pm through June 25, with additional discounted performances Thursdays, June 16 and 23.Grounds open at 7:15 for picnics. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students (with ID), and $10 for children 10 and under.For the Thursday performances, tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 10 and under.Group rates and chair rentals are available, and a snack/soft drink concession is on site.For tickets and further information, visit musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.

The multi-tasking matchmaker of Yonkers, Dolly Levi, played by Cat Heidel, is on the prowl to find herself a mate to keep her warm and wealthy. She sets her sights on the one half millionaire and curmudgeon, Horace Vandergelder (Mike Armstrong).

Miserly Vandergelder runs a feed business with the help of Cornelius Hackl and Barbaby Tucker (Karl Hinger and Andrew Kocur, respectively), whom he keeps exiled to the store room while restricting their wages.

Hackl and Tucker devise a plan to escape their confines for some adventure in New York City, which just so happens to coincide with Mr Vandergelder's scheduled meeting with his intended, Irene Molloy the milliner, played by Katherine Wolff.

Mrs Molloy, an elegant and lonely widow, longs for romance. She shocks her naive assistant, Minnie Fay (Lexi Tobin), by declaring her desires to garner the attentions of a man.

Vandergelder's weeping and wailing niece, Ermengarde (Jessica Cerasoli), and her fiancé Ambrose Kemper (Cole Urso) descend on New York City on precisely the same night to participate in a dance contest, the Fourteenth St Parade, and all the other commotion that happens on one crazy night in the Big Apple.

The Harmonia Gardens, an upscale restaurant where they all convene, welcomes Dolly back with open arms and her acclaimed anthem, led by Michael Wright as the head waiter Rudolph.

This musical soars with its fabulous rendition of the magnificent ensemble numbers. The entire chorus lends their voice to the rousing, musically divine iconic score.

Led by the utterly irresistible Cat Heidel, the whole performance enthralls. Ms Heidel gives a Mermanesque (as in Ethel) performance that is powerful, jolly and sentimental.

In the role of Horace Vandergelder, Mike Armstrong is simply perfection. He owns this part and clearly relishes every moment.

Other standouts include Katherine Wolff in the role of Irene Molloy, who sings like an angel and despite her youth presents a sophisticated, soulful character.

As her sidekick Minne Fay, Lexi Tobin is charming and adorable.

Mentions should go as well to Barbara Kessler as Ernestina and Dolly Connor as Mrs Rose, both solid in supporting roles.

Mr Blake's choreography was energetic and beautifully executed by this very talented cast.

Kudos to Costume Designer Lauren Nicole Sherwood and Dolly's costume designer, Wendy Wildman. The costumes are a show in themselves.   Absolutely gorgeous.

Opening night was a clear, cool evening under the stars which brought in a sizable audience who were enraptured by Dolly and company. The audience found themselves singing along and tapping their toes, just itching to join in the fun.

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