Welcome to the late 19th Century New York, where being elegant is at the very pinnacle of society, money talks, and the world stands on the very brink of a dazzling new age. Hello, Dolly! is the kind of musical that has all of the charm and sparkle one would expect from a traditional Broadway show. Premiering 62 years ago, this show has been delighting audiences ever since.
Although we are telling a story that happened about 130 years ago, there are still so many connections we can make to the way of the world today. Like our own time in 2026, the late 19th century was also constantly racing forward. Though some of the rules of etiquette and gender roles may have changed, the pressure for people to conform has not, and Dolly's insistence on happiness and joy feels just as radical today as it did back then. It's what makes this story so timeless.
In the bustle of the 1890s New York City, the milliner created the latest in unique fashionable hats for women who donned their finest dresses, gloves and parasols anytime they went out. Vandergelder's Hay & Feed store of Yonkers was not only an essential business, but a popular destination for men to catch up on the latest news. Our students embraced the challenges of recreating elegance of the period (complete with all its fashion accessories). This show is a favorite of Mrs. Stoffel, who began creating costumes for Alden during the 1996 production of Hello, Dolly! that her daughter was in. She is blessed to costume this production for her granddaughter and all the wonderful high school students. She is thrilled that Elise's great-great-great grandmother’s dress and hat from 1900 are onstage in the hat shop!
We are forever impressed by the amount of talent these students exude in every aspect of this show—from performing their hearts out on the stage or in the pit, or making sure the production looks spectacular behind the scenes. Despite the endless parade of snow days, we were able to pull it off!
As the Alden Musical Directorial Team, we feel incredibly fortunate to collaborate with such an outstanding group of artists and educators. From the exceptional musical leadership of Julia Wallace and Devin Banning, to the dynamic and joyful choreography created by Paige Rzepka; from Kate Francis-Schrodt's thoughtful work on performance and storytelling, to the stunning costumes designed and brought to life by Shelley Stoffel and Michelle Kuhl; and the tireless precision of Chris Clark and Ethan Schrodt on the technical side — this production is the result of true collaboration. We are always so amazed by what a great team we make.
We are so proud of this show. And now, we ask you to put on your Sunday Clothes and sit back, while we transport you all back to New York in the late 19th century. After all...there's lots of world out there.
-- The Alden High School Musical Directorial Team
Kate Francis-Schrodt, Ethan Schrodt, Julia Wallace, Paige Rzepka, Chris Clark, Shelley Stoffel, Michelle Kuhl and Devin Banning
