Hunterdon Central Regional High School is bringing the classic Broadway hit Hello, Dolly! to life, but what does it take to make a production of this scale happen? From rigorous rehearsals to intricate choreography and live orchestration, the effort behind the curtain is just as impressive as what unfolds on stage. Here, members of the cast and pit orchestra give us an inside look at what really happens behind the scenes to make the production happen.
Rehearsing for Excellence
For the talented cast, the journey began in early January, kicking off nearly three months of intensive practice. According to Hunterdon Central junior Piper Berkowitz, who plays the lead role of Dolly Gallagher Levi, rehearsals are held every weekday. Initially, practices ran from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., but they later extended until 6:00 p.m. In the final stretch leading up to the performance, sessions could start as early as 2:30 pm running until the cast felt fully prepared, calling for even longer hours.
With a cast of 45 students, rehearsals demand immense coordination. However, it is not just the actors on stage who make the production work. A dedicated crew, lighting and sound operators, and a pit orchestra complete the team, ensuring a seamless and theatrical experience for the audience.
Selecting the Show
The decision to bring Hello, Dolly! to the stage is not made overnight. Piper details that each year, Mrs. Enterline (Director), Mrs. Petrushun (Music Director), Mrs. L (Choreographer), and Mr. Magalio (Orchestra Director), thoughtfully select the production for the next year. After thorough discussions, their choice is submitted for approval before the exciting journey of bringing the musical to life begins.
Costume Curation
No theatrical production is complete without costumes, and Hello, Dolly! is no exception. With each cast member needing at least three to four outfits or more, switching between the various scenes, the wardrobe department curates approximately 180 costumes. While it is an immense challenge, frequent costume changes are essential to ensure each character is fully brought to life.
Overcoming Challenges
While being part of a musical can be an incredible experience, they do not come without some hurdles. For Piper Berkowitz, one of the biggest challenges from this musical was mastering the choreography. “We have such amazing choreography, and we just want to do it justice,” she shared. “Everyone puts in so much work to make the production come to life, and you just want to make people feel like their vision has come true.”
Beyond the dancing, the sheer scale of the show demands a high level of commitment from all involved. Cast members must balance schoolwork with rehearsals, while crew members and orchestra players refine their technical skills to ensure a quality performance.
The Pit Orchestra’s Vital Role
A crucial yet often overlooked component of the musical is the live pit orchestra. Jason Theodore, a third-year member of the pit, shares his insights into their preparations. Since the start of rehearsals for the musical, the orchestra has met every Monday and Thursday from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. However, as opening night nears, rehearsals become more frequent and extend for longer hours to perfect every note.
One of the greatest challenges the pit orchestra faces is ensuring that all instruments, from the violin and flute to the trombone and percussion, play in harmony. “This exposure during difficult sections makes it vital that all the instruments can play all their parts, easy or hard, very well,” Jason explained. Even getting accepted into the pit orchestra is no small feat; students either receive a recommendation from Mr. Magalio or must audition to earn their spot, and the result is an incredible and talented group of students who accompany the on-stage production.
Final Curtain Call
As opening night approaches, the cast, crew, and orchestra do their best to perfect the production, fine-tuning every element so the show can flow seamlessly. With countless hours of dedication, teamwork, and artistic expression, Hello, Dolly! at Hunterdon Central Regional High School promises to be a spectacular performance that showcases the incredible talent and hard work of its students.
So, when the curtain rises and the music swells, the audience will witness more than just a high school production—they’ll experience the culmination of months of passion, perseverance, and a love for the performing arts. Tickets are available, so go purchase now!
