Lifelong besties star in Mercer musical 'Hello, Dolly!'
Apr. 9—MERCER — When best friends Abby Christy and Morgan Miller take the stage at Mercer High School, the on-stage chemistry will be undeniable.
The two have grown up with each other, playing soccer together since they were five, singing, and playing piano. Now the two will star together in Mercer's musical production of "Hello, Dolly!"
The story of Hello, Dolly! Follows Dolly Levi, a matchmaker, in the late 1800s. She has been tasked with finding a wife for Horace Vandergelder, a wealthy man. Dolly secretly wants to marry Horace and hatches schemes to make it come true. Dolly also meets Ambrose Kemper, who wants to marry Horace's niece, Ermengarde, but Horace disapproves. During this, Dolly meets a hat shop owner named Irene whose husband died of not-so-natural causes. Dolly tries to find a way to make sure everyone wins.
The play is being directed by Michalee Christy. This will be the 16th musical she has directed.
"I love to be able to bring life onstage," Christy said. "The seniors have had more-modern musicals their whole high school experience. They needed a more-classic one. They have fallen in love with it."
Michalee will be assisted by Leah Krouse, the junior student director.
"I've always admired those people who help the musical and know everything about it. When I was asked if I'd do it, I said yes in a heartbeat," Krouse said. "It's very stressful, but I've had so much fun learning everything. I'm deciding if I'll do this again next year or try to be in the show again."
The role of Minnie Fey, an employee at Irene's hat shop, will be played by Madeline Jewell. Jewell is a junior who has been participating in musicals since fifth grade.
"I've just always loved musicals. I watched "Newsies," and from then on I was in love," Jewell said. "This is my favorite one I've ever done. Every person who is a part of this has been absolutely wonderful to work with."
The two female leads of Dolly and Irene will be played by senior best friends Christy and Miller. The two male leads of Horace Vandergelder and Cornelius Hackl will be played by seniors Bryton Snow and Robert Rudavetz. Both have been in musicals throughout high school, but this will be their first time stepping into the spotlight as the stars.
"It's a lot more learning than past musicals," Abby said. "I've had to do a lot of memorization to prepare for this role."
Miller also has had to step out of her comfort zone.
"I have a deeper singing range, and this requires me to go higher. Physically, it also has a lot more dancing than I'm used to," Miller said. "It's been worth it. though. I feel closer to this cast than ever before and it's been a great experience."
Both have hopes to continue acting outside high school. Miller wishes to continue at the Erie playhouse while attending Gannon University. Abby will be double majoring in Music and Chemistry, so she hopes to continue with musicals in college.
The show will run Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Mercer High School auditorium. Tickets can be bought at the door or online at https://myevent.com/2024hellodolly.
