Goodbye to ‘Hello’

It’s almost time to say goodbye to “Hello, Dolly.” The Sonoma Arts Live production of the Broadway hit plays its final weekend at Andrews Hall with 7:30 p.m. shows October 18-20 and the finale at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The toe-tapper stars Dani Innocenti-Beem as one of theater’s most enduring characters, matchmaker Dolly Levi. 

“Beem’s adept comic skills, particularly her wise-cracking, dry humor, combined with her classic Broadway-style belt, add up to a brilliant portrayal of the iconic Dolly Levi, the widowed matchmaker from Yonkers,” writes critic Jeanie Smith. “Happily, her star turn is ably supported by a talented and enthusiastic cast of seasoned locals who know how to strut their stuff and deliver first-class entertainment.

Reuniting with the delightful diva is the show’s director Michael Ross, who worked with her on “Gypsy.”The top notch cast includes Danielle DeBow, who starred in SAL’s recent hit “Always, Patsy Cline,” Tim Setzer as the grumpy millionaire Horace Vandergelder

“Hello, Dolly!” was first produced on Broadway in 1964, with Carol Channing in the lead. It won a record-tying 10 Tony Awards that season, including Best Musical. The movie, with Barbra Streisand, is from 1969.

Sonoma Community Center, 276 East Napa St, Sonoma. $25-$40. Sonomaartslive.org. 866.710-8942.

  Photos by Eric Chazankin