Plan now to see the comedic play upon which the
musical Hello, Dolly! was based …
As the stage crew finishes the set, David Douglas High theater instructor – and the play’s director – Michael Givler gives direction to student actors Sam De Roest, Marissa Hanson, Kathryn Martin, John Ellis, Corey Cedarleaf, Quinci Daoust (and below) Carson Cook and Josh McKinley.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton|
During our visit, both onstage and behind the scenes at the David Douglas Horner Performing Arts Center stage, theater manager Mark Taylor and 20 class students were busy putting the finishing touches the set of DDHS Theater Department’s upcoming production of Thornton Wilder’s classic comedy The Matchmaker.
It’s based on one-act farce first written in 1835 by forgotten playwright John Oxenford, and adapted by Thornton Wilder. It went on to be adapted into the Tony Award winning Broadway musical, “Hello, Dolly!”
“With all the grim news we see these days,” said the show’s director, Michael Givler, “we’re happy we can lighten the mood and send people home laughing, by putting on a play that’s been called ‘Loud, slapdash, and uproarious’.”
The Matchmaker is a story of mistaken identities, slapstick situation comedy, and manipulation and true love, Givler added.
Once again, theater-goers will be treated to lavish sets, professional lighting, and high production values, provided by the 14-member student crew.
Show opens March 5
Don’t be left out in the cold! Order your tickets for The Matchmaker today.
The show debuts at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.
The run continues on March 6 and 7; and returns on March 12, 13, and 14. Curtain for all performances is at 7:30pm.
Tickets are $5 for students and seniors; $7 for adults. The Box Office is open from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For mail-in order information, or for more information, call (503) 261-8270 during Box Office hours.
The David Douglas High School Howard Horner Performing Arts Center is located at 1400 SE 130th Avenue, between SE Division and Stark Streets.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News