Do you recognize the actor in this scene from Hello, Dolly! Hint: the year was 1974. Second hint: He no longer has that much hair on his head.

Find out who this is at the bottom of this post!

The 2014 spring musical production of Hello, Dolly! opens next Friday night on the Brook Hill stage, and will run for four performances on May 2^nd, 3^rd, 9^th and 10^th at 7:30 each evening.

Director Glenn Ballard had this to say about the upcoming production. “I am very excited about producing this show because it is an American classic with some great tunes, a very entertaining story line, and it is a perfect fit for this year’s cast members. Kelsey Kilgore and Jazmen Jones are doing some of their best work ever in the lead role of Dolly Levi. Both girls are double cast as Dolly and also as Ernestina Money, a delightful scene-stealing role that appears in Act II in the restaurant scene.” Kelsey will perform the role of Dolly on opening and closing nights, and Jazmen will perform Dolly on Saturday, May 3^rd and Friday, May 9^th.

The show also features senior Joshua Ruark in the role of Cornelius Hackl. “I have literally watched Josh grow up on this stage,” said Mr. Ballard.  “From his first role as an Egyptian soldier in Aida, to a cowboy in Oklahoma, to a policeman in Annie, not to mention his unforgettable portrayal of Roderick Usher in the 2012 Dinner Theatre, I have found Josh to be a hard worker and he is willing to take direction. I am so glad he is in this year’s show.”

The cast includes Chipper Adams in his first leading role as the generally unpleasant Horace Vandergelder. Claire Dixon makes another stunning appearance as Irene Molloy, and Lauren Eden appears in her first principal role in a Brook Hill musical as Minnie Fay.

The cast of 26 includes 13 middle school students who have worked very hard to perform at the “varsity” level in a marquee musical. Mr. Ballard said, “It is a real challenge every year to select and prepare a show that will rival the accolades of the year before. This is especially true following last year’s star-studded production of The Secret Garden. But with Hello, Dolly and our two very special leading ladies, I believe we are offering our patrons and our kids a theatrical experience that will entertain and delight even the most experienced theatre-goers.

The sets are eye-pleasing; the choreography very energetic; and the custom built costumes are spectacular! You do not want to miss “Dolly.” It will be a great way to end a great year and some great Brook Hill careers!”

Call 903.894.5000 for tickets.

The actor playing Cornelius Hackl in the 1974 Aldine High School production of Hello, Dolly! is 16 year-old thespian, Glenn Ballard.