Lights, camera, action! The ‘Iolani spring musical is back in town with another spectacular performance: “Hello, Dolly!” The final product we see on stage is the result of a 2-month-long cycle which includes auditions, set design, staging, practices every day and theater rehearsals with the orchestra. After all that, the curtains will finally open on February 28!
The musical stars Lainey Hicks as Dolly, a matchmaker trying to set her friends up with lovers. Mr. Sakaguchi, the director, chose this piece because not only did he like it, but it was also something his creative team consisting of Mrs. Hicks and Mr. Dayao agreed on as well. Additionally, he felt that the musical’s message of hope is relevant to current times. He noted that a specific version of the musical was selected to fit the cast: “In the original play, there is an ensemble of male waiters but for us, we had to adjust and our ensemble is an ensemble of female waiters. The musical has been performed in different keys and luckily we found one where Lainey Hicks can sing the key.”
The preparations for the spring musical date all the way back to November. Auditions began after Thanksgiving and practices started the first week of December. Mr. Sakaguchi mentioned, “We held auditions and after the following week, I already began by teaching the cast the staging and choreography. They had the break to learn and really know the songs so we could hit the ground running when we got back. We have rehearsals every day after school and we move into the theater after Presidents Day where the cast sees the set for the first time.” While these rehearsals are ongoing, Mr. Dayao is working with the orchestra and costumes are being custom fit to the actors’ specifications. Additionally, a professionally made set is designed off-site.
The product we will see on stage was not without its challenges. Kainoa Kelly ’25, who plays Horace Vandergelder, the man Dolly is trying to matchmake for, acknowledges that there were rough patches in the beginning. He said, “It’s been quite a while since I’ve sung on stage, and singing on the same stage as Lainey Hicks is intimidating! I’m having to work extra hard to keep up.”
However, all the hard work pays off as Lainey Hicks ’25 exclaimed, “The most exciting part for me is ‘hell week’! It’s the moment when we’re transported back in time with our costumes and we’re joined by the full orchestra. This is when the show truly begins to take shape.”
Mr. Sakaguchi is also looking forward to the production and praises his cast: “The cast we have for this production is incredible, they really are. Although some may say that this play is about adults and their lives are being passed by, the youthfulness of our cast gives it another life that makes it refreshing. I am really excited about it!”
Though the spring musical is a great production, a lot of behind the scenes work is done for us to enjoy the show. Be sure to check out the ‘Iolani Spring Musical from February 28- March 1st!
