NHS Theatre Presents “Hello, Dolly!”

Staff Reports
March 10, 2025
1:40 pm
Arts, Events, Niceville, Schools and Education

In Brief:

Who: Niceville High School Theatre Department, led by Director Ritchie Jackson
What: A production of the Broadway musical Hello, Dolly!
When: May 2, 3, 9, and 10 at 7 p.m., with matinees on May 3 and 10 at 2 p.m.
Where: NHS Auditorium, Niceville, FL
Why: To showcase student talent in a professionally directed and choreographed musical production

The Niceville High School Theatre Department will present the Broadway musical comedy Hello, Dolly! at the NHS Auditorium this May.

Directed by NHS Theatre Director Ritchie Jackson, the production follows the story of Dolly Levi, a matchmaker and widow, as she sets her sights on Yonkers’ wealthy bachelor Horace Vandergelder while orchestrating the romantic lives of those around her. The musical features a score by Jerry Herman and a book by Michael Stewart.

Jackson, a 1982 NHS graduate, has led the school’s theatre department for nine years and has directed 15 productions. Under his leadership, the department has garnered significant community support, with past performances of “A Chorus Line,” “Chicago,” and Disney’s “Newsies” breaking Okaloosa County high school box office records.

“We continue to set the bar high at NHS Theatre,” Jackson said. “Auditions for our shows bring in close to a hundred students each time, and our actors put in extensive work to develop their characters. With recent upgrades to lighting and sound, a new stage floor and curtains, and high-quality set and costume designs, our productions stand out.”

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The NHS Production of Hello, Dolly!

Jackson has assembled a team that includes Choreographer Nicci Fahle and Vocal Director Michael Walker. Fahle previously worked on NHS productions of “A Chorus Line,” “Chicago,” and “Newsies,” while Walker served as vocal director for “Newsies.”

The cast features Jaiden Rae Strange as Dolly Levi, Jaron Music as Horace Vandergelder, Eli Pancoast as Cornelius Hackl, Drew Cook as Barnaby Tucker, Lyla-Christine Payne as Irene Molloy, Caylee Konradt as Minnie Fay, Nicholas Venture as Ambrose Kemper, and Sara Marello as Ermengarde.

Performances are scheduled for May 2, 3, 9, and 10 at 7 p.m., with matinee performances on May 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets go on sale April 1 at Gofan.co. VIP seating is available for $20 and includes early admission and concessions. General admission tickets are $15. Concessions will be available for purchase with cash only.

Hello, Dolly! is presented through arrangement with Concord Theatricals of New York, NY.