History

Based on the book by Michael Stewart, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and Thornton Wilder's 1955 play "The Matchmaker," Hello, Dolly! became an award-winning hit musical that broke box office records and has attracted such stars as Carol Channing, Mary Martin, Pearl Bailey and Ginger Rogers in the title role.

The plot focuses on Dolly Levi, a brassy widow famous for her irresistible "meddling" - or matchmaking - abilities. However, Levi decides it's time to find a match of her own and pursues the well-to-do Horace Vandergelder, hilarity ensuing along the way.

When it first hit Broadway in 1964, "Hello Dolly!" dominated the Tony Awards in ten categories, including Best Musical. The show received rave reviews and became the longest-running musical in Broadway history up to that time. It enjoyed three more Broadway revivals over the years, and its 1969 film was nominated for seven Academy Awards. Its musical score is in the Grammy Hall of Fame.