Vienna Volksoper: Hello, Dolly!

Music & Lyrics: Jerry Herman
Book: Michael Stewart
Based on: The Matchmaker
Genre: Musical

Hello, Dolly! is a joyful musical about love, new beginnings, and the courage to embrace life once again.

The witty and charismatic widow Dolly Gallagher Levi earns her living as a matchmaker, but she secretly has plans of her own. She sets out to find a suitable wife for the wealthy and grumpy businessman Horace Vandergelder, while quietly realizing that she herself may be the perfect match.

As Dolly's clever schemes unfold, a series of comic misunderstandings, unexpected romances, and lively adventures lead everyone to the glamorous Harmonia Gardens Restaurant in New York. Along the way, young lovers discover happiness, old prejudices disappear, and Horace gradually learns that love is more valuable than wealth.

With her warmth, humor, and irresistible charm, Dolly inspires those around her to open their hearts and embrace the opportunities life still has to offer.

Essence - Das Wesentliche

Hello, Dolly! is one of Broadway's most beloved musicals, celebrated for its sparkling comedy, unforgettable songs, and exuberant dance numbers. Featuring classics such as "Hello, Dolly!," "Before the Parade Passes By," and "Put On Your Sunday Clothes," the musical celebrates love, optimism, friendship, and the joy of starting a new chapter in life, leaving audiences with a smile and a song in their hearts.

The Volksoper Wien, or Vienna People's Opera, is one of Vienna's major opera houses. It's located in the 9th district and is renowned for its diverse programming that includes operas, operettas, musicals, and ballets. Founded in 1898 originally as a straightforward theatre, it has developed into a globally recognized venue for accessible performances of a wide range of musical theater genres.

The Volksoper is Vienna's leading house for operetta, the lighter, more accessible cousin of opera, often involving spoken dialogue alongside music. It serves as a complement to the more formal Wiener Staatsoper, offering performances that appeal to a broader audience, including children and families. The repertoire includes classics by composers such as Johann Strauss, Franz Lehár, and Emmerich Kálmán, alongside well-known operas and popular musicals.

The Volksoper also has a commitment to cultivating new talents and features performances by up-and-coming artists as well as established stars. With approximately 300 performances a year, it plays a pivotal role in Vienna's cultural scene, providing entertainment that is both high in quality and varied in style. This opera house is an integral part of Vienna's rich musical heritage, offering a more casual and inclusive approach to the performing arts.