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Santa Catalina School Theatre Arts swept audiences off their feet with the heartwarming and high-spirited fall musical, Hello, Dolly!

At the center of this charming classic is Dolly Gallagher Levi (Anna Halim ’25), a spirited and charismatic widow who is a matchmaker, socialite, and all-around go-getter. Dolly’s schemes to unite half-a-millionaire Horace Vandergelder (Zay Mohan-Black ’26) with a suitable partner—namely, herself—take unexpected turns as she intertwines herself in the lives of those around her.

Among those receiving Dolly’s interventions are young artist Ambrose (Bryana Harty ’27) and Horace’s weepy niece, Ermengarde (Emmy McHugh ’26), as well as Horace’s eager clerks Cornelius (Judith Riley ’28) and Barnaby (Vivi Taylor ’28). Dolly guides the clerks to a hat shop in New York, where they meet owner Irene (Charlotte Nick ’26) and her assistant, Minnie (Kaia Castro-Dara ’25), and soon find themselves in over their heads. When everyone’s lives collide at the posh Harmonia Gardens restaurant, the story turns to misunderstandings, polka dancing, a visit to night court, declarations of love—and eventual happy endings.

The stellar cast and crew delivered another memorable show, from the lush sets and much-talked-about costumes to the incredible renditions of some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history. Hello, Dolly! also proved to be an impressive showcase for Catalina dancers, led by dance captain Sophie Gong ’25.

Sophie has been dancing since she was 2 years old. She performs in the school musicals, leads Accents dance club, and takes dance as a co-curricular in winter. “Dance is my greatest passion at Catalina,” she says. Below, she talks about her responsibilities as dance captain, her favorite dance from Hello, Dolly!, and why everyone should give theatre a shot.

What are your responsibilities as dance captain? What have you learned about leadership through this role?
As dance captain, I am responsible for all the principal and ensemble choreography. I am so grateful to have held this role for the past six musicals (Hello, Dolly!, Shrek, Bye Bye Birdie, Xanadu, The Little Mermaid, and The Addams Family) as it has given me so much experience in leadership and collaboration. I love being a resource for performers whenever they need help going over a step or a reassuring piece of advice.
 
What was a highlight from Hello, Dolly!?
Hello, Dolly! was such a special show for me as a senior! My favorite piece was actually called “Dancing.” The beautiful partnering, music, and overall romantic feel made it a dream to perform onstage.

What would you tell a prospective student about the dance and theatre programs at Catalina?
There is SO much you can be involved with! Dance and theatre at Catalina are truly the most professional and fulfilling programs. It's so worth auditioning for that next musical because you never know where it might lead you. You'll probably fall in love with Catalina Theatre and never want to leave, like me!

See photos from the production on SmugMug.