When playwright Thornton Wilder’s brilliant, sage and witty farce “The Matchmaker” opened on Broadway on Dec. 5, 1955, it starred Ruth Gordon and was directed by Tyrone Guthrie. “The Matchmaker” ran for 486 performances, Wilder’s Broadway record, and closed on Feb. 2, 1957.
What most theater enthusiasts remember is not only that the play won numerous Tony awards, but that it was later adapted into the musical “Hello, Dolly.”
This spring, the Northfield Arts Guild Theater will stage “The Matchmaker,” giving it a decidedly local comedic touch.
Susan Carlson, director, said she’s been thinking a lot about the themes and hilarious complications present in Thornton Wilder’s script. “This is such a funny play, but it’s also in sympathy with its characters, so the laughs are never mocking,” said Carlson. “Thornton Wilder also gives several characters the opportunity to explain themselves and their views of how life could or should be lived, which adds to the enjoyment.”
Carlson surveyed many of the cast members to learn what impact their character and the swiftly moving farce made on them personally.
“Having a smaller role has enabled me to watch a lot of the rest of the work, and this cast is packed with impressive performers,” said Andrew Anderson, who plays Cabman.
“I truly think this show has it all,” said Beka Smith, who plays Ermengarde. “While I frequently find myself laughing, the show also makes you feel for each of the characters.”
Charlie Black, who plays Rudolph, said that his first role with the Arts Guild was as Rudolph in ‘Hello Dolly!’ “That was 51 years ago, and I’m playing Rudolph again in The Matchmaker — still a waiter after all these years,” said Black. “I was unfamiliar with Wilder’s play, and I am delighted to discover how funny it is, populated by quirky characters.”
Dominic Gill, who plays Malachi Stack, said he was “thrilled” to be back on the Arts Guild stage. “It’s very exciting to play a character with such a range of reactions and unique goals,” said Gill. “He’s a fun piece of work. It’s also my first experience with breaking the ‘fourth wall’, which brings a whole new level of excitement.”
Eden Kaiser, who plays Irene Molloy, called the play “an adventure for all the characters involved, and they all learn something in the process.”
LeAnn Finger, who plays lead character Dolly Levi, calls her character “marvelously layered” as well as manipulative and even deceitful. “But she truly has the betterment of everyone at heart,” said Finger. “The Matchmaker notes life truths that ring with relevance today, and is also full of antics and laughter.”
“Adopting different personas can be a means of survival in a creative journey,” said Brian Johnson, who plays Ambrose Kemper. “The theater is a delicious medium to indulge in the flavors of exploration.”
“A dash of innocence, a sprinkle of optimism, and a lot of Minnie Fay magic — that’s what you get,” said Jess Toft describing her character Minnie Fay.
“Everyone who helped me run my lines kept laughing out loud, so I can guarantee it is a funny play, too,” added Kaiser.
“The Matchmaker” opens at the Guild Theater on April 19 and runs through April 28. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For ticket information, head to northfieldartsguild.org .
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