Hello, dolly!

COLFAX - This year's presentation of "Hello Dolly" had Colfax seniors taking the lead as Dolly Levi and Vandergelder.

For both seniors, Matthew Morgan, 18, and Claire Rowland, 17, this will be the second musical performance they have done in the Colfax theater during their high school careers.

Rowland said playing Dolly was the second time she has been in the musical with her first performance being in the 2022 production of "Oliver!"

"I was double casted. I played Bett and Mrs. Brewing," she said, adding that she definitely enjoyed playing Dolly more.

"I really enjoyed her character," she said, "I watched the movie many times to really prepare to embody Dolly's character."

Rowland said she is planning on pursuing cosmetology after high school but would be open to doing more musicals in the future.

"If there were any community musicals or colleges or theaters that were open to audition," she said. "I think it is something I would enjoy doing more of."

Morgan, who played Vandergelder, said the character was easier than depicting Curly from "Oklahoma," last year.

"I probably had more fun with Curly though," he said, noting he enjoys being in the musical, but will probably not pursue it further.

"I will be more involved in singing at church," he said.

Teresa Simpson | The Gazette

Matthew Morgan (Vandergelder) and Clair Rowland (Dolly) sing "So Long, Dearie" as Morgan proclaims he will never marry Dolly.

As for advice the seniors have towards students who want to be a part of future musical theater at Colfax High School, Morgan said be patient.

"Just go for it," said Rowland, adding that it is a different experience than being in sports or in other clubs.

"You get to be around the same kind of students, but in a very different setting and get to see people in different ways," she said. "It is a very rewarding experience because you spend three months working hard towards something and then finally at the end you see all the hard work pay off."

The musical had the last showing after time of press at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27.