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History of 'Hello Dolly'

"Hello, Dolly!" is an American musical comedy first produced on Broadway in 1964, with the title role originally performed by actress Carol Channing. The music and lyrics are by Jerry Herman, and the book is by Michael Stewart. The play was later adapted into a film starring Barbara Streisand.

  1. Conception

    • "Hello, Dolly!" is based on a comedic play by Thornton Wilder called "The Merchant of Yonkers," later retitled "The Matchmaker." This play was, in turn, based on a German version of an earlier English play called "A Day Well Spent."

    Casting

    • Though the title role of Dolly Levi was originally written for Ethel Merman, she turned it down, and the part eventually went to Carol Channing. Dolly became her signature character.

    Tony Awards

    • "Hello, Dolly!" won the Tony Award for Best Musical and nine other Tony Awards, including Best Actress in a Musical for Carol Channing.

    Film Adaptation

    • In 1969, a film version of "Hello, Dolly!" was released as a vehicle for singer-actress Barbra Streisand. Two new songs, "Just Leave Everything To Me" and "Love Is Only Love," were written for the movie.

    Academy Awards

    • The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It won only three: Best Art Direction, Best Musical Score and Best Sound.

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Musicals

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