Musical Theatre West (MTW) is proud to announce the cast of its final production of the 2025 Season of Legends, the quintessential Broadway hit Hello, Dolly! Set to dazzle audiences for select performances October 17 – November 2, 2025, at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, this iconic musical comedy promises to be the season’s crowning jewel. Tickets are available today at musical.org.
Taking center stage is Broadway veteran Tami Tappan Damiano, making one of the most anticipated returns to Southern California theatre in recent memory as the irrepressible Dolly Gallagher Levi. Beloved by LA audiences for her powerhouse performances across the region, and by MTW audiences for standout roles in Spamalot, Guys & Dolls, Crazy For You, and Singin’ in the Rain, Tappan Damiano stepped away from the stage to raise her family. Now, with her child grown, she makes a triumphant return in one of Broadway’s most iconic roles. Her casting marks not only a homecoming to MTW but also a celebrated return to the greater Los Angeles theatre community, where she has long been recognized as one of its most cherished leading ladies.
She will reunite on stage with David Engel, who stars as the curmudgeonly yet endearing Horace Vandergelder. A six-time Ovation Award winner, Engel’s celebrated career with MTW spans over two decades, with memorable performances in La Cage Aux Folles, Hairspray, The Producers, Newsies, White Christmas, and many more. Known for his impeccable comedic timing and commanding presence, Engel is a true MTW legend.
Together, Tappan Damiano and Engel are no strangers to delighting audiences side by side, having starred together in MTW’s Singin’ in the Rain (2001), Crazy For You (2003), Never Gonna Dance (2006), and The Full Monty (2007). Their reunion in Hello, Dolly! marks a highly anticipated onstage pairing that promises sparks, laughs, and unforgettable moments.
“Concluding our 2025 Season of Legends with Hello, Dolly! is a dream,” said Paul Garman, Executive Director/Producer of Musical Theatre West.. “Welcoming Tami back to our stage for such a triumphant return, alongside David’s remarkable legacy, is truly special. This production is not only a celebration of Broadway’s golden age, but also a celebration of MTW’s history and the artists who have shaped it.”
Joining the duo is an exceptional company of MTW favorites and fresh talent, including Robert Pieranunzi as Cornelius Hackl, Anna Mintzer as Irene Molloy, Benjamin Raanan as Barnaby Tucker, Natalie Holt MacDonald as Minnie Fay, Domonique Paton as Ermengarde, Landen Starkman as Ambrose Kemper, Jane Papageorge as Ernestina Money, Ricky Bulda as the Judge, Janna Cardia as Mrs. Rose, and Roger Castellano as Rudolph. Rounding out the cast is a dynamic 10-member student ensemble, bringing fresh energy and showcasing the next generation of talent through MTW’s commitment to arts education.
Set in turn-of-the-century New York, Hello, Dolly! follows the larger-than-life Dolly Levi, a quick-witted matchmaker determined to find love and adventure for herself and those around her. Bursting with Jerry Herman’s unforgettable score, including “Before the Parade Passes By,” “It Only Takes a Moment,” and the beloved title number “Hello, Dolly!” the show is a joyous celebration of love, second chances, and the spirit of community. With show-stopping dance numbers, lavish costumes, and a story brimming with heart, MTW’s production promises to deliver Broadway magic at its finest.
Hello, Dolly! is a musical by Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart, based on Thornton Wilder’s play The Matchmaker. Since its Broadway debut in 1964, the show has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring generations with its larger-than-life characters and timeless score.
Tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase by phone at 562-856-1999 or online at musical.org. Fees may apply. Student rush tickets for $15 are available at the Box Office one hour prior to showtime, with a valid student ID. More information, a full line-up of performances, and additional details can be found at https://musical.org.
Credit: Musical Theatre West.
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