In 2026, more than 62 years after Hello, Dolly! first opened on Broadway, the show continues to delight audiences around the world.

What began as a musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder's The Matchmaker has become one of the most beloved and enduring works in American musical theatre history. From Broadway to London's West End, from regional theatres to community stages, from schools to international tours, Hello, Dolly! continues to introduce new generations to the optimism, humor, and heart of Dolly Gallagher Levi.

CallOnDolly.com was created to preserve and celebrate that legacy.

For more than twenty-five years, I have researched the history of Hello, Dolly! and interviewed over 1,000 performers, directors, choreographers, musicians, stage managers, producers, and theatre professionals connected to productions around the world.

This site is not simply about one musical.

It is about the people behind the curtain.

The stories shared here document a remarkable period in theatrical history while preserving the experiences of artists whose voices might otherwise be lost to time. Through their memories, audiences gain a unique look at auditions, rehearsals, backstage life, touring companies, opening nights, friendships, challenges, triumphs, and the enduring bond that connects generations of "Dolly" alumni.

At the center of this story stands the incomparable Carol Channing, whose creation of Dolly Gallagher Levi became one of the defining performances in Broadway history. I was fortunate to develop a close friendship with Carol, and her encouragement helped inspire this ongoing project. Her generosity, wisdom, and commitment to preserving theatre history continue to guide my work.

Over the decades, audiences have embraced countless interpretations of Dolly, including those by Carol Channing, Ginger Rogers, Martha Raye, Betty Grable, Pearl Bailey, Phyllis Diller, Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, Carole Cook, Dorothy Lamour, Jo Anne Worley, Sally Struthers, Bette Midler, Donna Murphy, Imelda Staunton, Jodi Benson, Klea Blackhurst, and many others.

Each brought something unique to the role.

Each became part of the continuing story.

CallOnDolly.com celebrates all of them.

The site also explores the extraordinary creative team that brought Hello, Dolly! to life: Jerry Herman, Michael Stewart, Gower Champion, David Merrick, and the many artists who helped transform a beloved play into a Broadway phenomenon.

What fascinates me most is that the stories remain remarkably similar across generations. The excitement of an audition. The anticipation of opening night. The challenge of maintaining excellence. The friendships formed backstage. The joy of connecting with audiences.

The theatre changes.

The technology changes.

The business changes.

But the human experience remains remarkably constant.

My hope is that this archive serves not only theatre lovers and historians, but future generations of artists who wish to understand what came before them.

The curtain may fall at the end of every performance, but the stories continue.

And as long as there are productions of Hello, Dolly! somewhere in the world, there will be new stories to tell.

Welcome to CallOnDolly.com.

Warmly,

Richard Skipper