The delightfully meddlesome world of Mrs. Dolly Gallagher Levi, the matchmaking busybody of 1890s New York who can incite applause by her sheer presence and reputation, comes alive with lighthearted warmth and sophisticated finesse in Cedarville University’s exceptional production of Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart’s 1964 musical “Hello, Dolly!,” adapted from Thornton Wilder’s “The Matchmaker” and elegantly directed by Robert and Ruth Clements.

Pleasantly interpreting Herman’s sunny songs along the lines of an actress who sings, Jessica Diane Hickling, a superb Annie Sullivan in Cedarville’s production of “The Miracle Worker” last season, astutely inhabits the title role with a strikingly clear and cunning grasp of Dolly’s meticulous and strategic aims centered on her desire to wed wealthy Yonkers curmudgeon Horace Vandergelder (a believably aggravated Alexander James Mol). Hickling is a knockout whenever Dolly’s mind games take precedence, especially in the hilarious Act 2 dinner scene at the ritzy Harmonia Gardens restaurant, and she expertly builds her funny, sincere and incredibly engaging portrayal to a life-affirming plateau that duly reflects Dolly’s inspirational epiphany of living to the fullest and being willing to love again after years of merely existing in “a personal haze.”

“Dolly” has always required a strong leading lady, but stronger featured portrayals as well which is absolutely the case here. The very endearing, brotherly duo of Gabriel Pyle and Josiah Hutchings respectively shine as Vandergelder’s humble, sheltered employees Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker. Pyle, a charming bundle of nerves and a joy to watch, wonderfully conveys Cornelius’ newfound confidence and rebelliousness, and also crafts an adorable romance with sweet soprano Anna Zavodney as millinery shop owner Irene Molloy. He notably joins Zavodney for a lovely rendition of “It Only Takes a Moment,” poignantly delivering the tune’s terrific monologue with an expressive self-awareness. The energetic, goofy Hutchings provides great comic relief and is perfectly matched with the bubbly Lindsay McGee as Minnie Fay, Irene’s perky assistant. The laughs continue with solid work from Joshua McLeod as Ambrose Kemper, Grace Pilet as Ermengarde, Amy Brown as Ernestina, Benjamin Isaac as Rudolph, Samantha Sumler as Mrs. Rose and Matthew Glenn Scheerschmidt as an overly emotional Judge.

Further, Katy Russell and Alexandra Turner supply flavorful, sharp and unified choreography from the pageantry of “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” and the farcical “Motherhood March” to the waltz-filled “Dancing” and the frenzied “Waiter’s Gallop” that precedes the iconic title number which arises with considerable flair.

In addition to directing, the Clements are respectively responsible for the production’s outstanding set and costume design. Robert supplies a dazzling chandelier for Harmonia Gardens, and Ruth’s marvelously authentic contributions remain eye-catching at every turn. For the ensemble-friendly “Sunday Clothes” she specifically dresses the ladies in a colorful sea of blue, burgundy, green, pink, purple and yellow and places the men in crisp white tuxedos.

In a rare move for a big, brassy show geared toward a large orchestra, Herman’s score, conducted by Beth Cram Porter, is played by only four musicians (two pianos, percussion and bass). Even so, this significant alteration gives each number a surprisingly appealing parlor quality proving how effectively Herman captured the essence of the late 19th century.

A hit from start to finish, Cedarville’s thoroughly entertaining “Dolly” is not only the must-see of the week, but one of the best productions of the season.

Hello, Dolly! continues through Saturday, February 12 in the Stevens Student Center at Cedarville University, 251 N. Main St., Cedarville. Performances are Thursday at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. Act One: 75 minutes; Act Two: 60 minutes. Tickets are $10-$15. For tickets or more information, call 1-866-612-0014 or visit www.cedarville.edu. In related news, Cedarville’s 2011-12 season will consist of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None (October 2011), Arthur Miller’s The Crucible (February 2012) and Neil Simon’s A Star-Spangled Girl (April 2012).

The Human Race Theatre Company offers an effortlessly enchanting, stunningly designed presentation of William Shakespeare’s comedy “Twelfth Night,” a multilayered tale of gender reversal, mistaken identity, mismatched romance and unabashed silliness that opened Friday, January 28 at the Loft Theatre.

Aaron Vega, a Wright State University musical theater graduate and, at 28, the youngest director to stage a Human Race production, elegantly helms with a fresh and impressive awareness of the play’s conceptual intricacies and sparkling language. His decision to transport the setting from traditional Illyria to America during the Roaring Twenties is certainly a clever choice strikingly conveyed throughout the action by the cool, suave presence of pianist-vocalist-composer Christian Duhamel as witty clown Feste. Still, his astute attention to establishing the various pursuits of the Bard’s appealing characters, inhabited by a stellar cast, elevates the material beyond the unique era presented.

Claire Kennedy, who proved her worth as an expressive Bard interpreter in Wright State’s 2006 production of “As You Like It,” was born to play lovestruck intermediary Viola, who is separated from her presumably dead twin brother Sebastian (the amiably unassuming Justin Flagg) and ultimately develops feelings for Duke Orsino (an earnestly understated David Dortch) while disguising herself as his devoted pageboy Cesario. Kennedy, whose plaintive rendition of “Danny Boy” is an emotional highpoint, looks perfect in the role (gender bending was a signature fad of the ‘20s after all) and assumes a charming, adaptable masculinity (notice her uncertainty as to how she should hold a cigar) that grows more endearing when Cesario is wooed by the formidable Lady Olivia (a feisty Sara Mackie), Orsino’s object of affection.

Wonderfully cohesive comic relief, occasionally delivered in the audience, is supplied by the uninhibited Tim Lile as Olivia’s loutish and unapologetically flatulent uncle Sir Toby Belch, Josh Stamoolis as goofy Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Jennifer Johansen (a remarkable Lady Capulet in the 2008 Human Race production of “Romeo and Juliet”) as Olivia’s cunning maid Maria, and Scott Stoney as the humble Malvolio, who is humorously tricked into thinking Olivia is in love with him. Kevin Malarkey as Valentine and Matthew M. Moore (who directed an excellent “Much Ado About Nothing” last season at Cedarville University) as Sea Captain/Anthonio complete the cast.

Additionally, scenic designer Dick Block, costumer Lowell A. Mathwich and lighting designer John Rensel beautifully evoke the look and feel of the 1920s.

“Twelfth Night” is a lighthearted escape from the winter doldrums that clearly suggests Vega’s first attempt at Shakespeare for the Human Race will not be his last.

Twelfth Night continues through Sunday, February 13 at the Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St. Performances are Wednesday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15.50-$39. Act One: 70 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. A special open forum discussion will be held following the Sunday, February 6 performance. For tickets, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.humanracetheatre.org. Also, Christian Duhamel will perform a concert of his original songs entitled Here With Me Tuesday, February 8 at 9:30 p.m. at the Neon Movies, 130 E. Fifth St. For more information, visit www.neonmovies.com.

In related news, the Human Race’s 25th anniversary/2011-12 season, an entire slate of local premieres that have collected nearly 25 Tony Award nominations, will consist of Yasmina Reza’s 2009 Tony Award-winning dramatic comedy God of Carnage (Sept. 8-25, 2011), Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori’s 2004 Tony Award-nominated musical Caroline, or Change (Nov. 3-20, 2011; directed by Scott Stoney), John Logan’s 2010 Tony Award-winning Mark Rothko-themed drama Red (Jan. 19-Feb. 5, 2012; a partnership with the Dayton Art Institute who will present a Rothko exhibition during the run), August Wilson’s 2005 Tony Award-nominated drama Gem of the Ocean (March 28-April 15, 2012); and Mark Allen, Gaby Alter, Gordon Greenberg and Tommy Newman’s musical Band Geeks (May 31-June 17, 2012; directed by Kevin Moore).

"Spelling Bee" cast; photo credit John Gebhardt

Although William Finn, Rachel Sheinkin and Rebecca Feldman’s 2005 Tony Award-winning “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” has quickly reached ‘done to death’ status in the Miami Valley, its fifth area presentation courtesy of the Dayton Playhouse, which opened Friday, January 28, is a joyful affair that finds great heart within the high octane, racy humor.

You may have fond memories of seeing this musical about six colorful adolescents nervously yet enjoyably aspiring to spelling perfection presented by the University of Dayton, Victoria Theatre Association, Wilmington College or Wright State University, but there is definite merit in the Playhouse’s well cast, well sung incarnation. Despite a slightly erratic energy level and a few comedic bits that go overboard or grow overlong, director Natalie Houliston, with lively assistance from choreographer Erica Hamilton, credibly establishes a character-driven playground of fun that is particularly magnetic in the more introspective musical numbers and reflective moments.

Lilting soprano Corinne Derusha, naturally embracing the bouncy, emotive musicality within Finn’s terrific score, leads the proceedings as excited host and former champion Rona Lisa Peretti. She also maintains an appealing chemistry with the delightfully droll Errik Hood as Vice Principal Panch. The outstanding Hannah Berry is truly heartbreaking as shy bookworm Olive Ostrovsky, who enters the competition without parental support. Berry has the audience rooting for Olive at the outset when she tenderly sings “My Friend, The Dictionary.” Matthew Smith lets loose with hilarious abandon as the persnickety William “Magic Foot” Barfee, a whiz with an attitude. David Thomas, a good fit as eccentric underdog Leaf Coneybear, brings engaging subtlety to “I’m Not That Smart.” Bobby Mitchum, in his Playhouse debut, sums up the distressed Chip Tolentino with a funny, audience-friendly take on “My Unfortunate Erection.” Charity Farrell winningly returns to the Playhouse as overachiever Marcy Park and delivers a luminously carefree rendition of “I Speak Six Languages.” Lindsay Sherman, clothed in cute polka dots by costumer Erin Winslow, exudes a perfect amount of spunk and desperation as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre. As comfort counselor Mitch Mahoney, Muse Machine alum David Stone finally has a role that suits his powerfully soulful tenor. He joins Berry and Derusha for an incredibly passionate, spine-tingling, show-stopping version of “The I Love You Song” that feels as if Finn wrote it just for them.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee continues through Sunday, February 13 at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 60 minutes. Act Two: 53 minutes. Audience participation is encouraged. Tickets are $10-$15. The musical, which contains adult language and themes, is not recommended for children under the age of 13. For tickets or more information, call (937) 424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.org