“Hello, Dolly!” Kicks Off The White Theatre at The J’s 21st Season

The J opens its 21st season with the Broadway classic “Hello, Dolly!” at the Lewis & Shirley White Theatre. Known for bringing high-quality productions to the Kansas City community, the venue celebrates its 20th anniversary with this timeless musical comedy favorite.

Tickets are available now at TheWhiteTheatre.org. Performance dates and times include:

• Saturdays: Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sundays: Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 2 p.m.
• Thursdays: Nov. 6, 13 and 20 at 7:30 p.m.

The show follows Dolly Gallagher Levi, a strong-willed matchmaker, as she travels to Yonkers, New York to find a wife for the wealthy but miserly Horace Vandergelder, while secretly planning to marry him herself. The role of Dolly will be performed by Kansas City star Jennifer Renfrow, whose past credits at The White Theatre include Mary Poppins in “Mary Poppins,” Sally Bowles in “Cabaret,” and Baker’s Wife in “Into The Woods.” The role has been famously played over the years by legends of musical theatre, including Carol Channing, Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler.

“I hope audiences walk away with a renewed appreciation for Golden Age musical theatre,” said Liz Golson, who plays Irene Molloy. “Even if older shows aren’t usually their favorite, I’d love for at least one person to feel the magic of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ the way I do.”

Considered one of the great works in musical theatre history, “Hello, Dolly!” is a comedy staple of the Golden Age. With its mix of nostalgia and optimism, the show delivers humor, heart and hope. Audiences can expect an uplifting and entertaining escape filled with joy and laughter.

This production also marks the 20th anniversary of The White Theatre at The J, which opened in fall 2005 with “A Chorus Line.” The milestone is especially meaningful as “Hello, Dolly!” director Chris McCoy was a cast member in the theatre’s first production.

Reflecting on the anniversary, McCoy said, “There’s a great line in the title song of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ that says, ‘It’s so good to be back home where I belong.’ That perfectly captures how it feels to return to The White Theatre to direct this show. Having been part of “A Chorus Line” when the theatre opened 20 years ago, it’s a true honor to now direct the first production of this memorable anniversary season.”

The White Theatre at The J continues its 2025-26 season with two performances of “The Jewish Nutcracker” to celebrate the upcoming holiday season on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. p.m.