Dolly Levi, matchmaker extraordinaire, is practicing the art she performs best: captivating audiences. Portrayed by Broadway veteran Nancy Opel, the crafty gal of a certain age weaves her web of intrigue to snare cantankerous Horace Vandergelder, finding romance for his niece and shop clerks along her circuitous route. Her vehicle is ÒHello, Dolly,Ó the musical that had its pre-Broadway tryout in Washington and was last seen here 20 years ago. It has been reinvented by director Eric Schaeffer for FordÕs Theatre, where its showstopping numbers will resound through May.

ÒI love DollyÕs sense of humor, even though she is on her own at a time in history when women stayed at home,Ó Opel said. ÒShe is trying to help others and find a place for herself at the same time, making it up as she goes. Like Mama Rose in ÔGypsyÕ and the title role in ÔMame,Õ itÕs one of the top three roles for women. IÕve never played it before and IÕm finding it so much fun.Ó