American Players Theatre: THe Matchmaker
Tracy Michelle Arnold and Triney Sandoval
American Players Theatre Presents THE MATCHMAKER Review - Move Over Dolly, There’s A New Dolly in Town
TLDR: American Player’s Theatre’s production of The Matchmaker is a feel-good comedy that is sure to speak to many folks looking for a joyful night out. Tracy Michelle Arnold leads the cast as the inimitable Dolly Gallagher Levi who also makes sure they deliver on every comedic bit.
Sam Luis Massaro, Triney Sandoval, and Colin Covert
A Fiery Redhead Taking Charge
Said in the style of Stanley Tucci à la The Devil Wears Prada - give me Tracy Michelle Arnold playing the leading lady with a full skirt in a period piece and I’m on board. Arnold plays the larger than life Dolly Gallagher Levi in APT’s production of The Matchmaker and does so with effortless charm and levity. It’s like she always happens to be in the right place at the right time and enjoys every second of it.
As she walks through Mrs. Irene Malloy’s hatshop, noticing the two gentlemen hiding underneath the tables, she smiles widely at us audience members as she realizes the game that’s afoot. When she realizes who ended up with Horace’s missing purse, she makes sure to give it back to him at just the right moment. She takes note of every instance and adds it into her calculation until it all works out in her favor as if she planned it that way from the beginning. She’s the epitome of enjoying life and the moment when it happens
But then as everyone else leaves the stage, she takes a seat on a footstool and looks up to the heavens for a sign from her late husband. She delivers an aside to us getting to the heart of the matter and we see the vulnerability and why she’s back in society with full force.
Comedy is My Speciality
A fellow APT fan once told me while we were discussing their shows, “they always know how to do comedy well” and The Matchmaker is no exception. The cast milks each moment for all its worth. Josh Krause addresses the crowd after intermission while we’re all still milling about. He very sternly tells us to take our seats as an absurdly uptight French maitre’d. He’s joined by Ray Huth as his waiter who tries to keep everything running smoothly but ends up toppling over a table with silverware clattering everywhere. Triney Sandoval makes sure every section sees his face as he makes the “why I outta” grimace as he’s once again trying to reign in Cornelius and Barnaby (Colin Covert and Trevyn Wong). Phoebe González is a formidable force playing Irene ready to escape her station in polite society and also ready to break down some walls, sometimes literally!
While the comedy is in no short supply here, in my opinion some character direction for the sake of comedy was taken too far, a bit immature for my taste, but might be a better laugh for young ones. But for the most part we have a wonderful balance of situational and physical comedy that The Matchmaker delivers.
The cast of The Matchmaker
Delectable From Start To Finish
When you pull in the set, costumes, and interludes The Matchmaker pulls off a well rounded theatrical production. The cast makes the scene transitions enjoyable as we board the train to New York City. The conductor calls out “All aboard!” and the ensemble makes their way to the center aisle in two lines. They form an impromptu train as they bounce and sway as the stagehands work their magic to change scenes.
The scenic design by Nathan Stuber hints at the beginnings of the art deco period with its geometric shapes and gold, gilded framing. It easily transforms between our different settings from Yonkers, to the hatshop, to the finest restaurant in New York.
The costumes by Tracy Dorman are rich with different textures and fabrics all swirled up into turn of the century fashion. There’s giant, puffy sleeves on the ladies’ dresses. Three piece suits complete with pocket watches for the men. And each design is as unique as the characters, fitting their personalities to a T.
Tracy Michelle Arnold and Colin Covert
The After Party Thoughts
If I had a Dolly Levi in my life the same way Arnold played her, I would be more than happy to give up the reins and let her have complete control. Her alongside Sandoval, González, and Covert make for an exciting night out in New York City full of laughs.
I have made it through the whole review without making a Hello, Dolly! reference, until now - so for those that love the musical, this is indeed the play that inspired it and while it doesn’t have any grand musical numbers, this production does capture the grand feeling in a larger than life spectacle. The Matchmaker is a silly, farcical, and above all delightfully joyful play that makes it a must-see this summer.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Tracy Michelle Arnold and Triney Sandoval
When
Now through October 2, 2026
Where
American Players Theatre
5950 Golf Course Rd.
Spring Green, WI 53588
Runtime: 2hrs 45min, including intermission
Tickets
$68+
Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 608-588-2361 or through the American Players Theatre website
Photos
Hannah Jo Anderson
Find Allie and The After Party featured on Theatre in Chicago
CAST
Tracy Michelle Arnold (Mrs. Dolly Gallagher Levi)
Triney Sandoval (Horace Vandergelder)
Jonathan Gardner (Ambrose Kemper)
Sam Luis Massaro (Joe Scanlon / Cabman)
Karen Janes Woditsch (Gertrude / Miss Flora Van Huysen)
Colin Covert (Cornelius Hackl)
Kelly Simmons (Ermengarde)
Brian Mani (Malachi Stack)
Trevyn Wong (Barnaby Tucker)
Phoebe González (Mrs. Irene Molloy)
Ama J. Kuwonu (Minnie Fay)
Josh Krause (Rudolph)
Ray Huth (August)
Elleon Dobias (Miss Flora Van Huysen's Housekeeper / Ensemble)
Patrick Budde (Ensemble)
Donio (Ensemble)
Jamey Feshold (Ensemble)
Kayla Mariah Fifer (Ensemble)
Jamie Herb (Ensemble)
Byron Johnson (Ensemble)
Emma Schuld (Ensemble)
Phoebe González, Triney Sandoval, and Tracy Michelle Arnold
CREATIVE
Thornton Wilder (Playwright)
Brian Cowing (Director / Choreographer)
Sara Becker (Voice & Text Coach)
Nancy Rodríguez (Assistant Director)
Tracy Dorman (Costume Designer)
Nathan Stuber (Scenic Designer)
Michael A. Peterson (Lighting Designer)
Joe Cerqua (Music Composition & Sound Designer)
Jeb Burris (Intimacy, Movement & Fight Designer)
Lily Turner (Assistant Costume Designer)
Camela Widad (Music Director)
Lina Benich (Stage Manager)
Krista Kanderski (Assistant Stage Manager)
Emily Pfaff (Stage Management Assistant)