Lovers of classic musicals may feel a pang that this production lacks the lavish set and large cast Hello, Dolly! usually delivers, while newcomers might struggle with a story so light it almost evaporates. Nevertheless, there’s enough zing and professionalism in this first 2017 outing for The Production Company to get audiences on side.

The gossamer-thin plot populated with uncomplicated characters centres on a popular widow living in New York in the late 19th century. Dolly is busy matchmaking and generally facilitating romance, including for Horace, who she is actually strategically lining up for herself. Meanwhile, this wealthy merchant is trying to thwart the love affair between his niece, Ermengarde, and poor artist Ambrose, and bullying his employees, Cornelius and Barnaby, who sneak out for a day on the town and fall for milliner Irene and her assistant Minnie. Everyone converges at a fashionable restaurant, where mayhem ensues.

^{Marina Prior in Hello, Dolly! Photos © Jeff Busby}

Marina Prior is a crowd-pleasing Dolly, moving about the stage in a series of flamboyant costumes with poise. She’s particularly at ease sparring with real-life husband Grant Piro, who plays grouchy Horace with just enough...