Decked out in turn of the century costumes with signature hats for the males and females, the Northwestern Middle School production of "Hello Dolly" debuts on May 2.

This was an age of parasols and bow ties, of satin dresses and plaid jackets and the young actors work hard to recreate the era. The story revolves around Dolly Gallagher Levi, the town busy body, a title she readily accepts.

"Some people paint, some sew. I meddle," she says early in the first act, though she is nothing but well intentioned.

And her intention is to match up the eligible men and women of Yonkers in ways that would make online dating services blush.

Dolly, played by eighth grader Meghan McGorry is her own best client as she sets her sights on the wealthiest man in Yonkers.

McGorry has been building her acting credentials since she was 8, working with local theater groups such as the Civic Theater and the Pennsylvania Youth Theater. McGorry described her character as "chatty."

She compared Dolly to Scuttle in "Little Mermaid.

"Their characters are somewhat similar, but Dolly is a lot more developed," McGorry said. "My character is always cutting people off, so I have to know exactly when to interrupt."

Dolly's director, Shaun Leisher had nothing but praise for the aspiring actress.

"The most important part of this production is you have to have a strong Dolly with a confident stage presence," he said. "I knew I had to do [this show] before Megan left the middle school. I can't pick a show unless I have talent for it."

"A lot of theater aimed at youth is one dimensional. This show has great three -dimensional characters and Dolly is the strongest."

Dolly has her eyes set on Horace Vandergelder, played by eighth grader Ben Fry, who is coincidentally determined to find a wife.

This is Fry's first play but he's enjoyed the experience.

"It's fun," he said. "I like working with my friends on the stage."

Aaron Green plays Cornelius Hackl, Vandergelder's innocent, young clerk.

He played Grimsby in last year's production of "Little Mermaid.

"I just wanted to try something new and this role taught me acting," he said.

Hayden Bobbyn plays Barnaby Tucker, an assistant to Vandergelder.

"My family and my brothers' friends said [acting] was really fun and I like being with my friends and performing on stage," he said, though he admitted the dancing wasn't easy.

The music director for the show is Morgan Moss, who also plays Irene Molloy, owner of a New York hat shop.

"I learned the music very far in advance," she said. "I had to teach everybody the songs and how to project."

Moss has been taking singing lessons with Lynn Flickinger, working on "mostly show tunes. It [also] helps to know piano which I studied since I was three."

Jordan Lowthert not only plays the part of Rudolf Reisenweber, a Maître d', she is also the choreographer for the show.

"Dancing together as a whole was difficult but I used a lot of past experiences and improvised to the music," explained Lowthert, who has been studying at the Accent School of Dance for the last 12 years.

"This is our second year working together," said Leisher. "Everything on that stage she's either created or co-created. There's very little I change."

Leisher not only appreciates his talented cast, he also is grateful for the help many of the parents have given.

"A lot of great dads have come together to create the sets, people like Tom Baran and many others," he said. "Costuming over 40 kids in period clothing" was another challenge. For that, Leisher credits Jill Danner.

"As our costumer, she looked for them at friends' houses and Goodwill," he explained. "Some of the pieces were borrowed from other schools."

This is Leisher's third year as a director.

"I've never done a classic before but I always like to pick shows that have strong female characters," Leisher said. "The biggest thing is finding male roles."

The students also had to overcome challenges.

"Memorizing the lines and the choreography is hard," Fry said. "But I was ecstatic when I got the part. I wasn't really expecting it. I had never sung before."

"I usually just go through my lines over and over again," said McGorry. "Everybody out there in the audience is there to support you."

"Dancing was difficult at first but once you get the hang of it gets a lot easier. I didn't have as many lines last year, too," Green said.

Adriana Walp, who plays Minnie Fay, commented on being in the musical.

"I learned how to present in front of people and that made me feel more comfortable when I'm presenting in class," Walp said. Fry agreed.

"Being in the play has boosted my confidence," Fry said. "I think I'll feel a little nervous but I'll be ready for it and we'll have a great night."

Leisher discussed the history of the play.

"This is the 50th anniversary of 'Dolly,' which premiered with plays like 'Hair' and 'Jesus Christ Superstar,'" Leisher said. "I consider this to be the last hurrah of traditional musical theater. This is a huge show with lots of costumes, lots of dancing, lots of singing." The original story dates back to 1835, but the play went through revisions until American playwright Thornton Wilder rewrote and renamed the work "The Matchmaker."

"Hello Dolly" will be presented 7 p.m. May 2 and 3, with a matinee performance 2 p.m. May 4 at the middle school.