Hello, Dolly!

As the sun rises over the bustling streets of 1890s New York City, the charismatic matchmaker Dolly Levi (Call On Dolly) makes her grand entrance, setting in motion a chain of events that will shake things up for everyone involved. The widow of Ephraim Levi, a dry-goods merchant, Dolly is on a mission to orchestrate the second marriage of Horace Vandergelder, the affable half-a-millionaire (Just Leave Everything To Me). Meanwhile, in Yonkers, we meet Vandergelder himself, his endearing but underappreciated clerks Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker, and their sweetly suffering niece Ermengarde. This stalwart businessman, who has a rather... unique perspective on human nature (it seems he believes everyone in the world is a fool, with the possible exception of himself), explains why he's decided to take the plunge and marry again - It Takes A Woman.

As Dolly arrives on the scene, she quickly sets about clearing the way for her client by dispatching his would-be rival, the lovely Mrs. Irene Molloy (a young widow whom she herself introduced Vandergelder to), with a cleverly crafted tale of a high-stakes catch: Ernestina Semple, an heiress who will soon be marching in the 14th Street Association Parade alongside Vandergelder himself. The would-be groom agrees to meet his potential new love interest, and Dolly's plans are set in motion. But just as all seems well, Cornelius and Barnaby, tired of the monotony of life in Yonkers, decide to take matters into their own hands and make a break for the bright lights of New York City. As they embark on a journey of self-discovery, they're joined by Dolly herself, who tries to convince Vandergelder's niece Ermengarde that it's high time she broke free from her stifling routine - Put On Your Sunday Clothes.

In the city that never sleeps, we also meet Mrs. Molloy, the charming young widow who has caught Vandergelder's eye as a potential second wife. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that love is in the air, and nothing will be quite the same again. The stage is set for a delightful romp through the ups and downs of love, marriage, and self-discovery, all set against the vibrant backdrop of 1890s New York City.

As the curtain rises on Mrs. Molloy's mundane existence as a milliner, it becomes apparent that even she is craving a dash of excitement to shake off the monotony. By sheer coincidence, Cornelius and Barnaby take refuge in her shop to evade the watchful eye of Vandergelder, seeking solace beneath tables and within cupboards. Meanwhile, Mrs. Molloy, Minnie Fay, and Dolly concoct a diversion to distract the suspicious Vandergelder, but despite their best efforts, he eventually discovers the presence of men in the shop, prompting him to sever ties with Mrs. Molloy and inform Mrs. Levi that he will meet her "heiress" at the end of the parade. Incensed by this turn of events, Mrs. Molloy is left fuming, while Dolly, perceptive as ever, senses Cornelius's growing admiration for the young widow and takes it upon herself to mend fences. As a gesture of goodwill, she arranges for Cornelius, Barnaby, and her assistant Minnie Fay to enjoy dinner at the esteemed Harmonia Gardens Restaurant.

As an effervescent Cornelius whisks Mrs. Molloy away to witness the vibrant 14th Street Parade, Dolly finds herself once more alone, but her thoughts are consumed by her desire to marry Horace Vandergelder. In a poignant moment of introspection, she confides in her late husband, Ephraim Levi, revealing that she yearns to rejoin the human race and experience life beyond her solitary existence. The scene shifts to 14th Street, where Dolly, joined by the parade's lively participants, reaffirms her determination with a rousing rendition of "Before the Parade Passes By." As the evening wears on, Cornelius and Barnaby persuade Mrs. Molloy and Minnie Fay that the most refined way to arrive at the Harmonia Gardens is indeed to walk, as they do in their elegant stride.

Meanwhile, anticipation builds at the Harmonia Gardens as staff members buzz with excitement about Dolly's impending return since Ephraim Levi's passing. By 8 o'clock, the atmosphere is electric, and as the main entrance curtains part, Mrs. Levi descends the stairs resplendent in a dazzling red gown - "Hello, Dolly!" As Dolly unleashes her full charm to captivate Vandergelder, the stage is set for a night of seduction, romance, and high-society hijinks.

As the misunderstanding between Vandergelder (character) and Dolly deepens, she initially misconstrues his intentions and firmly rejects his proposal. Undeterred, Dolly proceeds to paint a starkly contrasting picture of life in Yonkers without her presence, highlighting the dullness that would ensue. Meanwhile, back at Harmonia Gardens, Vandergelder's world is turned upside down as he discovers not only Cornelius (character) and Barnaby (character), but also his unsuspecting niece Ermengarde, amidst the chaos. This unsettling revelation prompts him to instantly terminate Cornelius' employment, a move that astonishes both parties involved.

However, Vandergelder's once-tame clerk, now empowered by his newfound confidence, boldly declares his love for Mrs. Molloy during this impromptu gathering - all set against the backdrop of "It Only Takes A Moment". As a direct result of this commotion, Vandergelder finds himself forced onto the streets of New York City after creating a disturbance at Harmonia Gardens.

Back in Yonkers, Vandergelder's world has been turned on its head. He is now without clerks, niece, and Dolly, a reality that prompts him to confront his own foolishness. It becomes clear that he would be an even greater fool if he were to let this extraordinary woman slip away from him. Recognizing the error of his ways, Vandergelder asks Dolly for forgiveness and proposes marriage once more - "Hello, Dolly!" becoming the harmonious soundtrack to their reconciled love in the grand finale.