The Matchmaker
by Thornton Wilder

Name: The Matchmaker
Brand: Thornton Wilder
SKU: 9780573612220
Rating: 3.69 (831 reviews)

The Matchmaker Book Cover — The Matchmaker Cover

Highlights

Large Cast

Female

Male

120 mins19th CenturyEnsemble CastUnit Set/Multiple SettingsPeriod CostumesAmerican Comedy

What readers are saying

Readers generally find 'The Matchmaker' to be a charming and entertaining farce filled with lovable characters and witty dialogue. Many appreciate the play's comedy and its connections to its more famous adaptation, 'Hello, Dolly!'. However, some feel that the humor may not fully translate to the page, leading to a less impactful reading experience for those unfamiliar with its stage presentation.

Charming and delightful charactersWitty and engaging dialogueStrong theatrical comedyNot as funny when read alone

Synopsis

"This play is a rewritten version of the play "The merchant of Yonkers" which was directed in 1938 ..."--P. [4].

Press Reviews

"Loud, slap-dash and uproarious... extraordinarily original and funny."
— The New York Times

"Rolls along merrily and madly and the customers are convulsed."
— New York Journal American

"The lines of Wilder are so often brilliant, sage, and witty."
— New York Daily News

"What made Wilder so distinctive among [the] greats of the 20th century was his determination not only to reach out and move people…but rather to offer actual advice for living your life, which is, dear readers, all too brief."
— Chicago Tribune

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
HORACE VANDERGELDER , a Merchant of Yonkers	—	—	, a Merchant of Yonkers
MRS. DOLLY GALLAGHER LEVI , a Friend of Vandergelder's Late Wife	female	—	, a Friend of Vandergelder's Late Wife
IRENE MOLLOY , a Milliner	—	—	, a Milliner
MINNIE FAY(Molloy's Assistant) , Mrs. Molloy's Assistant	—	—	, Mrs. Molloy's Assistant
CORNELIUS HACKL , a Clerk in Vandergelder's Store	—	—	, a Clerk in Vandergelder's Store
BARNABY TUCKER , an Apprentice in Vandergelder's Store&	—	—	, an Apprentice in Vandergelder's Store&
ERMENGARDE , Mr. Vandergelder's niece	—	—	, Mr. Vandergelder's niece
MISS FLORA VAN HUSEN , a Friend of Vandergelder's Late Wife	female	—	, a Friend of Vandergelder's Late Wife
MALACHI STACK	—	—	—
AMBROSE KEMPER , an Artist	—	—	, an Artist
GERTRUDE , Vandergelder's Housekeeper Miss Van Husen's	—	—	, Vandergelder's Housekeeper Miss Van Husen's
COOK	—	—	—
RUDOLF , a Waiter	male	—	, a Waiter
JOE SCANLON , a Barber	—	—	, a Barber
AUGUST , a Waiter	male	—	, a Waiter