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“Hello, Dolly!” makes history as BSC Theatre’s debut in the new Live Event Venue

Published: Oct 28 2025
“Hello, Dolly!” makes history as BSC Theatre’s debut in the new Live Event Venue - Photo
The curtain is rising on a new era at Bismarck State College as BSC Theatre presents “Hello, Dolly!” This is the very first production to take the stage in the college’s state-of-the-art Live Event Venue inside the Advanced Technology Center, 1220 Schafer St., on the BSC campus.

Broadway’s greatest musical, “Hello, Dolly!” bursts onto the new BSC stage with glitter, romance and irresistible charm as matchmaker Dolly Levi takes New York by storm, and in the process, discovers new possibilities for herself. Directed by Daniel Walstad, BSC adjunct theatre instructor, this vibrant musical production will dazzle audiences with its beautiful scenic designs incorporating the new LED screen and new fly loft system, stunning Victorian costumes, and charming choreography, bringing the beloved classic to life in ways never seen before.

Evening performances will be held Friday, Oct. 31, Saturday, Nov. 1, and Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 6-8, at 7:30 p.m. (CST). Matinee performances are on Sundays, Nov. 2 and Nov. 9, at 2:30 p.m. An opening night reception will be held Friday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Live Event Venue, featuring hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar for guests age 21 and older.

“When selecting the inaugural musical for this extraordinary new space, we wanted something bold, joyful, timeless and brimming with heart,” says Walstad. “‘Hello, Dolly!’ is all that, and more. It’s a show about stepping into new chapters with courage, humor and a wink of optimism. What better way to open the doors of our new theater than with Dolly Levi leading the parade?”

The production features a 19-person cast, including BSC stage veterans Brittany Bearsheart, Luke Weber, Max Wild, Jacob Frohlich, Kai Carpenter, Isaac Peterchuk, Kiana Krueger, and Frank Vondra, alongside talented newcomers Peyton Schock, Hailey Jones, Phutthipong (Thomas) Yongklang, Gabby Siemers, Claire Stolt, Emerson Eckert, El Jay Dugenio, Everett Horne, Landyn Meidinger, Joseph Macdonald, Kaitlyn DelaBarre and Anna Arndt.

“Hello, Dolly!” also holds a special place in BSC history. The college first produced the musical in 1978 under the direction of Jane Gray Stewart, starring Sheila Schafer as Dolly. Sheila was the wife of Harold Schafer, whose 70-acre land donation in 1959 became the home of Bismarck Junior College, now BSC. “To return to this musical now, in a moment of transformation for the college, feels like a joyful reunion and a proud continuation of tradition,” says Walstad.

Tickets for “Hello, Dolly!” are available at bsctheatre.com. Advanced tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door. Tickets are $5 for BSC students, $10 for BSC faculty and staff and $10 for non-BSC students.