"Dolly!" star prepares to step into big shoes ... and hats

What does it take to play Dolly Levi, the hands-on Old Yonkers matchmaker in the vintage show "Hello, Dolly!"?

Stage charisma. Tons of moxie. And the ability to wear big hats.

For his new staging of "Hello, Dolly!" at the 5th Avenue Theatre, artistic director David Armstrong had someone in mind who filled the bill: Jenifer Lewis.

If the name isn't familiar, the face and the moxie might be. Lewis has been a brassy standout in movies ("Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns," "Sister Act"), TV ("Boston Legal," "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air") and stage (where her credits include such original solo shows as "Bipolar, Bath and Beyond").

And vivacious? If you could bottle the essence of Jenifer Lewis, you'd have a potent alternative-fuel source.

We caught up with Lewis by phone as she rehearsed "Hello, Dolly!," which co-stars radio guy Pat Cashman.

Q: You have Broadway in your background, right?

A: I was in the musicals "Eubie" and "Comin' Uptown," and I was one of the original Essies in "Dreamgirls." I developed Essie in workshop. I also just did Motormouth Maybelle in "Hairspray."

Q: So how did you come to portray Dolly in Seattle?

A: I've always wanted to play her, and David [Armstrong] knew it. We go back a long, long way. He directed my first one-woman show, and I'm so proud of his success here. I'm having the time of my life at the 5th Avenue.

Q: Many stars have taken a turn at Dolly. How do you see the role?

A: Every Dolly was different — Carol Channing's, Ethel Merman's, Pearl Bailey's. David is letting me do Jenifer's Dolly. He trusts I will bring her to life. When you have a director who trusts you, you can do anything.

Q: Do you see any of yourself in the role?

A: Dolly is a lot like Jenifer, because Jenifer's a lot like Dolly. We're multitaskers. We have a lot of personality. What can I tell you? I've had that since I was a little kid.

Q: So what are the challenges?

A: The challenge is doing eight shows a week, and staying healthy. I have my trainer with me, who's also a nutritionist and masseuse, and takes good care of me. Then all you can do is knock wood, get on out there and do it.

Q: You've had such a busy film and stage career. What are you looking forward to that you haven't done yet?

A: I want an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony and a Grammy. And I want them all next year! But listen, I adopted a little girl, from the Big Sister program, when she was 11. Her mother had MS. She's 21 now, and I tell people, she's all those awards to me.

Q: One last thing. Any tips about wearing huge picture hats, like you do as Dolly?

A: My advice is keep your head up. And pray!

Misha Berson: mberson@seattletimes.com