Bette Midler’s Triumphant Return to Broadway: Starring in ‘Hello, Dolly!’ Revival
The Great White Way is abuzz with spectacular news that has delighted theater enthusiasts and fans of legendary entertainer Bette Midler alike. After much anticipation, the ‘Divine Miss M’ is set to make her grand return to Broadway, taking on the iconic role of Dolly Gallagher Levi in the eagerly awaited revival of Jerry Herman’s beloved musical, Hello, Dolly! This announcement, confirming Midler in a role many believe she was born to play, has ignited a frenzy of excitement, promising to make the 2017 theatrical season truly unforgettable.
For years, the Broadway community and her devoted followers have longed for the return of Bette Midler to the stage where she has consistently shone brightest. Her unique blend of comedic brilliance, powerful vocals, and undeniable stage presence makes her a singular force in entertainment. The news of her casting as the quintessential matchmaker and “woman who arranges things” has been met with universal acclaim, signaling a major cultural event for New York City’s theater district. Fans are already dusting off their Sunday clothes, eagerly anticipating the chance to witness this theatrical legend embody a role that perfectly encapsulates her vivacious spirit.
The Official Announcement: A Broadway Dream Come True
The electrifying news officially broke on January 19, 2016, confirming months of eager speculation. Esteemed producer Scott Rudin, known for his discerning taste and string of successful Broadway productions, formally announced that Bette Midler would indeed headline the upcoming revival of Hello, Dolly! The production is slated to bring a burst of joy and music back to Broadway, with previews scheduled to commence on March 13, 2017. The official opening night, a date circled on countless calendars, is set for April 20, 2017, promising a dazzling premiere that will undoubtedly draw significant attention to its 14th Street home.
Midler herself, never one to shy away from sharing her enthusiasm, took to Twitter to express her joy directly to her global audience. Her tweet served as a personal confirmation, further fueling the excitement among fans who had been following every whisper and rumor. This direct communication from the Divine Miss M underscored the personal significance of this role to her, making the announcement feel even more special and immediate.
Yes, I am taking on the role of the beloved Dolly Levi in “Hello, Dolly!”. We open next year on Broadway! So excited!
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) January 19, 2016
Bette Midler’s Enduring Broadway Legacy
Bette Midler’s connection to Broadway runs deep, far predating this momentous announcement. After her early career on the New York stage, including a memorable turn in Fiddler on the Roof, she quickly ascended to superstardom through her unique concert performances and iconic film roles. Yet, the stage has always remained a special sanctuary for the ‘Divine Miss M.’
Her last triumphant return to Broadway was in 2013 with the critically acclaimed one-woman show, I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers. In this hit play, Midler captivated audiences with her portrayal of the legendary Hollywood super-agent, earning rave reviews and reminding everyone of her unparalleled ability to command a stage. Before that, her 1979 concert, Bette! Divine Madness, also showcased her theatrical prowess, cementing her status as a formidable live performer. Her absence from Broadway since 2013 has been acutely felt by theater lovers, making her decision to embrace the challenges and joys of a major musical revival all the more celebrated. This return isn’t just a casting choice; it’s a homecoming for one of Broadway’s most beloved and dynamic stars.
The Enduring Charm of Hello, Dolly!
Hello, Dolly! is not just any musical; it is a quintessential piece of American theater. Based on Thornton Wilder’s 1938 farce The Merchant of Yonkers, later titled The Matchmaker, the musical premiered on Broadway in 1964. With a vibrant score by Jerry Herman and a witty book by Michael Stewart, it quickly became a sensation. The original production, starring the legendary Carol Channing as Dolly Gallagher Levi, ran for 2,844 performances and swept the 1964 Tony Awards, winning an astounding ten awards, including Best Musical and Best Actress in a Musical for Channing.
The story follows Dolly Levi, a vivacious and cunning widow and professional matchmaker, as she travels to Yonkers, New York, to find a match for the “half-a-millionaire” Horace Vandergelder. Her true intention, however, is to marry him herself. Filled with memorable songs like “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” and the iconic title track, the musical is a heartwarming and hilarious celebration of love, life, and seizing every opportunity. Its enduring popularity lies in its timeless themes, engaging characters, and magnificent musical numbers, making it a perennial favorite for revivals.
Why Bette Midler is the Perfect Dolly Levi
The casting of Bette Midler as Dolly Gallagher Levi is, for many, a stroke of genius. The role demands an actress with immense stage presence, impeccable comedic timing, and a voice that can convey both warmth and power. Midler possesses all these qualities in spades, and more. Dolly Levi is a character larger than life, a woman of indomitable spirit and shrewd wit who navigates the world with charm and conviction. These are traits that mirror Midler’s own public persona and decades-long career.
Her ability to connect with an audience, to deliver a laugh with a perfectly timed glance or a soaring vocal number with genuine emotion, makes her uniquely suited to bring Dolly to life for a new generation. Her natural theatricality and flair for showmanship are precisely what the role requires. Audiences are anticipating a Dolly Levi who is not only a brilliant schemer but also deeply human, full of heart, and utterly captivating – a portrayal that Bette Midler is perfectly poised to deliver, promising a revival that will be both faithful to the original’s spirit and uniquely her own.
Overwhelming Fan Excitement and Anticipation
The announcement sent shockwaves of delight across social media, confirming that the enthusiasm for Bette Midler’s return was palpable and widespread. Fans, who have followed her career through music, film, and previous stage triumphs, flooded platforms with messages of elation, congratulations, and desperate pleas for tickets. The ‘Divine Miss M’ has cultivated an incredibly loyal fanbase, and her return to such an iconic role was seen as nothing short of a dream come true for many.
The online reaction was a testament to Midler’s enduring appeal and the deep affection audiences hold for her. Comments highlighted not just her talent, but the joy she brings to her performances and the void her absence had left on Broadway. The anticipation for this particular revival has arguably reached unprecedented levels, driven by the sheer excitement of seeing one of the world’s greatest entertainers take on a role that feels tailor-made for her.
A Taste of the Online Reaction:
https://twitter.com/RandyRainbow/status/689461673707470850
I’m trying to contain my excitement for @BetteMidler returning to #Broadway in Hello Dolly. I need tickets now. pic.twitter.com/U34l6XMt1V
— Mark 🦃 (@mdseeley) January 19, 2016
@BetteMidler back on #Broadway! Yes!! #HelloDolly
— Tarik Flannagan (@tflann1234) January 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/expetesso/status/689463858084257793
Joining an Illustrious Lineage of Dollys
In taking on the role of Dolly Gallagher Levi, Bette Midler joins a distinguished and iconic roster of actresses who have portrayed the character on stage and screen. The role demands not just talent, but a certain larger-than-life quality that only a select few performers possess. Carol Channing, who originated the role on Broadway, set an almost insurmountable standard with her unforgettable performance, defining Dolly for generations of theatergoers and earning her a place in Broadway history.
Following Channing, other legendary figures stepped into Dolly’s shoes, each bringing their unique interpretations to the beloved character. The incomparable Ethel Merman, known for her powerful belt and unwavering stage presence, took on the role later in the original run, dazzling audiences with her distinctive style. Mary Martin, another Broadway luminary, also graced the stage as Dolly, further cementing the character’s appeal across different eras and acting styles. And, of course, the unforgettable Barbra Streisand iconically brought Dolly to the silver screen in Gene Kelly’s lavish 1969 film adaptation, introducing the character to a global audience and showcasing a younger, yet equally determined, version of the formidable matchmaker. Bette Midler, with her own distinct and powerful theatrical persona, is poised to add another indelible chapter to this rich history, ensuring her portrayal of Dolly Levi will be discussed and celebrated for years to come.
A Must-See Broadway Event for 2017
The return of Bette Midler to Broadway in Hello, Dolly! is unequivocally set to be one of the most highly anticipated theatrical events of 2017. The combination of a beloved musical, a cherished character, and a true entertainment icon guarantees a production that will attract audiences from around the world. Ticket demand is expected to be extraordinarily high, reflecting the widespread desire to witness this momentous comeback.
This revival offers more than just entertainment; it’s a celebration of Broadway’s enduring magic and the power of extraordinary talent. It reminds us why live theater continues to captivate and inspire. As the previews approach and the official opening night draws nearer, the buzz will only intensify, culminating in what promises to be a dazzling and unforgettable theatrical experience. Broadway is ready, and so are the fans, for the Divine Miss M to once again light up the stage as the one and only Dolly Levi.
Broadway lovers and fans of Bette, will you be joining the throngs at Harmonia Gardens in 2017? Share your excitement and anticipation for this incredible revival below!