Bette Midler returning to Broadway's 'Hello, Dolly!' for production's end run
Bette Midler is heading back where she belongs, returning to Broadway’s Hello, Dolly! for the final six weeks of the hit Tony-winning show that won her a Tony of her own. Bernadette Peters, who took over the role after Midler’s departure, will end her run as previously scheduled on July 15, with Midler taking the stage July 17 through the show’s closing on August 25.
Producer Scott Rudin made the announcement today, and tickets for Midler’s return go on sale Saturday, April 28.
Returning to their roles alongside Midler will be Tony winners David Hyde Pierce and Gavin Creel (who returns May 8). Leaving with Peters on July 15, as scheduled, will be Victor Garber.
The change-over seems to have delighted all involved. Said Midler, “I am delighted to return to the scene of one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I know the brilliant Bernadette Peters enjoyed her turn as much as I did. Dolly Levi is one of the most joyful characters in Broadway history, and Bernadette and I were lucky to to be able to step into her glorious shoes.”
Said Peters, “I am forever grateful to Bette for suggesting I step into the role of Dolly Levi. She was right. We both agree it is an amazing, joyful journey for us and the audience. And now I will hand the red dress back to my friend, the magnificent Bette Midler.”
“Bette Midler is a crazy woman and I can’t wait to get back on stage with her,” said David Hyde Pierce, while Garber noted, “Being in this production of Hello, Dolly! with the incomparable Bernadette Peters, has been a career highlight for me, a joy and privilege 8 times a week.”
Rudin’s announcement comes on the production’s one-year anniversary.
The production is directed by Jerry Zaks and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, Hello, Dolly! began performances on Broadway on March 15, 2017, and officially opened on Thursday, April 20, 2017. This Hello, Dolly! broke the record for best first day of ticket sales in Broadway history, the box office record at the Shubert Theatre twelve times, and shattered The Shubert Organization’s all-time-record ten times.
The first national tour of Hello, Dolly! launches October 2 at the Connor Palace at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio, starring Betty Buckley.
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