Bette Midler, who won a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly!, will return to the show for a strictly limited-engagement of six-weeks. She will succeed Bernadette Peters who is currently playing the role. Returning with Midler will be Tony-winner David Hyde Pierce as Horace Vandergelder, currently portrayed by Victor Garber. Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce will return to the show on Tuesday, July 17 and the close the show on August 25. Gavin Creel, who has been out of the production for medical reasons, will return to his Tony-winning role of Cornelius Hackl on May 5.
In a statement, Ms. Midler said, “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.”
Ms. Peters said, “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.”
David Hyde Pierce added, “Bette Midler is a crazy woman and I can’t wait to get back on stage with her.”.
Tickets for Ms. Midler’s return go on sale Saturday, April 28 at 10:00 AM ET.
The first national tour of Hello, Dolly! kicks off October 2, 2018 in the Connor Palace at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio, starring Tony Award-winning legend Betty Buckley.
Mark Robinson is the author of the two-volume encyclopedia The World of Musicals and maintains a theater and entertainment blog at markrobinsonwrites.com.