Bette Midler will return to the Broadway musical “Hello, Dolly!” this summer for the Tony-winning show’s final production run at New York City’s Shubert Theatre.
Producer Scott Rudin made the announcement last week on the one-year anniversary of the production. Since Midler’s departure, Bernadette Peters stepped in, but will end her run as previously scheduled on July 15. Midler will reclaim her spot on July 17 and will take the stage for six weeks until the final curtain call on August 25.
The production officially opened on Broadway in April 2017 and ended up breaking the record for the best first day of ticket sales in Broadway history, as well as records at the Shubert Theatre. Directed by Jerry Zaks and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, “Hello Dolly!” revolves around the main character and matchmaker Dolly Levi, who travels to New York to find a match for Horace Vandergelder, known as an “unmarried half-a-millionaire.”
According to Deadline Hollywood, Midler explained that she is “delighted to return to the scene of one of the greatest experiences of my life.”
“I know the brilliant Bernadette Peters enjoyed her turn as much as I did,” Midler said. “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.”
Alongside Peters, Victor Garber will leave, making room for Tony winners David Hyde Pierce and Gavin Creel, who will return May 8. Pierce described Midler as a “crazy woman” who he can’t wait to reclaim the stage with.
“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,” Garber said.
Peters expressed how she is “forever grateful” that Midler suggested she step into the role of Dolly Levi, claiming “she was right.”
“We both agree it is an amazing, joyful journey for us and the audience,” Peters said. “And now I will hand the red dress back to my friend, the magnificent Bette Midler.”
Tickets for Midler’s return go on sale Saturday, April 28 at 10 a.m.
Visit Ticket Club to find tickets to the final run of “Hello, Dolly!” through August.
