Bette Midler Confirms Broadway Return in HELLO DOLLY — Page 12

slow_the_rain said: "I mostly lurk and pop up with occasional information, so I'm sure you all think I'm oh so reliable...lol

Can confirm from people close to the production: The alternate/standby is cast. It's not Carol Channing. And Bette will be doing 7 a week, the standby gets one matinee and will obviously cover in the event of Midler's absence. "



Is it me or is it just irritating when someone "close to the production" (note the quotation marks) comes on here to claim they have information regarding some bit information relevant to the topic at hand and then promptly doesn't reveal the information?!?!

I saw this happen on another thread. I believe one of the countless "Hamilton" threads that have permeated these boards as of late. Some poster wrote that they were "in the know" about something and then - - - nothing.

Why even post anything at all?

It's so pointless.

Well, the poster gave 2 pieces of information more than we had before, or 3 actually ( 1) Bette isn't doing 8 shows a week, 2) She will "only" skip one matinee, 3) the alternate is NOT Carol Channing. Obviously they wouldn't be allowed to just make the announcement who the alternate is before there is a press release

Now, I don't know what "close to the production" means, and it's up to anyone whether they believe it or not, but I didn't find the post useless.

There's another Hamilton thread where 2 people are saying they "know something " about this Wednesday's performance, but no further info.

The only surprising information from the Hello Dolly news is that there will be a performance with an alternate. I just figured they would have a 7 show week, with a standby just in case. Who will go to the non-Bette matinee?

gypsy101 said: "someone that loves the show and doesn't care if they see Bette? or someone that doesn't like Bette



Whaaaat! JK. I know they're out there.

Kad said: "Yes, the 95-year-old woman who can scarcely stand on her own anymore will be performing the leading role of a musical twice weekly. Thanks for breaking that news, Cindy.



"

Agreed. I saw Carol two weeks ago and she isn't very mobile without assistance. So for Playbill to publish this nonsense is a disgrace, and a tad insulting.

Theater Nerd, I'm from Germany and in my late 20s. The only reason I know about Bette is because I'm obsessed with Broadway. I don't watch a lot of movies, especially older one... My mum for example is a very average theater goes (maybe twice a year in Germany, every couple years with me in London). I'm pretty sure she doesn't know Bettes name, even if she's seen her in movies or heard her music. On top of that she doesn't ever care who is in a show. She doesn't care about actors, or seeing a show for actors. She goes to see shows she will like for the show.

My dad is the same. I think there are many people like her out there, especially among those "international tourists" who come to New York not for Broadway, but to visit the city and see 1-2 shows while they are there, i.e. those who aren't necessarily theater fans. That's who I was referring too.

If the alternate happens to be well known (think Donna in The Visit) I look forward to seeing both!

I've tried to keep pretty close tabs on this thread from the beginning and don't remember anyone with this idea. I'm not going to go back through and check. Apologies if I'm not being original but.....



I thought of the perfect one-show-a-week dolly. Dame Edna. He/she could probably be convinced. But how to play it? Maybe not.

The alternate is a well known Broadway actress. I'm torn between who I want to see, truthfully. Cannot reveal who it is, even in PMs, as a friend's job could be put at risk. I've known about Creel since late January, and Baldwin as soon as she was cast, but the alternate's identity has somehow been kept an incredibly well guarded secret. Sorry to disappoint!

Of course, I dream that it would be Bernadette Peters. But I don't know if she has the ego to do it. I'm guessing it will be a hard working broadway actress who might not necessarily be a 'star' and sell tickets but who they can rely on to show up and give an excellent performance (e.g., Marin Mazzie-type person).

Now I can't stop thinking of all the Broadway actresses I'd love to see in the role. Donna Murphy is the first to come to mind!

There is not a chance it's Bernadette. I'd love to see it go to someone like Beth Leavel- she needs to be back on Broadway in a great part again.

We are hearing that Miss Channing's appearance will involve the use of holograms.