Bette Midler Confirms Broadway Return in HELLO DOLLY — Page 24

Well after six Tony awards, Audra also doesn't really have much left to prove does she? It would be a fun gig for a star who doesn't want to show up 8 shows a week and carry that burden. I'm not saying I think it is Audra, but she seems pretty down to earth to me and not above taking this kind of gig if she thought it would be fun to be involved and it worked with her home life (if I just had a baby I would love to have one night off a week- please!). And if she were making some percentage of the box office for her performance that's A really nice paycheck for a few hours work that doesn't require hopping on a plane. But I digress. It's probably not her

I actually always think it's funny when people on these boards assume these big stars "wouldn't" consider replacing. Years ago people always said that about Bernadette Peters and Patti LuPone, and of course Bernadette replaced in NIGHT MUSIC, and Patti has gone on record as saying she would've also been happy to step in for that show. We've also seen people like Liza Minnelli step in for Julie Andrews and Gwen Verdon. It's not unprecedented.

Updated On: 9/19/16 at 09:47 PM

If not Whoopi, is there any chance it could be Queen Latifah? If I'm recalling correctly, she has interest in doing live theatre but just not 8 times a week, and her name has come up in the past as a possibility for headlining a revival of Dolly - this could be the perfect opportunity to dip her toes.

Updated On: 9/19/16 at 10:25 PM

I'd love to see Kate Baldwin step up and play Dolly when Bette is out. She would kill it.

Whoopi can carry a tune. I posted an audio of her in Sister Act earlier in this thread. She can sing in tune, but her range is extremely limited. I don't think she'd have a problem with the score.

BroadwayConcierge said: "I haven't chimed in yet on the Audra proposal. I think it's hilarious that so many people are dead certain that the record-setting six-time Tony winner would ever possibly decide to pop in to be an alternate/standby for any show, even of this magnitude."



I agree that Audra is an unlikely choice, however it's not as preposterous as you're making it out to be. We have no clue what her future plans are and how much she'll be looking to do less than a year out from another pregnancy. She might want the flexibility and freedom an arrangement like this one provides to have more time with the baby while still bringing home a paycheck. Or maybe not. We'll just have to see.

I find the idea, at least, of Bernadette seemingly less likely than someone like Audra, only because she does so many concert bookings around the country, But sure, she would be wonderful in the role if she wanted to stay planted in the city.

Updated On: 9/20/16 at 09:49 AM

Well right now, they currently are not selling Sunday's during Previews and Tuesday's after opening. We see surmising those are the dates an alternate would step in. I had heard way back that Midler was only going to do six shows a week but from what they are selling now at least it looks like she is planning to do 7 shows.

nasty_khakis said: "I think it would be really shady (but not unheard of) for them to put tickets on sale, sale out almost instantly for months and THEN a month later say "Oh, Bette's not doing Sunday matinees (or whatever performance)."

"

I know Lin Manuel Miranda is not Bette Midler, but, they did that with Hamilton. Released months of tickets and THEN announced he wouldn't be doing Sunday matinees. I was pretty crushed I missed him but, Javi was of course wonderful.

I know it's all speculation about Audra but if she is in fact Bette's alternate, I'd definitely buy a ticket to see her!

somechrysanthemumtea said: "Michael Musto wrote in his column that he's heard the matinee Dolly is Bernadette Peters, does anyone think that's possible? "


Since there is no such thing as a "matinee Dolly" (Bette is currently scheduled to do them), I would take that rumor with a huge grain of salt.

Got my ticket yesterday (for next September!) Glad I waited a couple days, as was able to score several rows closer than what was available over the weekend.

Updated On: 9/20/16 at 02:54 PM

As long as she promises not to cry.

A few days ago I pm'd someone in this thread who appeared to know who the alternate was and asked whether it was Bernadette (pipe dream). There was no reply. Could mean nothing, but could also be confirmation if they don't want to disclose who it is.

Updated On: 9/20/16 at 04:59 PM

I found lots of close seats in my ticket search the day after they went on sale. Unless you want to pay super premium prices (instead of just paying through the nose) I'd get tickets asap, especially if you want to see her towards the beginning of the run.

I still haven't purchased tickets and looked yesterday and today, the closest I've seen have been row M in the orchestra for several dates. Hoping everything closer isn't premium