How Many Dollys?

[Cat Guy]

Posted: 2/24/18 at 10:39pm

Which ladies (and gentlemen) have you seen perform the role of Dolly Levi?

My first Dolly was the wonderful Dora Bryan (London, 1967).  Then Bette; and soon Bernadette; and next year Betty.  Not to forget Barbra, of course.  

I should add Shirley Booth's "The Matchmaker".

 

Updated On: 2/24/18 at 10:39 PM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/25/18 at 5:07pm

As of this past Wednesday, I have seen HELLO, DOLLY! 85 times since January 16, 1964.

In the title role, I have seen: Carol Channing, Ginger Rogers, Martha Raye, Betty Grable, Bibi Osterwald, Pearl Bailey, Thelma Carpenter, Phyllis Diller, Ethel Merman, Bette Midler, Donna Murphy and Bernadette Peters.

Updated On: 2/25/18 at 05:07 PM

[Willy Loman2]

Posted: 2/26/18 at 11:51pm

I have seen: Ginger Rogers (my first and favorite), Dorothy Lamour, Martha Raye, Pearl Bailey, Madeline Kahn, Carol Channing, Nell Carter, Yvonne DeCarlo and I'm seeing Bernadette next month (can't wait!!)

[Willy Loman2]

Posted: 2/26/18 at 11:52pm

How was Phyllis?

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 2/27/18 at 12:00am

Dollypop and Willy Loman2, can I just say I’m in awe and quite a bit jealous of your vast years as theatre patrons. Simply in awe. I’ve only seen Hello, Dolly! with Bette and Bernadette and quite grateful for that. Theatre patrons are not always going to agree as evidenced daily (if not hourly) on these boards. But so many people with a rich Broadway history are on these boards and I’m grateful for that.

[EthelMae]

Posted: 2/27/18 at 12:08am

So agree with you miles2go2!

Have seen Carol Channing in one of her Broadway revivals, Ethel Merman- 4 times-she closed the Broadway company in 1970, now Bette and Donna Murphy. Bernadette is next!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/27/18 at 12:10am

Willy Loman2 said: "How was Phyllis?"

 

She was quite good. She could carry a tune and all of her laugh lines hit their marks. I only saw her once, though. ( She wasn't in it all that long)