Next for Bette Midler?

As Ms. Midler is only six weeks away from wrapping her performances with Hello, Dolly. Any thoughts on what would be next for her? I know she's said before that after long runs and tours she likes to take a six month break or so.

Personally, I would love to see her tour again. As well, one can only hope that they've filmed her performance for BroadwayHD or PBS or DVD. Such an enjoyable performance.



But other than that... A film? A new Album? Tour? Thoughts?

Clearly, she's tired and needs a rest. After seeing the show over the holiday weekend, it feels like she's doing what she did during her Vegas run: Coasting until the contract is up.

Sure, the audience goes nuts for her name, but it's Donna Murphy who's giving the real performance as Dolly Levi.

Theatrefanboy1 said: "As well, one can only hope that they've filmed her performance for BroadwayHD or PBS or DVD. Such an enjoyable performance."

I keep hoping the week off between Bette and Bernadette is to record Bette in the role for distribution.

Next for Bette Midler? A nice glass of wine and a spa day along with all the naps in the world. Playing Dolly Levi for 10 months is A LOT.

BuddyStarr said: "I would agree. having seen the show a week before it opened, Bette was already tired and vocally strained."

Weird, doing rehearsals during the day and performing at night affected her energy and voice?! Who'd've thought?

There is a Donna video available and circulating.

poisonivy2 said: "There is a Donna video available and circulating."

There are TWO Donna videos available and circulating.

I wouldn't be shocked to see her come back at some point for a short run.

I'd say she deserves a nice long rest. Perhaps she will become more involved in social causes including her love of urban greenery.

There are actually 2 Bette's and 3 Donna bootlegs floating around. And I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't the last time you see Bette's Dolly. But definitely the last time on Broadway. And as far as the one is better than the other thing... What a bunch of morons.

nealb1 said: "That's too bad you felt that way, BenjaminNicholas2. One of my nearest & dearest friends, who posts on here all the time, just saw Bette 2 weeks ago again, and she said was fantastic - as she has been since the show opened."

I agree with Benjamin. Murphy gave a great performance; Midler walked through the performance I saw...was funny and warm, but went through the motions in the actual musical numbers IMO. I was hugely disappointed, since I have been a fan since I don't know when, and have loved her in everything...until Dolly. Because I know she could have been a lot better than the performance I saw.

Jarethan said: "nealb1 said: "That's too bad you felt that way, BenjaminNicholas2. One of my nearest & dearest friends, who posts on here all the time, just saw Bette 2 weeks ago again, and she said was fantastic - as she has been since the show opened."

I agree with Benjamin. Murphy gave a great performance; Midler walked through the performance I saw...was funny and warm, but went through the motions in the actual musical numbers IMO. I was hugely disappointed, since I have been a fan since I don't know when, and have loved her in everything...until Dolly. Because I know she could have been a lot better than the performance I saw.

"

Another pissing contest on BWW? I have now seen Bette numerous times and not once has she walked through the show. Actually she is better and better every time. I have seen Donna and she was wonderful as well but it wasn't the same magical experience. Ahh.. live theater.. different strokes for different folk.

I don't blame those that felt disappointed. Especially embarrassing for Bette when both Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole were running circles around her just a few blocks away. Bernadette Peters is waiting in the wings to impress, though.



* I wasn’t personally disappointed. Maybe the vocals but my expectations were managed early on.

Updated On: 11/29/17 at 02:37 AM