Bette Midler Confirms Broadway Return in HELLO DOLLY

[Theater_Nerd]

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.

 

 

 

 

[DrMike]

Jordan Catalano said: "In other news, Liza is joining Cirque du Soleil!

I think this deserves its own thread!  The possibility is endless

"

 

[_IrisTInkerbell]

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.

[gypsy101]

theater_nerd, that person told us that someone currently on Broadway would be replacing Leslie Odom, Jr. they were technically correct, although they never did give us any more clues like they said they would (maybe because the second reply included the correct actor).

[smidge]

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]

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

[smidge]

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.

 

[_IrisTInkerbell]

There probably also a lot of international tourists out there who don't know who Bette Midler is, or don't care.

[Neon20]

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]

_IrisTInkerbell said: "There probably also a lot of international tourists out there who don't know who Bette Midler is, or don't care.


I seriously doubt this. Bette Midler has a career that spans 5 decades. She has starred in numerous box office hits that were released on an international level and has had hit records in many countries outside of the U.S.

There may be some who don't care for her but have never heard of her? I don't think there are many who won't know who she is - - - especially if they love anything having to do with theater, music, television or film unless they are of a certain age, and even then I doubt it.

[_IrisTInkerbell]

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.

[Princeton2]

Im one of them. Obviously i know who she is and know her career. Dont mind her but id happily see an alternate as i can take or leave bette and just would like to see a big budget revival. Especially if the alternate shows are priced cheaper than the bette shows

[qolbinau]

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

[smidge]

Princeton2 said: "Im one of them. Obviously i know who she is and know her career. Dont mind her but id happily see an alternate as i can take or leave bette and just would like to see a big budget revival. Especially if the alternate shows are priced cheaper than the bette shows

 

That's a very good point. If they offer lower priced seats for the alternate's performances, that would definitely bring in an audience for those dates

 

[Comden Green]

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.   

[AnnieBlack]

When do we think that tickets will be going on sale for this? Do we think they are waiting until Matilda closes (which seems unlikely) or the fall preview issues of the NYTimes (which I know Scott Rudin does love to take full page ads in)

[slow_the_rain]

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! 

[gypsy101]

huh, I didn't know that Creel and Baldwin had been confirmed. that's fun to know.

[qolbinau]

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).

[Cupid Boy2]

_IrisTInkerbell said: "There probably also a lot of international tourists out there who don't know who Bette Midler is, or don't care."

And they aren't the target demographic for this production. Take a look at the grosses for I'll Eat You Last, a show that was met with trepidation by both the critics and nominators alike. It sold incredibly well.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/grosses/I-LL-EAT-YOU-LASTA-CHAT-WITH-SUE-MENGERS

Needless to say, because this show is a musical, it's going to sell even better. They don't need the international tourists in the way Phantom and Chicago do.

 

[bwayboy22]

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!

[ljay889]

Cupid boy is 100% correct. She is a massive draw. I can't imagine they are worrying about the pursuance of international tourists! 

[wonderfulwizard11]

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. 

[qolbinau]

I'd love Donna Murphy!!!

[Broadwayhunk]

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

[mar97]

My guess for Bette Midler's alternate is Debra Monk.