Bette Midler Confirms Broadway Return in HELLO DOLLY

[lucillefrank]

I've just been told that Kate Baldwin is absolutely playing Irene. That's perfect casting.

[CindersGolightly]

Oh, no way!!! Flawless. Wonder who her Minnie will be!

[10086sunset]

Really like this Baldwin news.

[QueenAlice]

A friend shared that word on the street is that Midler is only going to do 5 performances a week, and that they are looking for a 'name' of some kind to do the other 3.   If this proves true, It will be interesting to see who they get.  I wonder if there are some fairly large Broadway names who would consider it. Perhaps doing 3 shows a week might be appealing for someone who, say, has a lot of concert commitments.

[givesmevoice]

Kate Baldwin will be a superb Irene, and absolutely deserves the kind of attention starring opposite Bette Midler will bring. She works so steadily in regional theater, but gets overlooked for soprano parts on Broadway too frequently.

[10086sunset]

QueenAlice said: "A friend shared that word on the street is that Midler is only going to do 5 performances a week, and that they are looking for a 'name' of some kind to do the other 3.   If this proves true, It will be interesting to see who they get.  I wonder if there are some fairly large Broadway names who would consider it. Perhaps doing 3 shows a week might be appealing for someone who, say, has a lot of concert commitments.

 

"

Carol Channing would be game. She still has the costumes so it's a win-win.

[QueenAlice]

Unfortunately, all the men old enough to play Horace opposite Channing are dead.

[bwayboy22]

I can't imagine any truly big broadway stars would want to do this, however I can see some other big names wanting to do it, but I doubt they'd be interesting to the general population. 

Could it possibly be another New York based celebrity who might want to try dipping their toes into Broadway before making a full leap into it?

[givesmevoice]

Donna McKechnie was willing to stand by for Chita Rivera in The Visit, with no guarantee she would ever go on. I hope she would jump at the chance to do 3 shows a week as Dolly.

[QueenAlice]

The part of me that says Broadway Divas likely have too much ego to 'share' a leading role on Broadway agrees, but, who knows, perhaps I'm wrong.  People aren't exactly banging down Patti LuPone and Bernadette Peters' doors with offers to star on Broadway, and these ladies (just as an example) are 70 years old themselves. Collecting a hefty paycheck to only have to do that grueling performance 3 shows a week might be appealing at this point in their careers.

I could also see them going with someone like Kathi Lee Gifford - a TV personality with name ecognition but not a big enough name to headline a full revival by herself.

 

 

[henrikegerman]

MIght it be a series of big stars taking over the extra performances, each with a very short stint?  How much fun would that be if - big if - it were feasible

[ACL2006]

5 shows a week only?? Would that diminish her Tony chances?? I think 6 shows a week would be better if she wants a Tony & for ticket sales. And I'd be perfectly ok with McKechnie as the Dolly alternate

[givesmevoice]

QueenAlice said: "The part of me that says Broadway Divas likely have too much ego to 'share' a leading role on Broadway agrees, but, who knows, perhaps I'm wrong.  People aren't exactly banging down Patti LuPone and Bernadette Peters' doors with offers to star on Broadway, and these ladies (just as an example) are 70 years old themselves. Collecting a hefty paycheck to only have to do that grueling performance 3 shows a week might be appealing at this point in their careers.

I could also see them going with someone like Kathi Lee Gifford - a TV personality with name ecognition but not a big enough name to headline a full revival by herself."

I know it's not Broadway, but did you miss the announcement that Patti LuPone is originating a new musical in Chicago this summer? LuPone's career is probably at its best and busiest right now.

[Jshan05]

lucillefrank said: "I've just been told that Kate Baldwin is absolutely playing Irene. That's perfect casting."

 

THIS. IS. AMAZING. Baldwin is a terrific casting choice in my opinion!

[QueenAlice]

I think there might be some initial negative PR from her only doing 5 shows a week, but you know what, she's a big star and at this point in her career doesn't have to do Broadway at all if she doesn't want to; I don't think it would really diminish her Tony chances.

 

 

[Valentina3]

How about... Phillipa Soo and Irene and Steven Pasquale as Cornelius? *sparks*

 

Update - just noticed the Kate Baldwin news. Never mind, haha. I'd still cast Steven if Robber Bridegroom is not coming to Bway (which we haven't heard anything about).

[QueenAlice]

Phillipa Soo reportedly turned down the chance to do COMET on Broadway; I have a feeling we're going to lose her soon to the world of television.

[madbrian]

I think Cornelius needs to be younger than many of the suggestions.  Maybe Grant Gustin, though he may be a little too young.

[carolineorchange21]

My friends and I have been playing the B-list Dolly game for awhile now, to no satisfying results.

 

I think Susan Lucci would be a spectacular 3-a-week Dolly. She's theater trained, age appropriate, a big enough name, and the matinee ladies would be head-over-heels to see Erica Kane in person.

 

I'm aware that that her show has been off the air for a few years, but she's a pop-culture icon, if only for the Emmy thing. And she's played B-Way previously.

 

I actually doubt Bette is only doing 5 a week. Maybe skipping matinees but that's her prerogative, if the producers wish to extend it.

 

I'm sort of excited to see what path the show takes in casting a matinee Dolly, if this turns out to be accurate. Hmm? The possibilities?

 

[little_sally]

I am stuck on the idea of Josh Grisetti as Cornelius. He'd be perfect.

[broadwaymarty]

I I think the Shubert would be perfect, my guess is that Bette would like to play the Shubert, also I think Kelsey Grammer would be great.

[Stage Door Sally]

My Dolly Dreamcast:

 
Dolly: The Divine Miss M
Horace: Tony Sheldon
Irene Malloy: Laura Benanti
Cornelius: Wesley Taylor
Barnaby: Nicholas Barasch

 
Not sure about Minnie Fay, needs to be someone young with lightning comedic timing who can dance her socks off. 

 

[Valentina3]

Barbra is doing the other 3 shows every week.

[somethingwicked]

Phillipa Soo reportedly turned down the chance to do COMET on Broadway; I have a feeling we're going to lose her soon to the world of television.

She did not turn down COMET on Broadway. She wasn't asked to take part in the transfer.

[Claudia Draper]

"money, pardon the expression, is like manure, you need to spread it around to watch Bette's bank acct. grow"

[Ranger Tom]

Is Zaks still doing this?  If so, then I'm betting on Nathan Lane to do the three shows when Bette's resting.