BroadwayGirlNYC: Bring Betty White to Broadway!

She's one of the most beloved entertainers in the world.  She's a legend of television, one of the funniest women of her generation, and is experiencing a renaissance of popularity like none the entertainment industry has ever seen.  She has a hit sitcom, is featured in TV commercials, and recently hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time in her eight+ generation life.  SO WHY HAS Betty White NEVER BEEN ON BROADWAY?

Betty White is the only "Golden Girl" still living - and the only one who has never appeared on Broadway.  Rue McClanahan played seven Broadway roles, first in The Best Laid Plans at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in 1966, and last appearing as Madame Morrible in Wicked just a few years before she passed away.  Bea Arthur, a Broadway stalwart, appeared in ten Broadway shows, most notably playing the famous "bosom buddy" Vera Charles in the long-running hit musical Mame. And Estelle Getty appeared in Torchsong Trilogy in the 1980s at the Little Theatre (now the Helen Hayes). 

She's nearly 90 years old, but at the height of her career.  And I find it tragic that we've never had the opportunity to see her appear on the big stage. So I'm starting a campaign to bring Betty White to Broadway.  Won't you join me?

Earlier this week, I tweeted my intention, using the hashtag #BettyWhiteBway and encouraging others to retweet in support of the cause.  Within just a few hours, over 200 people had tweeted, and in the days since, the number has more than doubled, and support is growing.

If I had my way, I'd love to see a new show written just for Betty's unique humor and talents.  But there are also several roles in which I think she'd be fantastic that have already been created - perhaps meaning we could get her here all that much faster. 

Here are a few off the top of my head, and as contributed by the lovelies I know via twitter:

Berthe in Pippin

Mildred Natwick in 70, Girls, 70

Violet Westin in August, Osage County

Auntie Mame in Mame (as a tribute to her friendship with Bea Arthur, perhaps?)

George's mother in Sunday in the Park with George

The Old Lady in Candide

Big Edie in Grey Gardens

Madame Armfeldt in A Little Night Music

Parthy Ann Hawks in Show Boat

Madame Morrible in Wicked (as a tribute to her friendship with Rue McClanahan?)

Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit

Robbie's Grandmother in The Wedding Singer

Daisy in Driving Miss Daisy

What role to you think Betty White should play on Broadway?

We CAN make this happen.  Be sure to tweet with hashtag #BettyWhiteBway!!!