The news that set the Broadway world on fire came early Jan. 19 when the Divine Miss M and producer Scott Rudin confirmed that she would be taking on the iconic role of Dolly Gallagher Levi in a revival of Hello, Dolly! The production, which won 10 Tonys when it premiered with Carol Channing in the title role, will bring the lights back to 14th street in 2017, with previews starting March 13, 2017, and the official opening night slated for April 20. Of course, Bette could barely contain her excitement on Twitter:
Yes, I am taking on the role of the beloved Dolly Levi in "Hello, Dolly!". We open next year on Broadway! So excited!
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) January 19, 2016
But Bette wasn’t the only one who was over-the-moon about the announcement. Fans flooded social media with elated messages of joy and congratulations for the Divine Miss M, whose absence has been felt on Broadway since her last show, the 2013’s hit one-woman play I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers. Here’s just a taste:
https://twitter.com/RandyRainbow/status/689461673707470850
I'm trying to contain my excitement for @BetteMidler returning to #Broadway in Hello Dolly. I need tickets now. pic.twitter.com/U34l6XMt1V
— Mark 🦃 (@mdseeley) January 19, 2016
@BetteMidler back on #Broadway! Yes!! #HelloDolly
— Tarik Flannagan (@tflann1234) January 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/expetesso/status/689463858084257793
Amen, everyone! Bette follows in the steps of other greats to take on this role like Channing, Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, and the unforgettable Barbra Streisand, who iconically had the role in the 1969 Gene Kelly-directed film.
Hollywoodlifers, will you be joining me and Bette at Harmonia Gardens in 2017? Sound off on your level of excitement below!