Well, hello, Bette!
Bette Midler is set to star in a revival of Hello, Dolly! set for Broadway in 2017.
The musical about scheming matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi will be produced by Scott Rudin and directed by veteran stage directory Jerry Zaks. Previews begin March 13, 2017, and the program will officially open April 20.
Jerry Herman, who wrote the 1964 hit starring Carol Channing, said in the announcement:
"Many times through the years I've been asked about bringing back Hello, Dolly! and it has always been, 'Who would be my dream Dolly? And though I've had literally dozens of names tossed at me, I knew that we needed more than just a wonderful singer or a wonderful actor, so I held on to the hope that she would also be a distinctly original persona. Who is out there that has the necessary stature, warmth, the incredible talent and ability, and especially the singular, outsized personality that I was looking for in a 21st century Dolly? Only one person: Bette Midler. Only Bette could bring Dolly brilliantly back to 'the lights of 14th Street!'"
Carol Channing reprised the role on Broadway in 1994, the year of the show's 30th anniversary. Barbra Streisand starred in the 1969 movie version.
This is a unique opportunity for Midler as she will be guided by veteran stage director Jerry Zaks.
Midler appeared on Broadway in 2013's I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers, playing the title role of the '70s Hollywood power agent.
While you wait for 2017, get a taste of Bette Midler below:
