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Bette Midler Cast as Lead in ‘Hello Dolly’ 2017 Broadway Revival Directed By Jerry Zaks

Hello Dolly is coming back to Broadway and I think we can all agree that we want to see her never go away again. Bette Midler will be stepping into the shoes of the famous matchmaker originated by the incomparable Carol Channing in the Original Broadway 1964 run. Directed by Tony winner Jerry Zaks, Dolly will return to the Great White Way in the spring of 2017.

Bette Midler released a statement about the casting, as Playbill reports:

"I am looking forward to portraying one of the most beloved characters in all of American Musical Comedy, Dolly Levi, born Gallagher, in Hello, Dolly! I know I'm going to have the time of my life, and I am so glad to be under the wings of Scott Rudin as Producer and Jerry Zaks as Director. See you next year!"

Hello Dolly composer and lyricist Jerry Herman also commented on the reviel, adding:

"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!'"

Hello Dolly will start previews on March 13, 2017, and is set to open April 20 2017.

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