Bootleg Betty
Bette Midler Slays In Hello Dolly!
By Mister D
August 28, 2024
Bette Midler’s performance in “Hello, Dolly!” was spectacular! Let’s dive into the world of this iconic musical.
“Hello, Dolly!” and Bette Midler: A Match Made in Broadway Heaven
The Divine Miss M Takes the Stage: Bette Midler headlined the 2017 Broadway revival of “Hello, Dolly!” in the titular role of Dolly Gallagher Levi. It was her first time leading a Broadway musical, and she made an impression! Her voice remained as strong as ever, and she effortlessly switched between high-energy showstoppers and poignant moments that tugged at the audience’s heartstrings.
The Thirst for Life: What made Bette’s portrayal so memorable was her intuitive understanding of Dolly’s character. Dolly is a matchmaker, a meddler, and a woman with an insatiable thirst for life. She’s both comic and desperate, and Bette captured all those nuances beautifully. Her performance left the crowd eating out of her hand, and rightly so! Ethel Merman would have been proud of those pipes and that sly puss wit.
Standing Ovations and Final Run: The applause was thunderous when Bette Midler returned to “Hello, Dolly!” for its final production run at New York City’s Shubert Theatre. Fans knew they were witnessing something special. Producer Scott Rudin announced this on the production’s first anniversary, and it was a fitting tribute to the magic Bette brought to the stage.
If you’d like to catch a glimpse of Bette Midler in action, some delightful videos are available. For instance, you can watch her perform the iconic “Hello, Dolly!” on YouTube. It’s a joyful celebration of Dolly’s return to the social scene of New York, and Bette’s charisma shines through.
