Here’s the scoop: Broadway fans, listen up! Is it true that Bette Midler is taking a step back from 'Hello, Dolly!'? Well, yes and no. While Bette Midler continues to shine as Dolly Gallagher Levi in the hit Broadway revival, she's started sharing the spotlight with another incredible talent, Tony-winning actress Donna Murphy. Starting from last Tuesday, June 13, Donna will take over Bette’s role for specific performances, including every Tuesday evening.
Hello, Dolly! has been lighting up the Broadway stage, and Bette Midler has been nothing short of spectacular in her role. However, life happens, and Bette has decided to take some nights off. This means that starting June 13, Donna Murphy will step into the spotlight for certain performances. According to Broadway.com, Donna will also take over from June 27 to July 2, July 5 to July 9, July 30 (Sunday evening), September 6 to September 10, October 15 (Sunday evening), October 30 (Monday evening), November 1 to 5, November 24 (Friday matinee), and January 7 (Sunday evening). It’s quite the schedule, but Broadway fans are thrilled to see two powerhouse actresses bring their unique energy to the role.
Now, you might remember that this news about Bette’s planned absences was announced back in October. But when she didn’t appear in the show last night, fans couldn’t help but worry. Let’s rewind a bit. When the news first broke, Donna Murphy — who has delivered unforgettable performances in Passion and The King and I — was over the moon about the opportunity. She knew it was a perfect fit for her current stage of life.
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“This role is absolutely ideal for me right now,” Donna shared with the Huffington Post. “It allows me to balance my priorities — my daughter and my career. And how amazing is it to return to the theater, which feels like home to me, after all these years? I’ve missed it so much! I’m incredibly excited about every aspect of this role. I’m not saying I’ll never do eight-show weeks again, but I want to ensure it’s the right time for both me and my family.”
For those of you who may have missed it, Bette recently took home the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her role in Hello, Dolly! on June 11. Her acceptance speech was unforgettable, to say the least. When the music started playing to signal the end of her time on stage, Bette wasn’t having it. She boldly told them to “shut that crap off!” Classic Bette. We just love her style, don’t we?
Donna Murphy: Stepping Into the Spotlight

Here’s Donna Murphy back in 2015, looking as radiant as ever.
Donna Murphy is no stranger to Broadway, and her addition to the cast of Hello, Dolly! is being celebrated by fans and critics alike. Her ability to seamlessly step into such an iconic role is a testament to her incredible talent and dedication to her craft. With Bette Midler’s blessing, Donna is ready to bring her own flair to the character of Dolly Gallagher Levi.
Bette Midler: A Legend in Her Own Right
Let’s not forget the woman who started it all. Bette Midler has been a force to be reckoned with since the beginning. Her portrayal of Dolly Gallagher Levi has been nothing short of iconic, earning her well-deserved praise and accolades. Even as she takes a step back for a few performances, her influence and legacy continue to shine brightly on the Broadway stage.
More From Closer Weekly
While we’re talking about Broadway, let’s take a moment to check out some other exciting developments in the world of theater. Danny DeVito recently opened up about his experience starring in The Price on Broadway. It’s always fascinating to hear about the behind-the-scenes stories of these legendary performers.
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And how about this? Elton John is scoring a musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada. Can you imagine the magic he’ll bring to the stage? It’s going to be a showstopper, for sure.
Lastly, if you’re a fan of behind-the-scenes drama, you might want to hear about why Katie Holmes left The Dark Knight back in the early 2000s. Sometimes, the stories behind the movies are just as captivating as the films themselves.


