Bette Midler accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role in a musical for “Hello, Dolly!” at the 71st annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 11, 2017, in New York. AP
The Divine Miss M has won her second Tony Award for a celebrated revival of “Hello, Dolly!”
Bette Midler won the best actress in a musical trophy for playing as matchmaker and schemer Dolly Levi, who receives her toughest challenge yet when a rich grump seeks a suitable wife.
The Grammy- and Emmy Award-winner has already won a Tony — the 1974 Special Tony Award — for “for adding luster to the Broadway season” during a concert stand at the Palace Theatre.
Midler has been wowing audiences in the show, which features the songs “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” ”Before the Parade Passes By” and “So Long Dearie.” She stepped into the role previously performed by Ethel Merman, Ginger Rogers, Barbra Streisand and, of course, Carol Channing.
Midler, the prohibitive favorite, beat out Eva Noblezada, Christine Ebersole, Patti LuPone and Denee Benton.