Betty Buckley will take on the role of Dolly Gallagher Levi in the upcoming national tour.
The first national tour will begin Oct. 2, 2018 at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio.
“When I saw the new Broadway production starring the divine Bette Midler, I literally wept with happiness. It was one of the most joyful productions I have ever witnessed in the musical theater! I am delighted and honored to be added to the list of the wonderful actress/singers who have played the role. I can’t wait to hit the road and bring this happy show to all of America!” Buckley said in a statement.
Buckley, a Tony Award winner for her role in “Cats,” adds on to long list of prior Dolly’s including Carol Channing, Pearl Bailey, Phyllis Diller, Betty Grable, Martha Raye, Ginger Rogers, Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, on the West End and Bette Midler and Donna Murphy in the Broadway production. Bernadette Peters is currently playing the role on Broadway.
The show is directed by Jerry Zaks and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, with Scott Rudin as the lead producer.
Additional tour dates and cities will be announced at a later date .
