Bette Midler's Secret to Starring on Broadway in Hello, Dolly!: Meeting Other Human Beings

Bette Midler is no stranger to selling out stadiums and Vegas residencies, but now she’s ready to bring the crowds to 44th Street. The Oscar nominee is prepping for her return to Broadway in Hello, Dolly!, and it’s a much different experience than her usual gigs.

“I’m the boss when I do my own shows,” the Divine Miss M told Time in a recent interview. “Now, I’m an employee; I’ve been hired, so it’s up to me to bring what I can. But I’m terrified that I’m going to turn around and say, ‘What are all these people doing on my stage?’”

You may be sharing the stage with a host of Broadway names, Bette, but don’t worry: that spotlight on the grand staircase is all yours (and Donna Murphy’s at select performances).

A classic Broadway musical is a different vehicle than a concert, but Midler, ever the people person, is up for the challenge: “It’s a change of pace, but I think I’m up to it. I’ve met human beings before, so I think I’ll be fine.”

Hello, Dolly! begins performances on March 15, 2017 at the Shubert Theatre, where it will open officially on April 20.