Bette Midler, still doing previews leading to her formal premiere of “Hello, Dolly” Thursday at the Shubert Theatre, already has won an award for her return to Broadway.
The Hawaii-born superstar, who will play the Dolly Gallagher Levi role originated by Carol Channing, is creating a new Dolly for the current generation of Great White Way fans. She was just named winner of the Drama League’s Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre Award, with ceremonies set for May 19 at the Marriott Marquis at Times Square.
Midler joins an elite circle of previous winners including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Chita Rivera, Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Lane, Audra McDonald, Hugh Jackman, Patti LuPone, Glenn Close and Harvey Fierstein.
Midler made her Broadway debut in 1967 portraying Tzeitel in “Fiddler on the Roof.” While her storied career includes sizzling and saucy concert productions on Broadway, Jerry Herman’s “Dolly” revival puts her back where she belongs: centerstage. Midler likely will be a Tony Award nominee in June.
The Drama League also will unveil its 2017 nominees for achievement this season Wednesday at Sardi’s. …
KOKUA TIME
Alvin Fejarang, an original member of the band Kalapana, has been diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer, according to daughter Lauren Fejarang. Because of anticipated medical bills for treatment at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Swedish Medical Institute, the family has launched a GoFundMe account that has given the former entertainer an emotional lift. Fejarang had been residing in Mililani for five years, doing gigs with several bands; a 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award to Kalapana from the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts “was an amazing moment in my father’s life,” Lauren said. …
NAME-DROPPING
Maui publicist Bonnie Friedman emailed, with photographic evidence, that she spotted actor-director Woody Allen and wife Soon-Yi Previn checking out the Whitney Museum’s biennial exhibit in New York. As huge a sight-’em as it gets in the Big Apple. …
Ever since word went viral that President Barack Obama dined at Noi Thai Cuisine at the Royal Hawaiian Center, patrons have been swarming the restaurant curious about what the vacationer-in-chief ate. Restaurant g.m. Ying Rosawan said he was shocked at the response. …
Duane “Dog” Chapman and wife Beth sampled the wonuts — a crispy waffle doughnut dipped in semisweet chocolate ganache and sprinkled with powdered sugar — at the new TR Fire Grill in the old Chili’s spot on Kuhio Avenue in the new Hilton Garden Inn. The couple gave the signature snack a thumbs up. And folks are noticing Beth’s leaner profile lately — the result of hikes up Koko Head. …
LASTING POWER
Hy’s Steak House is Hawaii’s most iconic restaurant, according to a recent thrillist.com survey. The site listed one eatery in each state and the District of Columbia with the criteria being it has to have been in operation for at least 30 years (Hy’s has been at it for 40) and it remains a respectable player today. The see-through grilling station, and tableside Caesar salads are part of the Hy-lights; Audy Kimura’s serenades are a bonus. …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran Honolulu entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or email wayneharada@gmail.com.
