Yeah, I really reject the theory that people flocked to see Midler because it was their last chance to do so. The play she did at the Booth didn’t bring folks in. But put a beloved star in a first-class revival of a beloved show? People are gonna (and did) fly in.
I think only the theatre-obsessed are gonna fly in to see Patti. Her fan base isn’t anywhere near Midler’s or Jackman’s, but they ARE passionate. I think they want to see her yell at someone as much as perform.
That said, I would never recommend flying in for Audra because chances are good that you’ll get her understudy.
