Pudding Picks Midler

Bette Midler has been selected as Hasty Pudding Theatrical's Woman of the Year for 1976, Richard W. Palmer '77, publicity manager for the group, said yesterday.

The award is given annually to the female performer the Pudding believes has made the greatest contribution to the arts during the last year, Palmer said.

Sources also say that the Pudding's Man of the Year will be Ryan O'Neal.

Midler's selection is especially appropriate, Palmer said, because "her bawdy and freewheeling style of performance is very close to the Pudding style."

The Pudding will honor Midler with a parade through Harvard Square on Tuesday, February 17.