“The people’s goddess is here tonight!” exulted Bette Midler as she moved across the stage in her distinctive part-wiggle, part-strut. “Here to uplift like a boob job for your soul!” Midler is one of those rare creatures who can act, write, sing, dance, tell jokes and generally hold any audience in the palm of her hand. A star.
Backed up by a tight band and a trio of sassy fringe-clad backup dancers, Midler delivered the full gamut. Highlights included an over-the-top rendition of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You” in Winnie from Hocus Pocus drag and a surprising rendition of Leonard Cohen’s pessimistic protest song “Everybody Knows.” One thing we didn’t get was mermaid-in-a-wheelchair Delores DeLago, who was represented by a touching memorial tribute video.
