From Ms. Liz Smith’s Column
NY Post
10-12-03
October 12, 2003 — ‘KISS ’em if they can’t take a joke!” This is a refined paraphrase of Bette Midler’s great philosophical line.
I’m asking – is the Divine Miss M bursting upon us once again like the Hawaiian firecracker she is? Ever since she sang at my birthday party in February at Le Cirque, Bette has been winding up one big professional pitch after another.
She is toiling on a movie in the New York City area with Nicole Kidman, Faith Hill, Glenn Close, Matthew Broderick and Christopher Walken – the remake of “The Stepford Wives.”
She’s set to kick off a national concert tour called “Kiss My Brass,” beginning in Chicago Dec. 9, and lasting for three all-inclusive, all-American months.
She has her New York Restoration Project charity to benefit city parks at her annual Hulaween party at the Marriott Marquis Oct. 29. This is always one of the most hilarious benefit events. It really “gets down,” as they say. So if you want to go, call (212) 685-1095. This year the honorees shown on the invite in their bathing suits are Dr. Richard Levine and his editor-wife, Ellen. They get our Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for being good sports.
Finally, we have “Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook,” which offers lush nostalgic listening. It was produced by Bette’s long-ago partner, Barry Manilow. Bette sings everything from “You’ll Never Know” to “Hey There” to “This Ole House.” She and Barry are wonderful together on “On a Slow Boat to China.” And Bette also harmonizes with Linda Ronstadt on “Sisters.”
Love, love, love Miss Midler, the Divine.
