Bette Midler’s so divine, she’s back in A.C. again
By Scott Cronick
At The Shore
Week of October 8, 2004
2nd Edition
Photo: Julia
If you missed Bette Midler when she came to Boardwalk Hall earlier this year, the brash entertainer gives you a second chance when she returns her “Kiss My Brass Tour” to the Hall Saturday in a Caesars Entertainment production. The Paterson native, who grew up in Hawaii, is one the most recognizable performers in the world.
Since she started as a nightclub act with accompanist Barry Manilow, Midler has
tackled nearly every aspect of the entertainment industry. Her accomplishments include Top 10 music hits (Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,”
“Wind Beneath My Wings”), hit films (“The Rose,” “Beaches,” “Down and
Out in Beverly Hills,” “The First Wives Club,”), Broadway performances, an ill-fated sitcom (“Bette”), and touring stage shows, earning her Grammy’s, Emmys, People’s Choice Awards, Golden Globes and Tony. Only the Oscar eludes her, even though she’s been nominated twice, once for “The Rose,” the other for “For the Boys.”
Recently Midler appeared in the poorly received “The Stepford Wives” and released “Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook” with longtime collaborator Manilow.
The 58-year-old’s “Kiss My Brass” Show features Midler in all her bawdy, comical and musical glory. The huge production features an unbelievable video and light show, elaborate costumes and a huge cast along with Midler’s trademark wit, vocal prowess and even a tribute to Clooney for good measure.
Midler took the time to talk (about) why she still remains a huge draw, some regrets of her past and about her future.
Q: It’s great that you’re coming back to Atlantic City so soon. Will there be any difference in the show this time around?
A: More for us than for the people who come see it. We had to do some reconfiguring of the show because it was too wide, too long, too heavy, and too high, so we had to slim it down. But we also added a couple of songs and took a couple of the other things and tightened them.
We’re trying to fit in “In the Cool Cool Cool of the Evening” off the Rosemary Clooney album, but it’s tough. The show is long already. It’s quite a full evening.
Q: Is it rewarding for you to see that you’re returning to the same markets on the same tour and selling them out again. Not many acts today can get away with that.
A: It’s really great because we worked so hard on this show. There was actually a couple of years putting it all together. People are coming more than once, two or three times, because it’s really a feast for the senses.
Q: Can you tour as long as Cher has on her “Farewell Tour?”
A: Oh no. No way. I actually had a few months off. We finished in March, stopped for a while, and now we’re doing another 30 dates. I feel like I can make it. But it’s a hard show.
Cher’s show is an easier show. She has such a huge catalog of so many hits from the time she was 12. I work differently and I talk a lot. She doesn’t do any of that. She loves her show; she’s been at it so long. I have to tip my hat to her. I don’t think I could do it.
Q: Why do you think you hit the right chords with such a wide audience?
A: I think people relate to the jolly side of me. I think people know I try really hard and I put effort into every night, and some will walk away laughing some might cry. But there are beautiful sounds and lights; there’s a whole experience. It’s not just a catalog show; it’s more than that. I’ve been around a long time, and I manage to draw several generations, and it’s nice to see that.
Q: Do you consider yourself a screen actress or a stage vocalist first?
A: I consider myself an entertainer now. It’s like a second nature to me (now) because I’ve been around so long. It’s what comes around. Every so often, I put my show together and take it on the road with friends and family and whoever.
Q: Is there something you like best?
A: Oh, I like the shows. More than anything, I enjoy creating them. I love meeting with the artists and the craft people. It’s really wonderful to see them work their magic, these artists. There are so many people with tremendous skills. You take all the elements, the writers, the musicians, the costumers and it’s a big creative stew. It’s a lot of fun putting it all together, and then to see people appreciate it is also fantastic.
I am like the actor, producer, director type of person now. (I) have to keep moving. I can’t wait for someone to come get me, because things hardly come anymore. People’s tastes change. But some people’s taste for me hasn’t changed.
Q: Why Rosemary Clooney?
A: It was really Barry (Manilow’s) idea. I never would have done that on my own. I adore her, but I am very timid about tackling something like that. But he was confident and told me people would love it and that she deserves people to pay attention to her again. He was really into it.
I’m passionate about music. But I’m not aggressive with recording. It has always been a struggle for me? I’m not a writer. It takes the wind out of me. It’s hard, hard work, and Barry made it so easy for me. He has everything planned out, and it was so thrilling being in the MGM soundstage where all those great records were made. It was life changing for me. It made me remember how fun it could be
Q: So fun you would like to do another one?
A: I would love to do another one with Barry. He’s the consummate professional. He doesn’t get caught up in the trendiness. He knows what he loves.
I’ve never done my own standards album. I’ve been doing standards since the 60’s, but when it fell out of favor in the rock ‘n’ roll generation, I never made an album of nothing but standards. Everyone else is doing it; I think it’s my turn.
Q: How about your movie career. Do you have anything in the works?
A: I get scripts, but nothing really great. They’re mostly cheesy. I’m waiting for my “Godfather” to show up, and I don’t think that’s going to happen.
Q: What’s the best movie role you turned down?
A: “Misery.” I couldn’t do it because it was so ugly. The viciousness was too much. It’s something I wouldn’t want out to the world. I admire (Oscar winner for the “Misery” role) Kathy Bates, I probably wouldn’t have won the Oscar, but I do kick myself sometimes. But I couldn’t have done it.
Q: Are you getting vocal about the presidential election.
A: I’m trying to be sunny, but there’s no point in lecturing. There’s no reason to being beaten with a stick. I think thoughtful people have done research and come to conclusions. You can make jokes. Everyone can make a joke. But it’s such a serious thing, that all you can do is encourage people to get the facts and vote.
Q: You have a long history with the military and SRO shows. Are you upset about the war in Iraq?
A: I’m terribly upset about it. But everyone is upset about it, no matter what side of the aisle you’re on. The only thing that’s kind of interesting about this election is that more people are watching the debates and engaged with it. It’s a good thing. It’s what our country is all about.
Thanks to Julia for typing this out and sending it to me…..
Love, Mister D
