The Courier Mail
Brassy Bette enjoys being toast of the town
Erica Thompson
06apr05
AUSTRALIA got its first glimpse of Bette Midler’s touring extravaganza last night, with the unveiling of her spectacular Broadway-inspired stage show.
Midler’s Kiss My Brass tour kicks off on Friday at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, but last night the 48-strong crew were busy putting the finishing touches on the massive set, which had to be transported by 13 semi-trailers.
“This is the biggest show I’ve ever done,” Midler said. “It took us a long time to put it together.”
Production manager Chris Adamson said it was also the biggest production ever rigged in Brisbane.
“This is a full-on Broadway show (recreated) in an arena,” he said.
“We have 110 flying motors (in the ceiling) and four video screens. Wherever you’re sitting, you’ll get a top-rate view.”
Wearing a pinstripe suit and fluffy slippers, the Divine Miss M had a television crew from Channel 10’s Rove Live giggling as she recounted a visit to Brisbane’s Mt Coot-tha where she discovered “all these people making out”.
“She’s an incredible bundle of energy and she puts a lot of us to shame with her enthusiasm,” Mr Adamson said.
The 2½-hour show will feature more than 40 songs, including the legendary singer-actor’s most popular hits, such as The Rose, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Wind Beneath My Wings, as well as multiple costume changes and comedy sketches.
