Monthly Archives: March 2013

Sunday, March 31, 2013

25 Divas Who Have Been Embraced by Gay Culture

Posted Mar 31, 2013 11:03 am by Mister D

Huffington Post
Gay Icons: 25 Divas Who Have Been Embraced by Gay Culture
March 31, 2013

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From torch songs to club bangers to advocacy to empowerment to glamor that’s out of this world, great divas have affected the gay community in any number of ways ever since Judy Garland sang about somewhere over the rainbow. A term was coined for those divas who have an impact on the gay community through entertainment and advocacy. Thus the “gay icon” was born.

A gay icon is a celebrity or public figure who is embraced by the gay community. To reach gay icon status, one has to be able to relate to us through flamboyance, strength, triumph over adversity, glamor and even androgyny. Divas with powerhouse voices, gay anthems, over-the-top personalities and an unapologetic and unforgettable approach to fashion that would inspire envy in a drag queen are likely to become gay icons. Read More

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The top 10 New York theater picks for the week of March 31, 2013

Posted Mar 31, 2013 5:03 am by Mister D

The top 10 New York theater picks for the week of March 31, 2013
Elaine Stritch, ‘The Testament of Mary,’ ‘I’ll Eat You Last,’ ‘Good With People’ and more

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013, 6:00 AM

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1. Elaine Stritch (Cafe Carlyle) The one-of-a-kind star gives a farewell NYC performance called “Movin’ Over and Out” April 2-6.
2. “The Testament of Mary” (Walter Kerr Theatre) Fiona Shaw plays Jesus’ mother in this one-woman play.
3. “I’ll Eat You Last” (Booth Theatre) Bette Midler stars as superagent Sue Mengers in this one-woman play.
4. “Good With People” (59E59 Theater) “Blackbird” author David Harrower returns with another two-hander as part of Brits Off-Broadway.
5. “Kafka’s Monkey” (Theatre for a New Audience) A reluctantly civilized ape talks to a panel of scientists about his life.
6. “The Last Five Years” (Second Stage Theatre) Jason Robert Brown’s achy, sweet musical charts a couple’s relationship.
7. “Nice Work If You Can Get It” (Imperial Theatre) Rising star Jessie Mueller has joined the cast as a romantic rum-runner in this Gershwin musical.
8. “Herakles” (Brooklyn Academy of Music) Aquila Theatre returns to BAM with Euripides’ retelling of a hero’s tale.
9. “Pippin” (Music Box Theatre) The Stephen Schwartz musical about finding your “corner of the sky” returns.
10. “All in the Timing” (59E59 Theater) The comic sparkler is extended through April 28. Read More

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Phil Ramone Remembered by Billy Joel, Elton John, Bette Midler, and Other Stars

Posted Mar 31, 2013 5:03 am by Mister D

Hollywood Reporter
Phil Ramone Remembered by Billy Joel, Elton John and Other Stars
March 31, 2013

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Response to the news of the death of Phil Ramone was instantaneous on Saturday, as the Internet was filled with tributes and remembrances from his colleagues, collaborators and admirers, including Billy Joel, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Josh Groban and many more.

“I always thought of Phil Ramone as the most talented guy in my band,”Billy Joel, who worked with the producer on several albums, said. “So much of my music was shaped by him and brought to fruition by him. I have lost a dear friend — and my greatest mentor.”

Barbra Streisand said in a statement: “I’m so saddened to learn of Phil’s passing. We first worked together in 1967 when I did a free concert in Central Park. His brilliance at capturing sound was immediately evident. Later we worked together on the film A Star Is Born where Phil was able to record me singing live, including ‘Evergreen.’ In the next decade we worked on the soundtrack to Yentl and many other recordings. Phil had impeccable musical taste, great ears and the most gentle way of bringing out the best in all the artists he worked with. The monumental recordings he produced will endure for all time.” Read More

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Audio: “Married Men” By Bette Midler

Posted Mar 31, 2013 5:03 am by Mister D

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[wpaudio url=”http://www.bootlegbetty.com/audio/08 Married Men.mp3″ text=”Bette Midler – Married Men” dl=”0″]

“Married Men” By Bette Midler

The world is full of married men
with wives who never understand.
They’re looking for someone to share
the excitement of a love affair.

And just as soon as they find you
they’ll wine you and dine you.
Fly on the wings of romance.
But in the eyes of the world
you’re just another girl
who loves a married man. Read More

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BetteBack October 23, 1979: The Rose

Posted Mar 31, 2013 5:03 am by Mister D

Lethbridge Herald
October 23, 1979

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ROSE, THE (R) – Bette Midler, Alan Bates, Frederic Forrest. (Drama with music). This story of the tragic decline of a Janis Joplin-like singer is ugly and unpleasant, hut tremendously effective and moving. Midler’s performance is truly outstanding, and you’ll find yourself aching with her. as booze. drugs and men destroy her. Caution: Gutter language.

GRADE: A

Related articles
BetteBack August 4, 1978: Filming A Party Scene For “The Rose”

BetteBack September 17, 1978: Did Bette Midler Make Any Movies Before The Rose? Read More

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BetteBack October 17, 1979: Bette Midler Visits Chicago For ‘Rose’ Premiere

Posted Mar 31, 2013 4:03 am by Mister D

Madison Capital Times
October 17, 1979

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Bette Midler will make a rare personal appearance in Chicago on Oct. 28-30 to herald her movie, “The Rose.” That means she’ll miss her live-in friend, Peter Riegert (“Animal House“). He’ll be there next Monday to promote his film, “Head Over Heels,” which describes his affection for Bette.

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Saturday, March 30, 2013

Entertainment Weekly: Sue Menger’s Article

Posted Mar 30, 2013 8:03 am by Mister D

Entertainment Weekly
An “Incredibly Funny, Viciously Wicked” Legend
By Josh Rottenberg
March 30, 2013

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Video: Friends ~ Bette Midler

Posted Mar 30, 2013 6:03 am by Mister D

Video: Friends ~ Bette Midler

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BetteBack September 9, 1979: Bette Drops Manager And Records New Album (Interview)

Posted Mar 30, 2013 6:03 am by Mister D

Pacific Stars And Stripes
September 9, 1979

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Bette Midler has started writing songs, which she describes as “innocent, with a touch of dementia.”

She says, “I don’t write by myself because I’m not an instrument player. But I’ve started to write again with Randy Kerber, a keyboards player.

“My songs always come out off-the-wall. They’re rarely straight-ahead love songs. They’re mostly whimsical, childlike songs. I guess that’s what my view of the world is. Innocent with a touch of dementia. Read More

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BetteBack September 4, 1979: Bette On Elton John

Posted Mar 30, 2013 6:03 am by Mister D

Winnipeg Free Press
September 4, 1979

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When Elton John announced he was bisexual (“You mean he likes girls?” was what some people asked) his album sajes plunged and his popularity quickly followed. But Elton has no regrets.

“I wouldn’t have kept my mouth shut. if I had to do that interview all over again. Ydu know, after I made that bisexual comment, Bette Midler said to me, ‘Why did you do that? It’s none of their business!’ Well, I know it’s none of their business, but the person asked me a question, and I felt like giving that person an honest answer instead of hiding behind myself.” Read More

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