Bootleg Betty
Bette Midler Promotes “Showgirl” On Jimmy Fallon
By Mister D
January 13, 2025
Bette Midler‘s Las Vegas residency, titled “The Showgirl Must Go On,” was a significant event in her career and in the context of Las Vegas entertainment. Here are some key facts about this residency:
Duration and Venue: The residency took place at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, starting on February 20, 2008, and concluding on January 31, 2010. It ran for nearly two years, with Midler performing 300 shows over that period at a pace of 100 performances a year. Shows were scheduled five nights a week, with no performances on Mondays and Thursdays.
Gross Revenue: According to Billboard, the residency grossed approximately $72 million, making it one of the highest-grossing residencies by a female artist in Las Vegas history.
Performance and Setlist: The show featured Midler performing some of her biggest hits including “The Rose,” “Wind Beneath My Wings,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” and “From a Distance.” She was accompanied by a 13-piece band, the singing trio known as the Staggering Harlettes, and 20 female dancers called The Caesar Salad Girls. The performances included renditions of classic stage characters from Midler’s repertoire like Delores DeLago, the wheelchair-bound mermaid, and Soph, a character inspired by Sophie Tucker.
Reception: Reviews of the show were mixed. While some praised Midler’s energy and the nostalgic quality of the performance, others felt it lacked the vibrancy of her earlier shows. It was noted that ticket sales initially started strong but later saw discounts and special deals to boost attendance.
Broadcast and Media: A 70-minute special of “The Showgirl Must Go On” was broadcast on HBO on December 31, 2010. This special featured some of the performances from the full two-hour show. A DVD of the residency was also released on October 4, 2011.
Cultural Impact: Midler’s residency was seen as a throwback to the classic Vegas showgirl revue, combining humor, high production values, and Midler’s unique performance style. Despite some critique regarding its execution, it was a notable event for fans and contributed to the cultural landscape of Las Vegas entertainment during its run.
These facts highlight Bette Midler’s notable Vegas residency’s scale, financial success, cultural significance, and mixed reception.
