A Truly Unique Show in Atlantic City
By: Julia

Photo: Julia

Atlantic City welcomed Bette with mixed attitudes but the end result was the best of the three Kiss My Brass concerts I've been to. By a pure strike of luck I was able to sit in the front row, this is Atlantic City after all. Simply as an example of just how mixed this
crowd was I must mention my welcoming, or shall I say unwelcoming, by two women next to me who where less than happy with my enthusiasm. "If this is what gets you excited hunny, I feel sorry for you," one said. However after the concert, when those women had long since relocated and where replaced by women who deserved to be there, several people came to me thanking me for waking up the audience and keeping the place alive.

The Bush jokes where often received with laughter and applause but there was always the under tone of boos. As for local jokes, they couldn't have been more accurate. "People are attached to slot machines with different color cords like a slot machine IV. And everyone is smoking, this is a shock to me coming from NY, you can't smoke anywhere there. To add to all of this these people have oxygen tanks! I'm just hoping they don't blow up! And what about these workers on strike? I ordered room service today and Trump brought it up himself! And Oh my God that hair! What has he done with that hair? I swear it almost jumped off the top of his head and ran down the hall!"

Then she introduced the Harlettes with a little twist. "Oh my girls, they don't want much. Just health insurance, fair pay," listing all the things the picketers were demanding as the Harlettes pretended to be marching around with signs in their hands. Next she did her normal front row joke about the things we must have done for our tickets, except she walked to our end and pointed to my friend and I, who had been making the only noticeable noise up until then, and said, "except my girls over here, oh my beautiful girls." Then, with perfect timing, half of the center front row came in late and she taunted them
with, "You're laaaate, I flew in on a horse and everything for you people and you missed it! Oh well the heck with you!"

From there everything was going according to plan, the screen came down for Judge Judy, which everyone got a charge out of. She did the "I'm Sorry/Friends" number, during which the screen rolls back up. As she started "Hey There" the screen came down about a foot and stopped. It was still projecting just not moving down. The song continued but eventually the screen turned off and the images where projected on the side screens. I could see people above the stage trying to fix it but still no movement. She moved into "Tenderly" and with no screen. She then went backstage and came out on her swan bicycle. I could tell she was still hoping the screen would budge because the images started to project on the screen again, but still nothing. They did the number up until when Bette was to look back and talk about the famous failed relationships. She stopped the band, came up to center stage and declared they where having a blooper. "Please don't ask for your money back, I think I would diiiiiiiie!!!" She told the Harlettes to get the swan chair out of her way as she explained to the audience what we should be looking at. "Oh, it was going to be so much fun," she said. We will just have to do it for you later. Then she asked Bette Sussman if they should just can the whole thing and move to Delores. In the back of my head I was thinking, but Bette you need the screen for that too! After a strong head shaking of "no!" from Bette Sussman (such awesome hair btw), Bette declared she was going to sing some sad songs because she has tons of those. "Lets sing the one about the rain." The rest of the first half went according to plan, the yellow tent was mobile this time and, again, she did not loose the hat. Still no vase joke, I was so looking forward to that one, same jokes from Albany in the same order.

There was no standing ovation after Shiver Me Timbers, I don't know why because it was as beautiful as ever. Everyone just sat in their seats in silence. I think they thought she was coming back for more. I made it from the first row to 20 feet from the bathroom before anyone budged.

As the curtain was lifted for Delores a sigh went over the audience, the screen was down! After Delores she disappeared and seemed to take a little longer than usual. She popped out of the stage right door in a new dress! Not the normal, and might I add beautiful rose vines dress. This one was yellow and orange and had a sparkle to it. There was a sheer piece of fabric over her shoulders and the skirt was made of strips of fabric which where rounded at the ends. I couldn't tell if I liked how it looked with the red cardigan or not. It didn't clash as much as I just wanted the rose dress back.

As she started From a Distance the audience seemed to wake up with excitement. It was as if all the duds had left and what remained was a surprisingly supportive and rowdy crowd.

Just as Bette thought she might escape the night with out another issue she started "Do You Wanna Dance." The lanterns hesitated their fall from the ceiling but ended up coming down with only the back half lit. It didn't matter though, the power of Bette's voice and the
support from the audience made the issue barely noticeable. The lanterns went back up into the ceiling with no hesitation but around the middle of "Wind Beneath My Wings" I heard a small noise then saw an orange streak come falling from above the stage right in
front of us. It was one of the lanterns that had refused to light! Bette pretended she didn't hear or see it. As she ended the song she came to my end of the stage, grabbed my outstretched hand and gave it a squeeze. It was the most powerful performance of WBMW I have seen her do. There was not a dry eye in the house. The crowd was really
awake now and finally found their feet to give her a standing ovation. Bette had not been offstage for her costume change more than 20 seconds and "The Rose" flashed up on the screen, which by the way had not budged from its position the entire 2nd half. This being different from Albany when they waited at least a minute or two to light up the screen again and people started to leave! The crowd responded immediately to the screen, this must have been the moment they were waiting for. I don't think Bette could hear the video playing over the crowd because she ran out before her cue and the video immediately
cut. For the first minute or two the people around me stood and clapped. Then slowly they began to sit down then complained they couldn't see around me. I looked back and starting around the 15th row everyone was standing up, an obvious display of where the high rollers ended and the paying fans began.

As usual "The Rose" was beautiful, followed by another standing ovation. As it finished the two real fans next to me took the opportunity to hand Bette some roses and I handed her my letter. I could tell security was not happy but Bette was. She said thank you to us both and asked that we not be offended she had to put our things down. She declared she was going to keep her promise as the Harlettes came dancing on stage in their "Chapel of Love" dresses. She did the entire number beginning to end in her "Keep on Rockin" costume then
quickly disappeared off stage.

My fingers were crossed. I wanted this to be the night she did the encore. Just as I thought it wasn't going to happen she burst out the stage left door, in the same dress, and looked relieved the night was coming to a close. She rehashed the events of the evening. Her broken screen, her costume mishap (I'm guessing the rose dress), the lanterns that didn't light then fell, all of it. She said we had been a great audience and had put up with a lot so now we where getting a treat, a song she has yet to do on tour; "In the Cool Cool Cool of the Evening." That was it, I was on my feet! Bette and the Harlettes, still in their wedding dresses, danced around the stage and then came to rest on the platform where Bette Sussman was playing the piano. They where all visibly exhausted and obviously glad to see the evening end successfully.

Now that it's over I have to say I'm jealous of the people who have shows after this. She seems to only be getting better as the tour goes on. Great job to both Bette's, the Harlettes, and The Band. No one will ever be able to top this show! Ever.

Reporting safely back home (oh my NJ drivers are NUTS) Julia, the tall (loud) one in the 1st row!

Atlantic City Set list

Kiss My Brass
Big Noise from Winnetka
Stuff Like That There
SkyLark
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
"Judge Judy" Film
I'm Sorry
Nobody Else But You/Friends
Hey There (screen "breaks")
Tenderly (screen still not coming down)
about 1 min of Chapel of Love, then she ad-libbed for a few min but
the screen still wouldn't work
I Think It's Gonna Rain Today
When A Man Loves A Woman
Walk Right In/"Soph Jokes"
Shiver Me Timbers

Intermission

Delores DeLago
*NEW DRESS* ~Mister Rogers Segment/ I Like To Be Told
*From A Distance*
*Do You Wanna Dance*
*Wind Beneath My Wings*
Keep On Rockin
The Rose
Chapel of Love full version but with no swan. *Harlettes in their
wedding costumes Bette in her Keep on Rockin costume*
In The Cool, Cool, Cool of the evening *Same costumes*

Midler At The Boardwalk
Bootleg Betty
by The Divine Mrs. M (~J)

Photo: Julia

What a nite!!

Kristy and I had a blast (as usual). When we got to our (floor) seats, we realized what an OLD crowd this was and were a little concerned that they wouldn't "get" the show. Not to mention, we knew we would annoy a few sitting around us. Luckily, we had the only LIVE people on the floor sitting by us.

On to the show....Bette looked and sounded amazing. The show is basically the same. A few new "zingers" in Soph's act and some new material in the opening set. She told a Soph joke that I've never heard before, I won't give it away but when you hear the "stockings" joke, you're gonna crack up!!

There were a few mishaps last nite. First, the big screen got stuck during the Rosemary Clooney set and Bette, at first didn't realize it. Then when Chapel of Love came up, Bette turns around, notices that the screen still wasn't working and stopped the entire set. She explained what was suppose to happen and promised us that if they fixed it, they would do it later in the show.

The crowd seemed to like the Soph jokes, Rosemary Clooney songs and Bette's hits. I think they were just in awe of the entire show because, most of the people I talked to who were sitting around us had never seen her before and they told me how much they were enjoying the show....again, no idea what to expect!!

The other mishap was after Do You Want To Dance, one of the balloons fell (like a rocket) from the stage ceiling and looked (to me) like it almost took out the keyboard player (OOOPS!).

Besides these small dilemmas, the sound was awesome in Boardwalk Hall!! Bette was on with her casino jokes and usual banter. Kristy and I had our entire section standing when we stood and screaming along with us. Which led to the two "older" women in front of us commenting on how they couldn't hear out of their ears after When A Man Loves A Woman...and I don't think it's because the music was too loud. Not to mention, they didn't return after the intermission. Now we have to pay extra Medicare taxes for the hearing aides they now need ;-)

Alot of people in the front rows seemed to leave after WBMW, so, Kristy and I took that opportunity to occupy their vacated seats. Yes-indee-dee-dooo!! We were at the stage singing, dancing and carrying on to Keep On Rockin and the rest of the show ;-) When Bette sang The Rose, the entire crowd was singing with her and that is always a special moment.

AND, because we missed the Chapel set, Bette finished the show by treating us to it AND by singing In The Cool Of The Evening - a real TREAT!

We had a great time, met some fun people and I must say how much Kristy and I LOVE the "follicly deprived" trumpet player. I think his name is Scott. He is the sexiest bald man we have EVER seen ;-)

So now, I wait for the Philly show. I have center floor row 8 seats and I am sure I will have even more fun - I cannot wait to Kiss The Brass all over again!!

~J
aka...The Divine Mrs. M

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

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