Bette's return
Bette's return
Zamedy154
Featured Actor Joined: 6/26/16
#1Bette's return
Posted: 7/13/17 at 6:55pm
Curious if anyone went to Bette's first show back last night from her much-earned two week vacation... or if anyone is going to any shows this week.
Rapturous welcome back applause? Did the break allow her voice to recover a little?
Bette's Turban
Broadway Star Joined: 7/9/17
#2Bette's return
Posted: 7/13/17 at 6:57pm
Zamedy154 said: "Curious if anyone went to Bette's first show back last night from her much-earned two week vacation... or if anyone is going to any shows this week.
Rapturous welcome back applause? Did the break allow her voice to recover a little?
"
There has never been anything wrong with her voice. That is the way her voice is. And I love it.
BrodyFosse123
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/06
#3Bette's return
Posted: 7/13/17 at 6:58pm
I read somewhere that Joan and Mamacita led the standing ovation when she made her entrance.
Zamedy154
Featured Actor Joined: 6/26/16
#4Bette's return
Posted: 7/13/17 at 10:08pm
Bette's Turban said: "Zamedy154 said: "Curious if anyone went to Bette's first show back last night from her much-earned two week vacation... or if anyone is going to any shows this week.
Rapturous welcome back applause? Did the break allow her voice to recover a little?
"
There has never been anything wrong with her voice. That is the way her voice is. And I love it.
"
No complaints here. I love everything about her.
Zamedy154
Featured Actor Joined: 6/26/16
#5Bette's return
Posted: 7/13/17 at 10:08pm
Bette's Turban said: "Zamedy154 said: "Curious if anyone went to Bette's first show back last night from her much-earned two week vacation... or if anyone is going to any shows this week.
Rapturous welcome back applause? Did the break allow her voice to recover a little?
"
There has never been anything wrong with her voice. That is the way her voice is. And I love it.
"
No complaints here. I love everything about her.
#6Bette's return
Posted: 7/13/17 at 11:56pm
I was there tonight. She was spectacular. I'll write more tomorrow morning.
CZJ at opening night party for A Little Night Music, Dec 13, 2009.
Zamedy154
Featured Actor Joined: 6/26/16
BrodyFosse123
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/06
#8Bette's return
Posted: 7/14/17 at 8:35am
Here's a paparazzi photo of Joan and Mamacita with Joan's twins after Wednesday's matinee and after seeing Bette. 
#9Bette's return
Posted: 7/14/17 at 8:44am
I was at her first show, this past wednesday matinee. It was my second time as I had seen it on June 18th.
Bette was in top form on all accounts and had great energy. She received a standing ovation by many during her first entrance and most of the audience after the title number (I was in the back of the orch).
I will say, having seen her prior to vacation, her stamina, focus, and vocals were just as sublime my first visit as they were this week. She's such a pro.
#10Bette's return
Posted: 7/14/17 at 9:39am
So, not having seen Bette as Dolly, I went last night eagerly awaiting seeing what all the fuss was about while at the same time eagerly looking forward to being part of the fuss (adulation) as I've been a huge fan of The Divine Miss M ever since she first appeared on The Tonight Show in 1971. And she did not disappoint (not that there was even a glimmer of thought that she would.)
There's been so much written about her performance that virtually anything I'd say would be redundant. But what's clear is that what distinguishes Bette from so many other stars can be summarized in one word--CHARM. She just oozes charm, and the audience eats it up. She revels in the adulation, but she revels WITH the audience, she takes them in and makes the whole thing seem like a team effort.
One moment that I'll remember forever: Right smack dab in the middle of "Hello Dolly" she went up on a line. Did that faze her? Not in the least. She actually finished the line in perfect tempo by singing something about "going up", and a few measures later, during a lull in the song, she did an aside to the audience saying "You should have seen me last night." You can only imagine the reaction. So even when she's "wrong" she's right.
Bette is the bestte.
CZJ at opening night party for A Little Night Music, Dec 13, 2009.
CT2NYC
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/7/17
#11Bette's return
Posted: 7/14/17 at 11:18am
Bette ticket update:
Tonight, Friday 7/14 - 3 orchestra seats - S 21, S 23, and S 25 - $189 each
Available on Telecharge right now!
Bette's Turban
Broadway Star Joined: 7/9/17
#12Bette's return
Posted: 7/14/17 at 2:02pm
"One moment that I'll remember forever: Right smack dab in the middle of "Hello Dolly" she went up on a line. Did that faze her? Not in the least. She actually finished the line in perfect tempo by singing something about "going up", and a few measures later, during a lull in the song, she did an aside to the audience saying "You should have seen me last night." You can only imagine the reaction. So even when she's "wrong" she's right.
Bette is the best."
Love moments like this. Love her.
"
Alec3
Swing Joined: 5/7/12
#13Bette's return
Posted: 7/14/17 at 5:49pm
Saw it last night. Sheer joy. So much has been said of course. I just want to add:
Overture. Sounded better and fuller than expected. Audience applause as it started, then again, when the title number played. An excited house.
WOW! You were all correct about the color. The lights and design make this show pop in a surrealist energetic way. Brilliant.
Chorus: voices so strong and beautiful! Overall much better than the recording. Very surprised at the power and beauty .
Bette. Applause throughout. Not crazy in an interruptive way tho. She exudes such charm.. a conjurer! Very happy to feel she does not steal the show, but true to her character, puts her hand in and stands back.
The supporting players. Wow. Gavin and Tyler, so cute together. Beautifully rendered characters, having a great time. I never liked Ribbons, until now. Kate sang it with devilish zeal.
Each number just rolled into the next like a fast moving train... literally. I got teary 3 times during Act 1, just watching these super talented people enjoying themselves and giving so much.
Hat Shop: Great physical comedy. Wish Beany was a little less broad. Entire scene w the musical numbers amazing.
Gavin with Sunday clothes, blew me away, rolling into the chorus.. then the Hat Shop and the dancing number, all great.
Monologue and "Before the Parade Passes By":
This was the only weak moment for me. Frankly, a real let down. I didn't feel the character's pathos and struggle. Bette was kinda bland and just ok, not bad, but I wasn't moved. Then the Parade number. I was surprised how raspy and off key she sounded. Up until now all good. This was the only time I sensed anything off or grating. I thought she was just tired, forgetting that she just had time off.
Hello Dolly number. Big applause at the top. Bette beautiful!
Bette went up during the title number right before ...I went away from the lights of 14 street. She brilliantly, did 3 funny bits in a row. I remember because I usually just smile at times like this, but I was actually laughing out loud, as she built it into a crescendo, and had us all in her hand.
She totally forgot a line of lyric, and mumbled, and made a face. All laughed. Then when she got to.."and into my personal gaze", she accentuated haze and made a face gesture... which built on the energy and we all now we're with her and laughing together. Then in the next line break, she said, "There's (always) tomorrow night." And that third Adlib sent everyone over the top. Was a great moment.
Again, the great thing for me, was this was not the "Bette Show" it was an ensemble piece, and the entire cast was brilliant and shined throughout.
Oops, went on too long. And there is so much more I could say. Next up, I gotta see this with Donna Murphy.
I do have one question. It seemed like after all of this applause etc. throughout the night, there was only one curtain call after the bows and the curtain came down. It felt to me the audience was stoked and would have liked more. Had this been the general practice?
SmokeyLady
Broadway Star Joined: 10/29/14
#14Bette's return
Posted: 7/14/17 at 6:14pm
Thank you so much for your review. So glad you had a good time. Interesting.. I have been underwhelmed by both Donna and Bette's "Parade". And I know some of the Donna Vs Bette posters will disagree and have something to say ( wait till PoisonIvy2 sees this). But I wonder if that is more a movie vs show thing? I don't know. Again.. glad you had a good time. I love when they get to break the 4th wall. This is something so beautifully structured in the show for whoever plays Dolly. And Bette especially. Frosting on the cake.
Updated On: 7/14/17 at 06:14 PM
BrodyFosse123
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/06
#15Bette's return
Posted: 7/14/17 at 7:06pm
I do have one question. It seemed like after all of this applause etc. throughout the night, there was only one curtain call after the bows and the curtain came down. It felt to me the audience was stoked and would have liked more. Had this been the general practice?
Yup. A protocol curtain call and nothing extra unlike Carol Channing who always gave a little curtain call speech (per 1994 revival).
#16Bette's return
Posted: 7/15/17 at 11:06am
At the first preview, she made an endless amount of solo bows, leaving the stage and returning. It was quickly cut though.
#17Bette's return
Posted: 7/15/17 at 11:50am
i love Bette but in what way was her two week vacation after doing 3.5 months of 7-performances a week "much earned"?? lots of people do 8 show-weeks for longer without such a long break. not to degrade her in any way, that just seems like a silly statement
"Contentment, it seems, simply happens. It appears accompanied by no bravos and no tears."
SmokeyLady
Broadway Star Joined: 10/29/14
#19Bette's return
Posted: 7/15/17 at 12:00pm
gypsy101 said: "i love Bette but in what way was her two week vacation after doing 3.5 months of 7-performances a week "much earned"?? lots of people do 8 show-weeks for longer without such a long break. not to degrade her in any way, that just seems like a silly statement
"
Maybe. But she is 71, and doing something she had to be talked into doing. And in previous interviews before taking the show she talked about concerns with her stamina and doing a broadway show. So now she is doing it. Doing a great job in it. And hasn't missed a scheduled show. So I say good for her and I hope she enjoyed her much earned vacation.
#20Bette's return
Posted: 7/15/17 at 12:03pm
"i love Bette but in what way was her two week vacation after doing 3.5 months of 7-performances a week "much earned"?? lots of people do 8 show-weeks for longer without such a long break. not to degrade her in any way, that just seems like a silly statement"
"And she hasn't had to do any press, either."
a. She's 71.
b. She's not a Broadway regular. Doing even 7 shows a week requires immense discipline and stamina - something even Broadway regulars admire.
c. No one has done any press for this show. Bette's appeared on as many and more talk/award shows as her colleagues, some of whom are much much younger than her.
Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
#21Bette's return
Posted: 7/15/17 at 12:16pm
Angela Lansbury and Elaine Stritch did press for Night Music (and all 8 performances a week!) in their mid-80's.
Updated On: 7/15/17 at 12:16 PM
Bette's Turban
Broadway Star Joined: 7/9/17
#22Bette's return
Posted: 7/15/17 at 12:17pm
adamgreer said: "Angela Lansbury and Elaine Stritch did press for Night Music in their mid-80's.
"
Good for them. They needed to sell tickets. Bette doesn't need to. And I say good for her.
carnzee
Broadway Star Joined: 9/2/11
#23Bette's return
Posted: 7/15/17 at 12:23pm
adamgreer said: "Angela Lansbury and Elaine Stritch did press for Night Music (and all 8 performances a week!) in their mid-80's.
"Ha! Hilarious that someone would compare the demands of Dolly to Madame Armfeldt.
I can't believe people are arguing over whether Bette earned her vacation or not.
SmokeyLady
Broadway Star Joined: 10/29/14
#24Bette's return
Posted: 7/15/17 at 12:39pm
carnzee said: "adamgreer said: "Angela Lansbury and Elaine Stritch did press for Night Music (and all 8 performances a week!) in their mid-80's.
"Ha! Hilarious that someone would compare the demands of Dolly to Madame Armfeldt.
I can't believe people are arguing over whether Bette earned her vacation or not.
"
Bored queens.
#25Bette's return
Posted: 7/15/17 at 12:54pm
Bette's Turban said: ""One moment that I'll remember forever: Right smack dab in the middle of "Hello Dolly" she went up on a line. Did that faze her? Not in the least. She actually finished the line in perfect tempo by singing something about "going up", and a few measures later, during a lull in the song, she did an aside to the audience saying "You should have seen me last night." You can only imagine the reaction. So even when she's "wrong" she's right.
Bette is the best."
Love moments like this. Love her.
Bette's Turban? Really? Are you (related to) Liza's Headband? Looking forward to your sister Barbra's Panties to show up any day now...
"
"
