BWW Reviews: Tony Winner Bernadette Peters Makes Exquisite Return to OC

Admittedly, there are only a handful of Broadway's royalty that gets me easily star-struck, and Bernadette Peters---arguably one of the stage's premiere superstars---is certainly high-up on that list.

And why not? Aside from her incomparable singing voice and charming stage presence, just one quick glance at her long list of decades-long accolades and career achievements cements the fact that this multi-award-winning, multi-hyphenate of stage and screen continues to wow audiences everywhere. It's no wonder, then, that her live performances are still events to celebrate.

Recently, on the evening of October 11, Peters made an exquisite concert return to the OC accompanied by an incredible mini-orchestra helmed by longtime musical director Marvin Laird, which kicked off Segertrom Center for the Arts' 2013-2014 Cabaret series (and as befitting a star of her caliber, her "cabaret" was actually held not at the usual intimate Samueli Theatre cabaret space but, rather, at the ultra luxe Segerstrom Concert Hall). As somewhat expected, the concert was a beautifully executed affair, providing the audience---comprised of Peters' fans, Broadway babies, standards-songbook lovers, and older Cabaret Series subscribers who may or may not have known who she was---with several reasons to be awed.

With an aim to please fans of Broadway showtunes, Peters' set was swathed in familiar (if tweaked) Rodgers and Hammerstein classics and, naturally, a truckload of Stephen Sondheim favorites---a few of which stem from the very shows she herself has appeared in on Broadway (though some of the songs she sang weren't actually sung by the characters she's portrayed). But whatever the tune she sang, Peters displayed her way of caressing each song with her signature style and delivery.

Spunky yet as regal as ever, the now 65-year-old Tony winner---dressed in a diamond-sparkly, body-hugging lavender gown---can still be both bawdy and playful, especially in fun numbers like her va-va-va-voom bombshell takes on "There Is Nothin' Like A Dame" (from SOUTH PACIFIC) and "Fever." She has, of course, perfected the cute-sy and charming bit, as clearly seen in her delightful "Mr. Snow" (from CAROUSEL) and "You Could Drive A Person Crazy" (from COMPANY).

But, really, more than anything, Peters truly loves her ballads, and she effortlessly warbled each of them with palpable heartache and emotional longing. She made such lovely tones in "Some Enchanted Evening" (again, from SOUTH PACIFIC), and flourished drama and pathos in "No One Is Alone" and, later, in "Children Will Listen" (both from INTO THE WOODS).

She also treated the audience to songs from her two most recent stints on Broadway. Her "Send In The Clowns" (from A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC) was lush and ethereal, and in what became my personal favorites of the evening, her recreation of "In Buddy's Eyes" followed by a hauntingly-acted, openly vulnerable "Losing My Mind" (both from her work on the much-lauded revival of FOLLIES) were, just, utterly breathtaking. You could hear a pin-drop during the heartbreaking climax of the latter song---which also showed her admirable acting abilities. Admittedly, I got goosebumps and even teared up a bit. Wow.

Her final pre-encore song, "Being Alive" (again, from COMPANY) was the appropriate, high-ending button. As you've probably noticed from the set list by now Peters has yet to meet a Sondheim standard she didn't like. She even sang a song from an upcoming project she has in the works with Sondheim and Wynton Marsalis ("Like It Was").

Unlike her cabaret peers, though, Peters kept the in-between banter to a minimum, joking only briefly about trying to get the audience to check out her vacation home that's up for sale. While I wouldn't have minded a bit more insider-y stories, especially knowing her multiple decades in the theater, the peppy singer was all about the music. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, she's here to demonstrate her talents---and that she did. The gal can still belt, and I now just noticed, too, the hints of a sexy rasp that singers half her age (and half her discernible talent) would kill to have.

Truth be told, during much of Peters' enjoyable concert, I experienced a recurring sense of déjà vu---but not in a bad way. You see, solely going by my first-hand knowledge, the last time Peters performed at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts campus to belt out a few of her signature tunes, she appeared as the special guest star of Orange County's own MenAlive Chorus (which, in the spirit of full disclosure, I myself am affiliated with as an active singing member). Entitled New York City Rhythm, the 2008 show was a song-and-dance tribute to the sights and sounds of New York City, and Ms. Peters---ever an ambassador for NYC music if there ever was one---was invited as a special guest, singing her own set as well as a few collaborations with the chorus. (Talk about being starstruck!)

Then backed by an all-male ensemble of 100+ guys in tuxes (which, yes, included myself right there singing back-up vocals a mere few feet behind her) Peters performed many of the same tunes in that concert as she did with this 2013 solo show, using the very same arrangements! It was one of those "I can't believe this is happening" moments of my life that have seared itself into my memory, and Peters' return engagement at the Segerstrom campus was a nice trip down memory lane---seeing and hearing her revisit these songs (including her rendition of "Fever" which she, once again, sang on top of the piano) with the same artistry and panache.

So if ever you get a chance to hear her live in concert in the future, by all means... go! Nothing beats a polished cast album recording than hearing impressive vocals delivered live and in the flesh.

Photos courtesy of SCFTA.

Follow this reviewer on Twitter: @cre8iveMLQ

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Segerstrom Center for the Arts' 2013-2014 Cabaret Series continues with Marilyn Maye and Clint Holmes, November 14-16; Peter Gallagher, February 13-15, 2014; Patti LuPone, March 22, 2014; and Jimmy Webb and Maureen McGovern, April 11-13, 2014.

For more information or to purchase tickets or subscriptions, visit www.SCFTA.org.

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