Bette Middler News

At her concert in Phoenix, AZ last night, legendary performer Bette Midler brought her classic Disney film HOCUS POCUS to life, performing the song, 'I Put a Spell On You'.

Award-winning cabaret, theater, and concert star Carolyn Montgomery-Forant will be a special guest at select performances of 'The Irving Berlin Ragtime Revue' at the 13th Street Repertory Theater (50 W. 13th Street, NYC). Montgomery-Forant-who has won the MAC Award, the Bistro Award, and the New York Nightlife Award--will take time out from her own concert schedule to make guest appearances in the revue at the following performances: Sunday, November 16th at 3 pm and 7 pm, and Sunday November 23rd at 3 p.m.

When ASCAP Award-winning writer/director Chip Deffaa's "The Irving Berlin Ragtime Revue" opens November 9th at the 13th Street Repertory Theater (50 W. 13th Street, NYC), it will include some Berlin rarities and rediscoveries unheard in a century, including some never-recorded Berlin numbers.

THE LAST SHIP, 16-time Grammy winner Sting's first foray into theater, is no jukebox musical.

According to Deadline, HAIRSPRAY's Adam Shankman has been tapped by HBO to direct and executive produce an upcoming biopic on the 'ultimate stage mother' and subject of Broadway's GYPSY, Rose Hovick.

Barbra Streisand, a former client of the late Sue Mengers, has announced her approval of Bette Middler playing the famed Hollywood publicist in I'LL EAT YOU LAST, which ended a limited run at Los Angeles' Geffen Playhouse last night.

According to Deadline, the legendary comedic actor's new series THE COMEDIANS from Matt Nix (BURN NOTICE) and Larry Charles (CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM), has been picked up by FX, and promptly given a series order. Crystal co-wrote with Charles and Ben Wexler (COMMUNITY) and also executive produce.

According to Deadline, the legendary comedic actor is attached to star in an untitled cable comedy series from Matt Nix (BURN NOTICE) and Larry Charles (CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM). Crystal will also co-write with Charles and Ben Wexler (COMMUNITY) and executive produce.

It may only be week two, but DANCING WITH THE STARS is already in full swing with enough walk-outs, breakdowns and resolve-shaking injuries to fuel a finale. This season's crop of B-listers and has-beens certainly know how to bring the petty drama. Unfortunately, that's about all most of them have to offer.

Entertainment Tonight has revealed a first look at Bette Middler as a guest judge on this week's episode of Project Runway - check it out below!

LITTLE LADY will perform at Horse Trade's Kraine Theater tonight, January 14th at 5:30 p.m. as part of the Encore Festival.

LITTLE LADY will perform at Horse Trade's Kraine Theater on January 14th at 5:30 p.m. as part of the Encore Festival.

Charles Moeller and Claudio Botelho bring to Brazil the most expensive musical ever produced here. An amazing concept and strong production values, as well as a gifted cast and creative team, turn the Brazilian production of Wizard of Oz in a landmark of the contemporary musical theater in this Country. Based on the theatrical RSC aproach of the original work (book and motion picture),Moeller and Botelho move in astonishing parallel ways to find their own, unique yellow brick road. The Brazilian Oz is a show to be remembered for years to come.

Bette Midler has pulled out of the cast of the untitled film centered around Phil Spector. According to Deadline.com, Midler suffered from a herniated disc and left the film because of 'doctor's orders'. HBO is in the process of recasting her role.

Wales has a proud musical heritage, not least in the realm of musical theatre, with many of the West End's current and recent hit musicals filled with Welsh talent in lead roles

National Corporate Theatre Fund (NCTF) held its Annual Chairman's Awards Gala and benefit yesterday, Monday, April 19 at the St. Regis New York hotel. This year, NCTF Chairman James S. Turley, Chairman & CEO of Ernst & Young, honored Nathan Lane (currently starring on Broadway in The Addams Family), set designer Eugene Lee (Wicked) and Wells Fargo & Company. Accepting the award on behalf of Wells Fargo was Joe Kirk, Regional President for New York and Connecticut. All net proceeds of the event will be distributed as the NCTF/WELLS FARGO FUND FOR NEW AMERICAN THEATRE. Special guest Bette Middler stopped by to congratulate the nominees.

In honor of its upcoming 4th Anniversary on Broadway, the hit musical Wicked will host special 'Wicked Day' celebrations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, and Boston, where the national tour will be playing at the end of October. Bette Middler hosts special event Sunday October 28, opening 'Friendship Garden'

Debbie has been called 'one of the best voices on Broadway' by the Associated Press. With a new solo CD and a full concert schedule, this talented lady is working and loving it.