Bette Midler News

Virginia's Signature Theatre presents the world premiere musical Beaches, opening tonight, March 4, 2014, and playing through March 30. Adapted from the beloved 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart, Beaches is directed by Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). This heartfelt chronicle of a decades-long friendship between two unforgettable women stars Mara Davi (Broadway's A Chorus Line and The Drowsy Chaperone) as Bertie and Alysha Umphress (Broadway's American Idiot and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Cee Cee Bloom.

The Facebook data team surveyed the conversation around last night's 86th Annual ACADEMY AWARDS and revealed that 11.1 million people had over 25.4 million interactions, including posts, comments and likes).

This year's annual 'In Memoriam' tribute, televised live on the 86th annual ACADEMY AWARDS, featured some of Hollywood's biggest names

The 2014 Academy Awards telecast was lovely, lengthy and a generally low-key affair, filled with more than a few buzz-worthy moments worth a replay or two as well as some spectacular song sequences, too - as would be expected from two noted and similarly Oscar-winning producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Ellen Degeneres delivered on the humor as expected, if not surpassing expectations in doing more than merely decently, whereas the winners themselves were generally smart and savvy choices, all said - 12 YEARS A SLAVE and DALLAS BUYER'S CLUB nabbing many top awards. Plus, FROZEN took home a well-earned trophy or two and its sensational lead Idina Menzel was responsible for not only the performance of the night - a Swarovski explosion of epic proportions, with vocals to match - but also the viral video, too, byway of John Travolta's unfortunate faux pas introduction mispronouncing the Broadway superstar's name. Oops, Oohs, Ahhs, and, well, OZ, the 2014 Oscars fulfilled its promise of entertaining, if perhaps overstaying its welcome - yet, who would want to sacrifice those fabulous speeches; or anything else, for that matter? Everyone got their moment - but maybe just a moment or two too many.

Following this year's 'In Memorium' segment, Tony, Grammy, and Emmy-winner (and Academy Award nominee) Bette Midler sang a moving version of her classic ballad 'Wind Beneath My Wings'.

Some of Broadway's brightest have turned up for this year's Oscars, including Liza Minnelli, Idina Menzel, and Kristin Chenoweth! Check out coverage of the ladies on the red carpet below!

The Man Beneath His Wings - Today we lost a man to whom the song, made famous by Ms. Bette Midler, could have very well been about - Robert L. Spencer.

The Amanda McBroom Project...continuing the journey will play March 14, 15, and 17 at 7pm at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42 Street (Between 9 and 10 Avenues). Reservations: 212.695.6909. Music charge $20; Food/drink minimum $15.

BEACHESThis spring, Virginia's Signature Theatre presents the world premiere musical Beaches, adapted from the beloved 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart. Directed by Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet), this heartfelt chronicle of a decades-long friendship between two unforgettable women starsMara Davi (Broadway's A Chorus Line and The Drowsy Chaperone) as Bertie White and Alysha Umphress(Broadway's American Idiot and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Cee Cee Bloom. Click below to watch Alysha Umphress and Mara Davi sing 'What I Should Have Told Her' over footage from rehearsal!

Urban Stages Founding Artistic Director Frances Hill and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man as part of its 30th Anniversary season. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir begins an Off-Broadway run at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street) tonight, February 28th, with opening night set for Wednesday March 5th. This limited run will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. Character Man will have scenic & video design by Patrick Brennan, lighting design by Meghan Santelli and sound design by Sean Hagerty.

This spring, Virginia's Signature Theatre presents the world premiere musical Beaches, adapted from the beloved 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart. Directed by Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet), this heartfelt chronicle of a decades-long friendship between two unforgettable women starsMara Davi (Broadway's A Chorus Line and The Drowsy Chaperone) as Bertie White and Alysha Umphress(Broadway's American Idiot and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Cee Cee Bloom. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the cast in action below!

On Monday, March 3, legendary comedians from both sides of the pond, Eric Idle and Bob Einstein, sit down with INSIDE COMEDY host David Steinberg to dish on their careers and some of television's most iconic shows. British comedian, actor, author and writer Eric Idle talks about the origin of Monty Python and creating the Tony-Award winning musical comedy Spamalot. Meanwhile actor, comedian and writer Bob Einstein talks about getting his break on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, working with the celebrated Redd Foxx and the creation of one of his most memorable characters, Super Dave.

Marty Thomas presents DIVA is a weekly show at Industry Bar in midtown Manhattan. Featuring a cast of Alexa Green (WICKED, COMPANY), Kelly King (Babyface, Michael Bolton) and Marissa Rosen (MY BIG GAY ITALIAN WEDDING), it is hosted and produced by Marty Thomas (XANADU, WICKED, THE SECRET GARDEN). DIVA celebrates fabulous female vocalists paying tribute to some of histories most over the top icons! The cast performs a brand new show every week with exciting new guests rotating.

This week at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach Florida, Rob Russell entertainment director is presenting Amanda McBroom. Appearing with Amanda, is her long time collaborator and music director pianist/composer Michele Brourman.

This spring, Virginia's Signature Theatre will present the world premiere musical Beaches, adapted from the beloved 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart. Directed by Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet), this heartfelt chronicle of a decades-long friendship between two unforgettable women will starMara Davi (Broadway's A Chorus Line and The Drowsy Chaperone) as Bertie White and Alysha Umphress(Broadway's American Idiot and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Cee Cee Bloom. Click below for a first listen to the song 'The View From Up Here', featuring Umphress!

On WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, Oscar® host Ellen DeGeneres will appear on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' as a lead up to Oscar Sunday. Additionally, Jimmy Kimmel will guest on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' to discuss his upcoming 'Jimmy Kimmel Live: After The Oscars' special.

This week at Joe's Pub at The Public, February 24-March 5, will feature: Fly: A Musical Tribute to Damon Intrabartolo, The Return of Radiant Baby, Stephanie McKay, Bridget Everett, Dom La Nena & Piers Faccini, Dawn Landes, Greg Laswell, Henry Wagons, The Hot Sardines, Ramya Ramana, The Greg Proops Chat Show, Schoolhouse Rock, Murray Hill Oscars Party, Kelly Joe Phelps, Shirve Alive, Queen of the Beatniks, Gia Mora & Einstein's Girl, Juan Perro and the Employee of the Month Show. Details belo

The Shakespeare Theatre Company is proud to present Buyer & Cellar as a part of its STC Presentation Series. Written by Jonathan Tolins and directed by Stephen Brackett, Buyer & Cellar will launch its North American tour in Chicago in May before coming to D.C. Buyer & Cellar had its world premiere in April 2013 at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, where it received rave reviews and played a sold-out, extended run before transferring to the Barrow Street Theatre where it opened June 24, 2013. Buyer & Cellar stars Michael Urie (Ugly Betty) as a struggling (and recently fired) L.A. actor named Alex More, who finds himself taking an odd job working in the Malibu basement of a Hollywood mega-star (and though her name is not mentioned, there are numerous similarities to Barbara Streisand). When the A-lister makes a rare appearance one day, the comedy launches into an outrageous look at fame and the price that accompanies it. Buyer & Cellar will run from June 20-29, 2014, at STC's Sidney Harman Hall (610 F Street NW).

On Monday, February 24, INSIDE COMEDY host David Steinberg sits down with controversial comedian Andrew Dice Clay who reveals a more vulnerable side to his tough-guy persona and shares some of his career-defining moments. Also in this episode, Kevin Nealon discusses the iconic comedians who influenced his work, how he landed a coveted spot as a cast member on Saturday Night Live and why he has never felt like a real actor.

Louise Pitre delivers an iconic performance unlike nothing you've ever seen in Chicago Shakespeare's 'Gypsy'