Review: Catherine Alcorn Brings THE DIVINE MISS BETTE To The Sydney Opera House For A Brilliant Celebration Of The Divine Miss M, Bette Midler

Thursday 23rd August 2018, 7pm, The Studio Sydney Opera House

Sydney cabaret chanteuse Catherine Alcorn brings THE DIVINE MISS BETTE, her fabulous homage to Bette Midler, back to Sydney following a successful US tour. Whilst Alcorn has been tottering in Bette's shoes for a while now, THE DIVINE MISS BETTE has been revamped and is bigger and better than ever and Alcorn is even more impressive as she oozes charm and charisma as she channels her idol.

This new extended show, which runs for two hours including interval, gives the audience an evening with the Miss Midler, at a fraction of the price one would expect to pay for an intimate engagement with the original (plus saving on a plane ticket). Channeling the Divine Miss M's favoritism of figure-hugging forms, Alcorn is poured into a fabulous sequin dress that accentuates her assets and her quick trot in heels captures the trademark wiggle. Supported by a four piece band comprising David Andrew (Musical Director, Piano), Glenn Moorhouse (guitar), Geoff Green (drums) and Crick Boue (bass), Alcorn is also joined by Kirby Burgess and Phoebe Panaretos as Bette's backup singers The Staggering Harlettes.

Alcorn captures Miss Midler's voice, both spoken and singing, replicating the nuanced cadence, tone and turn of phrase as well as capturing her comic facial expressions, flamboyant gestures and exuberant energy. Alcorn understands the 'character' so intimately so when the audience engagement gets lively she is able to respond without breaking character, throwing quips and commentary on contemporary culture in without missing a beat but also responding with honest amusement, particularly on opening night where overzealous enjoyment caused continued fits of snorting laughter from a number of members of the audience. The ribald patter is delivered with a sultry playfulness, from the wink of an eye and a wiggle of the hips as she flirts with the audience and naturally Bette's own tribute to Sophie Tucker is included. Saucy stories of Sophie, her boyfriend Ernie and best friend Clementine all introduced with the classic "I will never forget it you know", delivered with dramatic flair and play on Bette's penchant for the comedy in repetition which Alcorn ensures never gets old.

Alcorn is a consummate cabaret performer, knowing how to connect to the audience whilst still staying in character but also giving the audience part of herself that goes beyond just playing a part. She interprets the music with a precision so that you could shut your eyes and imagine it is the real thing whilst also capturing the emotional connection and understanding of the songs, not simply just trying to mimic a sound, an achievement that many tribute performers are yet to master. Her stagecraft is such that she ensures that each member of the audience feels like they are being treated to an intimate experience as she engages with the audience. Her physicality adds another layer to the well-known songs, increasing the humor and prompting new 'understanding' of the works. The inclusion of the Staggering Harlettes in dance numbers adds a brilliant variety to the performance as Alcorn, Panaretos and Burgess deliver some energetic and at times comic choreography. Panaretos and Burgess, fabulous triple threats in their own right, also add a wonderful individuality and comedy in their portrayal of the support singers with amusing facial expressions that add to the humor without threatening to upstage the star.

With lots of Miss Midler's well known songs, well presented patter, and quick witted audience engagement, Catherine Alcorn's THE DIVINE MISS BETTE is a must see performance. Even if you've seen Alcorn take on The Divine Miss M before, see this show again, you will not be disappointed. Secure a ticket now before the short season finishes.

THE DIVINE MISS BETTE

https://www.catherinealcorn.com/shows-1

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