It was eleven months in the planning and the day had finally arrived (and it’s gone). My friend and I were actually getting to see a theatre legend live, in concert. Early last year, my friend Austin contacted me and asked if I wanted to go see Bernadette Peters, living Broadway legend and multiple Tony Award winner, live in concert. Who was I to turn this offer down?
Bernadette started with Let Me Entertain You from Sondheim and Styne’s Gypsy. Sadly, it was a little weak and it was difficult to understand Bernadette at times. She picked up though, and went into Noone is Alone from Into the Woods (again, Sondheim). She followed this up with some hokey jokes (Bernie, we love you, but please change your jokes – you’ve been using the same ones for years) and went into There is Nothin’ Like a Dame and Fever. Both were strong.
Several more songs followed, including Mr. Snow, It Might As Well Be Spring, and Losing My Mind. They were well done. Bernadette continued on with the Sondheim trend by singing Johanna from Sweeney Todd. This was another strong number. That being said, it was sometimes difficult to understand her. It was the following song, though, that brought basically the entire theatre to absolute silence and tears. She sang Send in the Clowns and it was this that really showed Bernadette’s talent. I may have leaked a tear or two.
Overall, the show was pretty decent. Where I give Bernadette best is that at each concert, apart from her musical director/pianist, she uses local musicians. I love it when artists include local talent. While the beginning, and certain songs, was a little weak, and there was a certain energy lacking, Bernadette recovered and made up for it during Being Alive and Send in the Clowns. Audience wise, this happened to be one of the worst. I’ve never seen so many people texting, recording (despite it being announced this was prohibited) etc. If you’re in a theatre performance, please have some decency.
Austin and I ended up meeting Bernadette, who was nothing but gracious, lovely and tired. I had her sign my Anastasia DVD and Austin had a photo that Bernadette signed. Bernadette met with over 40 people that night, and talked to every single one of them. Austin and I were the last to be met and were very grateful. Would I see her again? Probably not, or at least not right away. There are others I’d like to see perform, such as Kristin Chenoweth and Audra McDonald. That being said, I am glad I saw her, because she is such a legend and has starred in some of my favourite shows. So, this was worth it.