NEW YORK - Something to shout about: Bernadette Peters in "Gypsy" at the Shubert. What's that you say? It's true, the show's in its 11th month and, yes, a closing notice was posted a few weeks back, then unposted after a spurt in business.
And, again yes, in its initial prevue weeks and even on opening night, Bernadette P. was a thoroughly feisty, serviceable and intriguing Mama Rose but -- at least to my eyes and ears -- an extremely odd choice to be playing the show's famously monstrous mama. (No one has ever held a candle to B.P. as an adorable boop-oop-a-dooper, but casting her as this show's monster mother seemed akin to finding Elaine Stritch in a ballet.)
But the gratifying news is that Ms. Peters has been doing what great stars do in a long run. She's grown, and how she's grown, in polishing, perfecting and taking complete command of one of the toughest roles yet written in musical theater. She is now a knockout in the part, thoroughly convincing, dynamic, persuasive -- and while still her own woman, still thoroughly Bernadetteish. She now also sings those great Sondheim-Styne songs probably better than anyone has since Ethel Merman first belted them and makes this current "Gypsy" a musical that deserves to be a first stop for anyone looking for a great evening on Broadway. Do miracles still occur? One is happening right now on 44th Street.
Meanwhile, down the block at the St. James on Monday's night, the "Nothing Like a Dame 2004" benefit was, by leaps and bounds, the best one yet in the nine-year history of these annual fund-raisers for the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative of the Actors Fund of America.
It was lighter on star names than in years past but heavier than usual in pure talent and pacing, with especially delightful turns by Stephanie D'Abruzzo and Ann Harada of "Avenue Q"; Christine Ebersole delivering a wickedly witty song that kidded a certain former first lady in her drinking days; Julie Halston and Kate Clinton doing funny stand-up turns; Sutton Foster of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" sassily singing "You've Got Possibilities"; Chita Rivera looking sensational and reprising her original Velma role in "Chicago" as she joined Camille Saviola in socking over that show's cut-from-the-movie song "Class"; and, as a running gag, Zoe Caldwell as an overalls-clad IATSE stagehand. Liz Smith and Nathan Lane (the only male in the show) also briefly participated. Further good news: The evening raised $250,000.
Coming up on the West Coast this weekend, the 20th annual S.T.A.G.E. (Southland Theater Artists Goodwill Event) benefit will be taking place at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex on the Cal State University Los Angeles campus, with proceeds going to benefit AIDS Project L.A. and the L.A. Free Clinic.
Directed as in year's past by David Galligan, this edition will feature the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and include a cast of more than 40, including Tyne Daly, Pat Marshall, Ken Page, Ellen Greene, Carole Cook, Lee Lesseck, Rod McKuen, William Katt and many talented others.
Posted Thu, May 13, 2004 14:46 by Toma
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