Bette Midler's show at Caesars Palace wowed our guest reviewer.
Caesars Palace always manages to convince some of the biggest names in musical entertainment to pack up their bags and head to the Nevada desert for an extended run of shows and 2008 has been no different. In a performance rotation that started after Celine Dion vacated Caesar’s Colosseum last December, Cher, Bette Midler and Elton John have been keeping audiences thoroughly entertained this year.
Bette Midler especially made quite an impression on audiences and critics alike when she brought her concert act, “The Showgirl Must Go On,” to Caesars for the first time in February. Reviewers called Midler a Las Vegas natural; the combination of Midler and the city a match made in heaven. Even “The New York Times” weighed in with this positive review: ”That Ms. Midler is capable of instantly warming up a room this daunting and filling a stage this forbidding is a testament to her consummate skills as an entertainer.”
One of our guest writers saw Bette Midler’s show this summer and wrote this exclusive review for RoyallyFlushed.
“Among the revered music giants staking their claim on the Las Vegas Strip is superstar Bette Midler who wowed crowds during her summer appearance at the Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace.
One of the biggest venues in Las Vegas — the Colosseum holds thousands of fans — seating nonetheless filled quickly and soon the lights dimmed for Ms. Midler’s appearance. While the majority of attendees were probably long-time fans of Ms. Midler’s music, a clutch of younger admirers like myself fully shared in the excitement of seeing her perform.
The show opened with a Imax-sized movie montage of a tornado ripping through Las Vegas which set the stage for the appearance of a gaggle of showgirls — complete with tights, plumes and heavily-bejewelled regalia — who were then joined by back-up singers, a live band, and finally, the petite Ms. Midler herself. She stands around 5′0″ but easily commands the stage with her dazzling attire and out-sized personality.
The glittering set complimented her various songs with different backdrops gently swooping in and out of sight as the show played on. Midler, who, in her sixties, can still move across the massive stage with the nimble footing of a much younger performer, delivers a show packed with irreverent humor and pure musical talent. It was difficult for fans not to sing along to her more famous numbers including “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “The Rose” to name just a few.
My companion and I were awed by the Divine Miss M’s pipes, still able to tear up those high notes. Her trademark humor dazzled the audience as she kvetched about the hard knocks life of a pop diva and mused about her own brand of Midlerian divinity. The star – never one to shy away from telling it like it is — spoke her mind on everything from the politics of Washington to the politics of the bedroom.
The ninety minute show proved that Ms. Midler still has the voice, the spunk, the wit and sheer talent to dazzle her audiences. We look forward to a return stint soon.”
Ms. Midler appears at Caesars on select dates from November 11 through December 31 with tickets available at the Ticketmaster box office.
Also on the roster this fall: Elton John brings his tour, “The Red Piano,” to the venue October 22 through November 9.
here for less than $10 and stuff Britney — who’s looking pretty darn good these days – into someone’s stocking this holiday season.
