Bernadette May Extend to September — Page 3

I think balcony seats are the worst! Esp. the top balcony at the Shurbert theatre. Why would anyone get those seats? If you ask me, I wouldn't get those seats evn if they had them for $10. Theey are too high and your view does become obstructed. I only get orchastra seats at any show I see. only because I want to enjoy the show and the view. I would never get obstructed seating. Even if they were free, I would have to think about it.

---

Then you don't know Arthur Laurents.

Some of the people contributing to this thread have no idea what they are talking about. Especially when it comes to Bernadette's vocal proficiency and abilities.

Granted, When I saw the show in preview in March, I was REALLY scared for her, and somewhat dissapointed in her performance, but I knew that she had been sick, and a lot of other things going on with the production was affecting her performance.

I decided to go back and re-visit the show in July, and it was FANTASTIC! Bernadette was in TOP vocal form, and she really acted the hell out of that role. I would consider her the DEFINITIVE Rose. Although I am too young to have seen Merman, and Lansbury, (I still don't like Merman's interpretation from what I hear on the OBC recording, and to Lansbury was just fine) I know that Tyne Daly acted the hell out of the role, but her singing does not compare to that of Bernadette, and to me, Mama Rose needs the complete package of (Singing, Acting, Stage Presence, and Star Quality) And Bernadette's got them all.

As for comments reguarding Bernadette sounding like she's "gasping for air" on the recording, and that "she's damaging her voice" I find that to be complete foolishness. If anything, if you hear her breathing at certain intervals, that is a good thing. I have listened to the recording numerous times, and have never heard such a thing. But breathing is an integral part of singing, and there is nothing wrong with taking a nice big breath before phrases and in-between them. Breathing is your friend. As for her damaging her voice, wouldn't she be in serious trouble at this point if she had been doing anything incorrect vocally? Mama Rose is a very difficult role to sing 8 times a week. It can wear down the voice. Bernadette is fine, and doing an excellent job. Believe me, if she wasn't doing such a good job, in my humble opinion, I would agree with you, but I just find all of these negative comments to be silly and pointless.

Cheers,
The Balladeer

---

Bernadette never said the show will go on for another year. Regis asked her whether it would be playing for a long time, "like another year" and Bernadette didn't answer - how could she unless she has a crystal ball. She really didn't answer the question and said everyone was talking about extending. She didn't even confirm that she has extended. I'm assuming she hasn't made the final decision yet. While I do believe she will extend and the show has several more months of life in it, I don't think anyone is going to say it will be playing for another year.

Well I agree with your last statement but I never heard her confirm another year for her or the show. Regis said that. She actually seemed to hesitate in answering the question at first - once again I'm assuming because she has not made a final decision.

Otherwise a fun interview. Sorry to hear about her rental in CT but it does sound kind of funny.

By the way, I certainly don't think you are making things up. I think you heard it wrong and obviously you think I heard it wrong. So just a mix-up not rumor starting.

Updated On: 1/16/04 at 01:06 PM

Well I'll definitely try to watch my tape of the show tonight and see exactly who said what.

P.S. that's my favorite line from ITW!

---