Bernadette Peters concert review- November 4, 2006

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 2/22/07 at 2:45am

I wrote this review the day after the concert, and I figured I might as well post it here.

I could complain about some things:
-The concert was only an hour long.
-She didn't sing some of my favorite songs.
- I didn't get to meet her afterwards.

Or I could look at it this way:
-It was the best hour of my life.
-She did sing some of my favorite songs.
-I didn't freeze half to death waiting for her.

General comments: Bernadette looked absolutely radiant. She was glowing and it wasn't just the lighting. She wore her Lincoln Center dress. Her hair was down. She truly is even more beautiful in person. It had been three years since I saw her last, and I'd forgotten how powerful her voice is in person. There are no words to describe it. Her stage presence alone is unbelievable. She could have read the phone book and I'd have been satisfied. Marvin and Cubby were there. Most of the people in the audience were at least in their 70s, and I'm almost 22. I was the only one who gave her a standing ovation, and I got some looks from audience members when I screamed. I didn't care. I was there to support my goddess. She didn't hit the high notes as well as she did in her younger days, but her voice now has a depth and maturity that I love. Onto the songs.

Overture- Marvin is amazing. I was so happy to see him again.

Let Me Entertain You- Fun.

No One Is Alone- This is my favorite Sondheim song. She sang it perfectly. I got teary.

Nothing Like a Dame- Very flirty. After it was over, she did her pose. You know, with her arms out and her head back. It was great to see her do the pose in person.

Fever- Very sexy. She has more sex appeal at 58 than most women will ever have.

The Gentleman Is a Dope- Great song, lots of fun.

Unexpected Song- I could tell she was thinking of Michael, and I could almost feel his spirit with her. I was openly bawling.

Mister Snow- This song had never done anything for me, but she was so sincere that I loved it.

Some Enchanted Evening- Perfectly done. I got teary here too.

Shenandoah- My least favorite song of the evening, but her rendition was gorgeous.

Not a Day Goes By- This is my 2nd favorite Sondheim song. I was expecting to be a basketcase, but instead she left me breathless. She did enough crying for both of us anyway.

You Could Drive a Person Crazy- I love this song and I was thrilled that she did it.

With So Little to Be Sure Of- Beautifully done.

Children Will Listen- Everyone else in the room seemed to disappear. It was just Bernadette singing straight to me. I will cherish that memory forever.

Being Alive- She really pulled out all the stops. It was intense. She did her pose after this song too.

Count Your Blessings (encore)- Very soft and beautiful. Her voice cracked at one point because she got choked up.

Afterthoughts: She had a reception afterwards so we just went back to the hotel. My dad was amazed that she did Fever so well considering it was her first time singing it. I burst out laughing. She got him, and he's not easy to fool. Another thing that struck me was that even though I saw her in Gypsy three times, this was my first time seeing Bernadette perform. I appreciate her transformation into Rose even more. I feel sad that it's over and happy that it happened. Bernadette is a true goddess, but she's also incredibly human. I feel truly blessed to have been in her presence last night.