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Bernadette Peters opens to raves in Sydney

Posted by: Dalmaniac 09:02 pm EDT 04/03/14

For those who have been disappointed by the drubbing Bernadette Peters has been getting from one ATC poster, here's another opinion.

Link Aussie Theatre review

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re: Bernadette Peters opens to raves in Sydney

Posted by: DistantDrumming 10:22 pm EDT 04/03/14
In reply to: Bernadette Peters opens to raves in Sydney - Dalmaniac 09:02 pm EDT 04/03/14

I adore Bernadette. ADORE her. But I think it's probably fair to point out that her vocal performances are inconsistent. When I saw her performing in So Cal late last year, her mid-range was very rough and she struggled with the big sound of songs like 'Being Alive'. But, then a few months later, she was in magnificent voice at the Sondheim/Marsalis concert productions at NY City Center. Even in this rave review that you linked to, one of the comments reads:

we saw her last night and we were blown away and thoroughly enjoyed the concert. Bernadette, the consumate performer however, seemed to be struggling with a throat problem. Hoping she feels better soon. It didn't stop us all giving her a standing ovation.

It might be time for her to consider adjusting her setlists. There's still plenty of material she can sing that doesn't require such a big "push" as songs like "Being Alive". Her upper range, especially, remained exquisite when I saw her. And that is sometimes where she gets to the true emotional core of a song like no one else. I also saw her with a somewhat pitiful 8 piece band. I think she would benefit from having a full orchestra behind her as well, but economics what they are, I understand that's not always possible.


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re: Bernadette Peters opens to raves in Sydney

Posted by: bicoastal 01:37 am EDT 04/04/14
In reply to: re: Bernadette Peters opens to raves in Sydney - DistantDrumming 10:22 pm EDT 04/03/14

I also saw the SoCal concert and felt that, though she delivered, she had rough spots. Liza is in an even worse dilemma. These performers have built careers partially based on their ability to belt, and now, in their sixties, are stuck belting out their hits but with a voice that has aged (for various reasons).

After seeing Liza at Disney Hall last week, I found myself wondering what an evening of low-key but well-chosen songs would be like with Liza. Could she do it? Would she retain her power as a performer? I'll bet she could, but it would not be an evening of Liza's greatest hits. Ditto with Bernadette if she took out or changed the arrangements of songs for which she is known. I wonder if it vexes these ladies as much as it vexes us.


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