Not to further split this hair: but that was still a re-packaging/re-visiting of the original staging with one of the original stars' interpretations. The Midler iteration, directed by Zaks, is the first new take on the show with a new star, independent of the Gower Champion production stamp*. It's a small but telling distinction.
*Directed by Lucia Victor, who'd put Bailey in the role in the late 60s. She recreated the Champion staging, the only one for that era. It was recreated again for Channing's returns(s) in the 70s and 90s. |
