Bette Midler brings out an emotion response in me that is hard to understand. She is truly one of those people that, if I ever meet, when I finally meet, I will cry like a baby in front of.
For me, it started in sixth grade in 1988. Middle school is awkward as hell and I didn’t have cable – those were some rough years. 🙂 But a teacher of mine saw this movie and for some reason, thought I would like it. I remember her giving me a VHS copy of the movie, Big Business which she recorded from HBO. I watched that movie NON-STOP. In fact, I can act out many scenes from it. If you haven’t seen it – WATCH IT. It’s hands-down my favorite Bette Midler movie. Especially this scene. In fact, I need to remember this for a Halloween costume.
I have seen Bette 4 times in concert already. So when this latest tour was announced, I jumped to see her again. But then found out I would be out-of-town during it!! TRAGIC! After a crazy last-minute turn of events, the stars aligned and my husband and I were driving down to Fort Lauderdale to see the Divine!
Also – it was opening night! So the stars were out…including her husband, writer Bruce Vilanch and even Gloria Estafan! The theater was a perfect size – not too big, not too small. Our seats were great and she put on an amazing show. I’m not going to lie when I say I cried from start to finish. To see her on that stage, giving every ounce of herself to her craft. She’s singing to me. I cry now even typing this. I’m pretty sure she was also crying throughout the show. It’s been 10 years since she’s gone on the road on tour. There was a stretch of very emotional songs and she seemed to really be overwhelmed by the emotion. It was so touching. She is everything I wish I could be.
Here’s a look at the set list. It was opening night so I’m sure things will change. I’m not going to give any spoilers. I was very surprised and very touched with many of the things she and her Harletts did – so don’t want to ruin it!
DIVINE INTERVENTION SET LIST:
- Divine Intervention
- I’ve Still Got My Health
- Tenderly
- Throw It Away
- Be My Baby
- Tell Him
- He’s Sure The Boy I Love
- Da Do Ron Ron
- Bei Mir Bist Du Schon
- Waterfalls
- Everybody Knows — New cover and it’s amazing!
- I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today
- I Put A Spell On You
- Optimistic Voices/Bird In The Hand
- Beast of Burden
- Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most
- Miss Otis Regrets
- The Rose
- From A Distance
- Stay With Me
- Wind Beneath My Wings
- Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
Her performance of ‘Stay With Me’ was just as powerful as I expected it to be. I’m not sure I’ve seen her do that one live. My cry turned into a sob at that point. It was just amazing.
Hands down – my favorite performer/singer/actress in the world.
Also, when I have a boat, it will be named Delores DeLago – the toast of Chicago. Here’s a look at some of my pictures. I really didn’t take a lot – I was enjoying the moment. Bette would be proud.
The divine Miss M is more divine than ever! Don’t miss this tour! @bettemidler what a fantastic night!!
Posted by Gloria Estefan on Friday, May 8, 2015
Thank you for your wonderful, heart-felt review. I am in complete agreement with your words of praise. We were moved by her inspired performance of the songs (her voice is such a gift) as are her comedic talents and stream-of consciousness conversation with all of us! Ginger
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