Review: Bette Midler – Divine Intervention

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.

 

 

Gloria-Bette

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

2 thoughts on “Review: Bette Midler – Divine Intervention

  1. 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

  2. Pingback: BetteHead Review: Review – Bette Midler – Divine Intervention by Jennifer Cook | BootLeg Betty

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