Midler Show More Broadway Than Concert

Bette Midler Tuesday, Dec. 10, Spokane Opera House

Maybe there’s a better entertainer in show business, but right now I can’t think of one.

Bette Midler’s sold-out show at the Opera House was a whirlwind of comedy, song, dance, burlesque and naughty, campy fun. It was at least as good as Midler’s famous “Divine Madness” concert film, and maybe better.

In fact, the word “concert” doesn’t even begin to describe this show. This was more like a complete Broadway spectacle, with sets, costumes, skits and showgirls.

Here’s a hint of the variety that Midler packed into this two-hour show:

An elaborate Delores Del Lago mermaid segment, with Midler and the new Harlettes flaunting their tails and then embarking on some wild wheelchair choreography. This segment included high-energy versions of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “New York, New York.”

A Hawaiian segment featuring Bette in a sarong singing “Ukulele Lady.”

A powerful segment from the musical “Gypsy,” featuring Midler in “Mama’s Turn.”

A surprisingly naughty burlesque segment, complete with topless showgirls (they were wearing pasties), and Midler telling unprintable jokes in her best Sophie Tucker-Mae West-W.C. Fields voice.

In fact, earlier in the evening Midler told some Chris Anderson jokes. Yes, that Chris Anderson. She said, “It’s nice to get out of Los Angeles for a few minutes. I bring you greetings from Chris Anderson, who has a new project in Hollywood: ‘The X-City Councilman Files.”’

She also got a huge laugh when she said, “Hello Spokane. I’m your Ice Princess.”

Then she mentioned “glamorous Coeur d’Alene, where every morning you hear the sound of thousands of razors shaving thousands of heads.”

Probably half the show was devoted to clowning, but let’s not forget the music. She did some of her early hits, including “Do You Want To Dance” and “Friends.”

But as for her big hit ballads, she kept teasing the audience by asking, “Did I sing the ballad yet? Was it beautiful?”

Toward the end of the show, looking svelte in a tight black gown (“I’ve got a workout regimen that would kill a Marine”), she sang “From a Distance” and “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Yes, as a matter of fact, it was beautiful.

The best songs, however, were some lesser-known tunes, including a bluesy Bonnie Raitt-like number and a torchy version of “Stay With Me, Baby.”

The audience, those lucky 2,600 who had snapped up the tickets in 45 minutes (or paid through the nose to a scalper), was wildly appreciative. They gave Midler four different standing ovations throughout the evening.

Midler responded with plenty of warm repartee, and she seemed genuinely touched by the adoration.

For those who couldn’t get tickets, I have only one bit of advice. Be sure and get access to HBO on Jan. 19. HBO is taping this 10-city mini-tour during its Las Vegas stop and will air it on that date. Believe me, it’s worth watching.

, DataTimes