Outstanding interpretation of Bette Midler as domineering mother Rose Hovick marks this excellent 1993 production.
Surprisingly, Midler won the Golden Globe Award for best actress and it was certainly well-deserved. She is bossy, sincere and forever endearing in the part. She belts out the songs, not exactly in the tradition of Ethel Merman, but with her own style-she reached new heights herself. Her facial contortions are excellent. At times, in her face, I saw her characters in "Hocus Pocus," and when she sings "Everything is coming up roses," at the train station, I thought I was seeing Gloria Swanson of "Sunset Boulevard" memory.
Peter Riegert was most suitable in the role of her manager, the guy she loved dearly, but couldn't marry due to her stubborn belief that the careers of her girls came first.
The woman who played Louise, who is eventually drawn into the burlesque world, reminded me of the late Natalie Wood. Ironically, Wood played her part in the memorable 1962 film with the late Roz Russell.
A marvelous, endearing show with great performances by all concerned.
Surprisingly, Midler won the Golden Globe Award for best actress and it was certainly well-deserved. She is bossy, sincere and forever endearing in the part. She belts out the songs, not exactly in the tradition of Ethel Merman, but with her own style-she reached new heights herself. Her facial contortions are excellent. At times, in her face, I saw her characters in "Hocus Pocus," and when she sings "Everything is coming up roses," at the train station, I thought I was seeing Gloria Swanson of "Sunset Boulevard" memory.
Peter Riegert was most suitable in the role of her manager, the guy she loved dearly, but couldn't marry due to her stubborn belief that the careers of her girls came first.
The woman who played Louise, who is eventually drawn into the burlesque world, reminded me of the late Natalie Wood. Ironically, Wood played her part in the memorable 1962 film with the late Roz Russell.
A marvelous, endearing show with great performances by all concerned.