Do we have any details on Bernadette's October 11 gig at Segerstrom Center for the Arts (formerly, Orange County Performing Arts Center) in Costa Mesa, CA? Is she performing with orchestra? Perhaps the Pacific Symphony? When the devil to single tickets go on sale? Seating recommendations? The newer concert hall looks stunning. Can't believe I've never been. Glad she's not playing the original theatre (where touring musicals play) -- it's a barn.
I'm guessing that tickets will go on sale on August 12 at 10am because that is when the other shows that are performing that week go on sale. Although, they do sometimes give out codes for a priority offer. If I get a code for the priority offer I'll post it.
Sit in the orchestra and terrace or box circle section if you can. I made the mistake of sitting in the promenade circle one time and it is too high.
I've got tickets for this Friday's concert in Costa Mesa and I'm so disappointed to read that Bernadette will not be playing with a full orchestra. I've never seen her without an orchestra and, frankly, it's part of the experience to hear her wonderful voice with the support of a Broadway-size ensemble. I mean, "In Buddy's Eyes" without those achingly lovely strings? Unless I'm misinterpreting this article from The Daily Pilot (which was also posted below by someone else), she will be playing with a tiny ensemble appropriate for supper club like 54 Below.
From the article: Peters will perform at the 2,000-seat Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at 8 p.m. Friday. Her inaugural performance will be accompanied by an ensemble comprising a piano, drums, bass and more.
Now I wish I'd held out for the Northridge date instead which, for whatever reason, is being billed as a performance with orchestra.
"Some stars just keep gaining appeal and charisma as they go through life. One would be Bernadette Peters, who made a 90-minute solo turn at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall on Friday night look effortless and spontaneous in the first show of the center’s 2013-’14 Cabaret Series."
This is a site dedicated to Bernadette, so I think it would be a bit tasteless for me to post a long review, but I have to say something -- you're all Bernadette fans -- only you can understand how much this saddens me. Ater seeing Bernadette on Broadway twice and in multiple concerts over the years, I think her show in Costa Mesa might be my final one. I was saddened at how much her voice had deteriorated - even since I saw her in concert in 2008. People age, but if you're singing the same material you were in 1995, comparisons with the past are inevitable. As much as I love and admire this woman, I think I may wish to preserve my memory of what was and just enjoy her recorded performances. I don't want my last concert memory of Bernadette to be the same as mine of Liza -- in which she heaved, cracked and squeaked through 'New York, New York' and 'Cabaret'. While Bernadette's voice is no where nearly deteriorated as Liza's, I don't think I want to be around when it gets that bad.
Am I nuts? Were you there? Do you strongly disagree? Convince me I'm wrong. Seriously, I LOVE this woman. Please convince me I'm wrong and that I should go see her in concert again.
While I do agree that her voice is no longer at its best, I still think its pretty nice considering other Broadway actresses her age. I do understand where you're coming from though. I saw her in concert in New Orleans (on her 65th birthday I might add) and while she did do a fantastic job, there were times where she sang songs (such as No One is Alone) where I would have preferred to listen to the recorded version from an earlier date. You're not wrong, but she still has a while to go. I think also that she has sensitive vocal strength. Since she sings Sindheim so often, she has to push herself vocally as well as emotionally. I can imagine this takes a toll on her voice. But, again, considering her age compared to others her age, she's still a gem.
~*~*14 with a Dream*~*~
"It is marvelous to know you. And it's never really through. Crazy business this, this life we live in. Can't complain about the time we're given. With so little to be sure of in this world. We have a moment. A marvelous moment."
For me, it's not about the voice, it's the total package.
(Oh, and 1) Bernadette does not need me to argue for her, she is doing fine by herself and 2) I would never tell anyone who to like, love, admire, follow, or spend money on, it is a very personal and subjective choice--follow your heart...)
Sure, her voice is not the same as it was twenty or even ten years ago. How could it be? But as Jean says, for me it's about the whole presentation. I would also add that I actually LIKE older voices with some singers. Poor old Leonard Cohen is pushing 80 and has about a five note range, but the depth of his commitment and the hard won confidence of his delivery is absolutely staggering to me. Billie Holiday and Tony Bennett are two other examples of singers who developed a kind of emotional depth in their older voices that defy the kind of acrobatic vocal gymnastics that singers have when they are younger. My two cents, blah blah blah, discuss.
Jennifer
Jean
MabelNormand
leebee