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| Author | Topic: Bernadette's Contract |
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RobRamos
Registered User
Registered:
4/1/2003 | posted: 9/10/2003 at 9:53:48 AM ET
At present, Bernadette is under contract to perform in the show at least until Saturday, March 13, 2004. If there were any chance of her leaving the show before that date, I find it highly unlikely that Telecharge.com would be selling tickets on the strength of her name, without indicating that she will not be in the show at that time. As stated before, she will be with the show AT LEAST until 3/13/04...and there is, of course, the possibility of an extension, as there would be with any originator of the lead in a production like this. I have seen no mention of Bernadette "trying to get out of her contract", as some have stated, in any reputable publications. Where on EARTH did this ridiculous rumor start?? The person who started it will, hopefully, feel STUPID come March when she is still in the show.
|  moljul
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Registered:
4/2/2001
From:
New York
Fav. BP CD: I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Fav. BP Song: Dublin Lady
| posted: 9/10/2003 at 10:34:44 AM ET
I'm not trying to be argumentative but it was posted on a couple of theater chat boards by someone who was backstage at Gypsy visiting a friend and apparently was told Bernadette was trying to shorten her contract to protect her voice. It looks possible that she made an arrangment with the producers to take a short vacation instead to rest. After all the vacation is in two weeks and was just announced. Kind of a last minute decision it seems. So to say it was completely a rumor might be stretching it. If she felt she needed to leave the show for health reasons, then I trust she really needed to. Hopefully this arrangement will give her some much needed rest so she can continue and fulfill her contract.
Of course there is a possibility that it was all a rumor but many recent events suggest that it could be possible.
| Karen
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Registered:
5/3/2002 | posted: 9/10/2003 at 11:04:12 AM ET
Moljul, you definitely have a point, but the thing about this production of Gypsy is that there have been false negative rumors floated around on message boards from the beginning. There is some malice out there and some effort to spread bad feelings, for whatever reason. I'm taking all this stuff with a shaker of salt(a grain isn't enough).
| moljul
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Registered:
4/2/2001
From:
New York
Fav. BP CD: I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Fav. BP Song: Dublin Lady
| posted: 9/10/2003 at 11:13:21 AM ET
Certainly true. Any rumor should be treated with a grain of salt but yes, particularly any that have to do with this production, I would bring out the shaker. 
However, to just dismiss it and act like it is not possible seems a bit blinded to me. Many have had a VERY strong reaction to this "rumor" in a manner that they feel, "Bernadette would NEVER do that" which seems ridiculous. And using her wonderful, full of energy performance on The View as proof that she doesn't want out of the show is quite naive. She is a professional, of course she is going to do the best performance she can to promote the show. She won't sabotage it just because she wants or wanted out.
Like we have discussed in other threads, hopefully a few short vacations will allow her to stay in and fulfill her year. She is clearly having a wonderful time and wants to stay with the role if she is physically and vocally able. And maybe she'll surprise us all and extend her contract next spring.
|  UCFGuardgirl
Registered User
Registered:
6/15/2003
From:
New York City | posted: 9/10/2003 at 12:35:50 PM ET
Moljul said exactly what I wanted to say and said it perfectly.
In my experience (from running a message board that deals -- or dealt -- primarily with spoilers for a TV show) you can usually tell the difference between utterly ridiculous rumors and rumors that may not be true, but are rooted in some truth, somewhere. (Not that this makes them right, but generally, that is the origin of a rumor.) You of course are going to get utter crap that is circulated just to be malicious, but most of the time, behind every rumor, there is an obscure, mangled truth.
I would certainly believe that Gypsy is tough on Bernadette's voice. I imagine it would be tough on any actor's voice. I would also imagine that it would be hard to predict, before actually doing the show for a few months, how your body is going to react to such vocal conditions. So what I believe (and this is only my opinion, and not based on anything I read or heard anywhere) is that perhaps Bernadette felt a bit of strain (in whatever way) after having gotten acclimated to the role and the schedule, and decided she should nip this in the butt before any serious damage could befall her vocal chords. Perhaps she and the producers sat down (or were going to, and this is what someone overheard) to talk about how the strain on Bernadette could be managed and minimized. Perhaps the idea of shortening her contract came up as an option -- one of many -- and they dismissed this in favor of a short vacation (or, who knows, maybe a few short vacations interspersed throughout the run) and this made everyone happy. You never know. Like moljul said, maybe getting a few short rests will entice Bernadette to actually extend her contract -- and what a treat that would be!
But again, you never know. The rumor could be absolutely 100% false. But I would have to lean towards it being perhaps 10% true, in some (again) mangled form. But like I said, that is only my opinion.
It's at least interesting to discuss and hypothesize over, at any rate. As long as we can all recognize the differnce between opinion, rumor, falsehood, and fact, we're all just thinking out loud. 
***************
Regis: And look at all this hair. My God. That's a lot of hair. Look at this. How does hair get this way?
Bernadette: Um.. it sort of grew out of my head like this.
-- Live with Regis
| Karen
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Registered:
5/3/2002 | posted: 9/10/2003 at 1:07:34 PM ET
You both make excellent points...so well thought out and expressed. Thanks!
| PTM
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Registered:
6/26/2003 | posted: 9/11/2003 at 2:26:38 AM ET
Not to beat this topic to death, but Moljul where did you read that someone visiting backstage at Gypsy was told about Peters trying to shorten her contract?
I do remember, and I still have the posts, that on 8/20 on ATC, someone who posts as MichiFan claimed that someone he/she knew had heard from Peters at the stage door that she would be resting shortly. Well this is obviously coming to fruition although maybe what the person should have said is that Peters would be taking a short rest, since I don't consider a vacation occuring 6 weeks away "shortly."
However, this post was followed the next day by somebody else claiming that they had from a "reliable source" that Peters was "indeed" trying to shorten her contract and they were looking for someone to fill in for a "month in the fall" while Peters took a break. This then gets posted as fact on some other message boards like musicals.net and there you go.
But since other "reliable sources" have also claimed the following: Sondheim was going to write a new song, the overture was going to be cut, only limited press was going to be invited to view the show, Peters was going to take time off before the Tonys, Peters was going to take time off before the recording and god knows what else, reliable sources don't seem very reliable when it comes to this production.
Who knows what kinds of options or clauses are contained in performer's contracts. We're assuming this is an early vacation because we assumed she was going to take a break around the time she did in AGYG, but who knows. If her contract included a vacation after 9 months, and she wanted to take one earlier perhaps this becomes the mangled "getting out of her contract" source.
Anyway, if Peters really, truly wanted to shorten her contract by 6 months, and instead settled for 6 days off after 6 months, I think she may want to find someone else to negotiate for her.
PTM
| moljul
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New York
Fav. BP CD: I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Fav. BP Song: Dublin Lady
| posted: 9/11/2003 at 11:14:31 AM ET
PTM, It was stated during the thread of that initial conversaton on ATC and then during another thread several days later. It was stated as the stage door once and the backstage area another time. Bare in mind that while many of us consider the stage door area outside of the Shubert perhaps someone who knew a cast or crew member might refer to the stage door as the area just inside the door which is EXTREMELY close to Bernadette's dressing room.
I wouldn't say she lost out on the negotiations. She probably wanted out of her contract ideally but that is a big thing to ask especially when an 8 million dollar musical is built around you. I can't believe she was naive enough to think that was really possible and the producers were going to let her walk. Just like I would like to win the lottery so I can pay my debts off. Yeah, that would be ideal but I know the probability is quite slim. So instead I'll try to find another job that maybe pays me more and try to lower and consolidate my debt, etc.
She possibly told the producers that ideally she needs to cut her run short because of the physical demands and they said no and they decided to start with a short vacation. I'm sure other options were discussed. Maybe everyone will wait to see the effects of the vacation. Maybe a good solid week off is all she needs, maybe she needs longer or maybe she really needs to end her contract. Maybe the producers will be able to find a big name to replace her and let her out of her contract. Or maybe this is all a rumor and she is just fine. I agree this could all just be a rumor but in my mind it is also very plausible. I have no trouble believing the role is giving her trouble. And I would find a vacation scheduled with 3 weeks notice after 4 months of a run a bit suspicious if I had not heard that perhaps she needed a rest. So it all seems possible in my mind. I'm not passing this on as fact, just my take on the situation. As UCFGuardGirl said, we're just analying the situation and thinking out loud.
|  Christine-NYC
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3/23/2002
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New York City
Fav. BP Song: With So Little to be Sure Of
Fav. BP Show: Gypsy
Fav. BP Character: Marie (insert last name) lol There's a few
Fav. BP CD: Bernadette Peters Loves Rogers and Hammerstein
| posted: 9/11/2003 at 2:19:07 PM ET
Please consider what I'm about to say a rumor until it is officially confirmed, but I heard that Bette Midler is slated to take over after Bernadette leaves in the Spring; which gives Bette time to go on her already scheduled tour called "Kiss My Brass." I don't know if I necessarily believe that since there was rumors going back to the tv version that Arthur Laurents didn't like Bette's take on the role. Again, that was a rumor. Perhaps Mr. Laurents really enjoyed Bette's version; who really knows for sure.
The only thing I can think of is that if Bette Midler is slated to take over after Bernadette leaves, but is going on tour first, they are not going to want a BIG name like Bernadette's leaving the show when the next BIG name is not ready to move into the role.
Then again. they might not even have picked the next person, and they're worried that if Bernadette leaves before they have a BIG name to draw crowds to the show that the Production will no longer sell enough tickets, and will close.
<3CMH<3
| Ms.Dilmount
Registered User
Registered:
9/2/2003 | posted: 9/11/2003 at 4:10:56 PM ET
the only places i have heard, or even seen talk of Bernadette shortening her contract was in message boards! and like UCFGuardgirl said....many rumours and such is started on message boards and that most likely there is some truth in it but who really knows?!
i can see why Bernadette would want to shorten her stay as Rose because it is an Extremely demanding role! she belted the entire time(granted Bernadette is a belter.....but belting a two-and half show and cuasing that much strain on all those songs...that takes some toll on ones vocal cords no matter how well trained they are!)
i for one would love it if Bernadette extended her contract if it didnt affect her voice too much because i am going to NYC at the end of march(soooo close!)
| UCFGuardgirl
Registered User
Registered:
6/15/2003
From:
New York City | posted: 9/11/2003 at 4:54:10 PM ET
Bette Midler, huh?
That would be an interesting choice, if that was indeed true. I really enjoyed her Mamma Rose in the TV Movie (although I did hear,as you did, Christine, that Laurents didn't particularly care for it.) Still, I think she is IDEAL to take over after Bernadette Peters (whenever she chooses to leave the show, be it next year or tomorrow.) Bette is the only one I can think of who is well known both onstage and off, and has the talent to pull off all the facets of the role. (Many pop-singers just don't have what it takes to come alive on the stage. Vanessa Williams, for instance, who played the witch in the ITW revival, just didn't have the stage presence, IMO. All the lines Bernadette made sparkle just fell flat with Vanessa, who missed much of the comedic timing.)
That's sort of a fun question, though.
Who do you think has enough star power, stage presence, and experience to play the role of Rose when Bernadette leaves?
***************
Regis: And look at all this hair. My God. That's a lot of hair. Look at this. How does hair get this way?
Bernadette: Um.. it sort of grew out of my head like this.
-- Live with Regis
|  MsPetersFan1
Registered User
Registered:
6/25/2002
From:
Long Island, New York & Boston, | posted: 9/11/2003 at 5:09:48 PM ET
There have been so many discussions on this on other messsage boards..and I would love for Bette to do it. Someone suggested Kathy Bates. I think she is a fantastic actress but I don't know if she could ever sing this role.
~* Megan *~
| jmslsu01
Registered User
Registered:
6/9/2003
From:
northern VA | posted: 9/11/2003 at 5:26:10 PM ET
An interview with Arthur Laurents (discusses his feelings on Bette Midler as well as the other actresses who have played Rose-this interview is from 1995). I did a search on Google,and this is from The Advocate. Not for the easily offended. But it does discuss Bette Midler and Gypsy-look toward the end of the interview:
"Why were you so unhappy with the TV version with Bette Midler?
It was styleless. And the director, Emile Ardolino, was afraid of Bette. So were the two producers. And I said to to the three of them, “You have six balls, and she has more.” And it’s true. And she, who to this day I think could play it, was so scared of the part, she fell back on her own tricks, devices, and shtick. She wasn’t Rose. If you watch her do “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” it’s Norma Desmond gone mad."
http://www.advocate.com/html/stories/811/811_laurents_kram.asp
Jenn
| Ms.Dilmount
Registered User
Registered:
9/2/2003 | posted: 9/11/2003 at 6:13:03 PM ET
when i saw some talk of bette midler i kind of cringed.lol, i just dont see her as Rose...basically since the first time i saw Gypsy was with Bernadette(i have the original with Ethel Merman cd..but actually seeing was with Bernadette) and now i can not see anyone else playing that role. i know bette played rose on the tv version but i dont know......she just seems too loud and...not i dont know..not Bernadette enough, lol!
|  mrbig
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6/16/2003
From:
Dallas, Texas
Fav. BP Song: Not a Day Goes By
Fav. BP Show: Sunday in the Park...
Fav. BP Character: Dot in SITPWG
Fav. BP CD: Sondheim, Etc.
| posted: 9/11/2003 at 9:42:04 PM ET
I hate to think of the day when Bernadette leaves the role!!! Did anyone see Betty Buckley in the part a few years back regionally? What about Patti LuPone? I don't think she has played this part, but I bet she'd be good. Of course, Bernadette will always be my favorite!!!
mrbig from big d
"No matter what you say, Children Will Listen..."
| Christine-NYC
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Registered:
3/23/2002
From:
New York City
Fav. BP Song: With So Little to be Sure Of
Fav. BP Show: Gypsy
Fav. BP Character: Marie (insert last name) lol There's a few
Fav. BP CD: Bernadette Peters Loves Rogers and Hammerstein
| posted: 9/11/2003 at 10:47:29 PM ET
OK, so Arthur Laurents didn't neccessarily not like Bette Milder, he didn't like the entire TV production.
She is very talented. I'm sure that a good director (like Sam Mendes) can get the right performance out of Bette. If she was afraid of the role, that's not completely her fault. Just my opinion.
I think she's one of the few women that would be pretty well accepted in the role; considering she would be taking over for one of the biggest names on Broadway.
<3CMH<3
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