Customer Reviews

Bernadette Peters in Concert

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Who is a two-time Tony Award winner that radiates a rare sweetness and a lush sensuality? Who is scoring rave reviews on Broadway as Annie Oakley in the must-see, smash revival of Irving Berlin's "Annie Get Your Gun?" Only the hottest diva on the stage today, Bernadette Peters.

I remember the first time I watched Bernadette Peters perform. She was a guest on "The Carol Burnette Show." The next time was in the Steve Martin film "The Jerk." I could not figure out why this woman appeared on television or the big screen with her unusual speaking voice, not realizing her career in musical theatre.

Did you know that Ms. Peters made her Broadway debut in 1967 in "Johnny No-Trump?" In 1968, she starred with Joel Grey in the musical "George M," earning a Theatre World Award for her memorable portrayal of Josie Cohan. During that same year, she received a Drama desk Award for her show-stopping performance in the smash off-Broadway hit musical "Dames at Sea." It is no wonder that Ms. Peters quickly became one of the most sought-after stars in musical theatre.

I have gained a new respect for Ms. Peters as a performer throughout the years. One reason was due to learning more about her career. The other reason was Ms. Peters recorded an AIDS benefit concert for the Gay Men's Health Crisis in December 1998 at New York's Carnegie Hall. She sang one of my personal favorites: "Making Love Alone" ("you'll save on cologne").

You now have the opportunity for a front row seat for a dazzling evening of entertainment, "Bernadette Peters In Concert." She performs songs from her illustrious stage and recording career, including renditions from legendary Broadway composers Stephen Sondheim's "Broadway Baby," Jerry Herman's "Time Heals Everything," Jerome Kern's "The Way You Look Tonight," and the Grammy-nominated "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight."

"Bernadette Peters In Concert" was recorded live from the Royal Festival Hall in London, and it aired on PBS as part of the August 1999 pledge drive. Ms. Peters' admirers' will be thrilled to discover that the video and DVD releases contain songs not previously broadcast on PBS. The DVD version contains a comprehensive biography and extensive career credits with specifically selected photos.

"Bernadette Peters In Concert" is absolutely fabulous, and it's a must own!

The late British critic Kenneth Tynan once wrote of Katharine Hepburn: "She is not versatile, but like any star of true magnitude, she can do one or two of the most difficult things in the world supremely well." In a program devoted primarily to the songs of Stephen Sondheim, Bernadette Peters does many things supremely well. She sings an Andrew Lloyd Weber number ("Unexpected Song") and she makes it seem as immediate, emotional, and important as anything on her well-chosen program. The colors in her voice do not represent an unlimited palette, but she uses what she has as only a true artist can. She brings to numbers by Jimmy Webb and Jerry Herman every ounce of feeling and intelligence that she naturally gives to Sondheim. This is a video to cherish for all times: one of the greatest of all Broadway singers pays tribute to one of the greatest of all Broadway composer/lyricists - and several others as well. No one who watches this will ever forget Bernadette's performance of "Time Heals Everything" from Jerry Herman's masterpiece Mack and Mabel. Not everybody loves Bernadette Peters as much as I do - but if Bernadette and her unique artistry is as dear to your heart as it is to mine, you will not want to be without this video. Most of this concert is devoted to the songs of Stephen Sondheim. His songs don't need a champion, but he's still a lucky guy to have Bernadette as his interpreter!

I love the comment by the editorial writer above that Bernadette Peters is a "glorious anachronism." It's true. She has those Gibson Girl looks and a 30s movie star quality about her. And she has a voice that can melt the hardest of hearts. It's hard not to get a little misty eyed on hearing her version of "Not a Day Goes By" or "The Unexpected Song."

I did buy one of her poppier albums once, the one with her version of the old Carla Thomas song "Gee Whiz," and it was fine stuff, but some people were born to be--dare I say it?--Broadway babies. It really is her metier, and she virtually reigns supreme over Broadway today. Who else even comes close?

The concert format allows Ms. Peters to tackle material not previously associated with her. She mixes a little standard pop into her repertory, but the bulk of the concert is devoted to Broadway, specifically Sondheim. She is so skilled, however, that it in no way seems monotonous. I know a few anti-Sondheim types in my circle of acquaintances, and I would not hesitate to recommend this concert to them. Or to foist it on them, come to think of it.

Is Bernadette Peters an anachronism, glorious or otherwise? Well, Sondheim himself has said that the form is dying, so perhaps in that sense, Peters, as one of Broadway's brightest stars, may be one of the last of a dying breed. However, when you see her handily out-vamp Madonna on "Sooner or Later," you know that she really transcends all genre distinctions in any event. She is, plain and simple, a true star, and in that sense, timeless.

Bernadette Peters and Broadway... one in the same.

Hearing or seeing Ms. Peters, either live or on tape never ceases to amaze me. This concert was nothing but pure joy. To see an artist of her caliber perform is always high scale entertainment.

Bernadette's interpretation of both music and lyric is one of a kind, and here we get to see it up close. Her interpretation of Sondheim's music is unlike anyone's. It's no wonder why she enjoys performing his work... she does it flawlessly. The definition of a true artist is one who can convey their feelings and emotions to their audience... and Bernadette more than accomplishes it. As I watched her performance, I felt what she did.. happiness, sadness, joy and regret. And overall incredible evening of performance by a great star.

What makes it even more special to know is that the tender loving Bernadette on stage is the REAL Bernadette. I have had the pleasure of meeting her after a few of her shows and concerts and she's as warm off stage as she is on. A true delight.

If you're a fan of musicals, Stephen Sondheim or music sung and interpreted beautifully, buy this DVD! It will be an evening of performance you won't soon forget!

As a UK fan of Bernadette this DVD is a must - the sound and picture quality is great. I also have the Video format and the DVD is by far superior. The London audience are appreciative not only of Bernadette but also her rendition of amazing songs. My favourites have to be "Unexpected Song", "Not A Day Goes By" and "Being Alive" - STUNNING!

Bernadette Peters remains one of the most striking performers on the musical stage, with a palpable presence reaching for miles. This concert features some of her old gems ("Unexpected Song" "Raining in My Heart" "Time Heals Everything"), a wonderful selection of Sondheim songs, a radiant joy, and a self-assured sense of humor (Too bad "making love alone" wasn't on the video). "Hello Little Girl" is perhaps the only weak moment in the show for my tastes, but cannot even begin to dampen my enthusiasm for Ms. Peters's delightful abilities.

I already owned Into The Woods and was in awe of Ms. Peters' performance in it, so I purchased this. I was astounded at her performing and vocal ability, and much more astounded when I found out her age (exact words: "but, she's so HOT!"). Except for "We're In The Money", all the songs and/or performances are wonderful (some of the songs were only made interesting by her rendition). Also, if anyone who heard she will be playing Madame Rose in Gypsy is doubting her ability to play the role, they ought to see her rendition of "Some People" on this video.

Bernadette Peters sparkles through the whole concert. She drops punch lines, sing her heart out, make you laugh and makes you cry. She is a true Broadway Baby through and through. One of if no the most popular leadign lady in musical theater. She is just phenominal!! Everyone should buy this video, you'll defientley enjoy it!

Everyone knows that Bernadette Peters is one of the most amazing broadway performers, and Sondheim is the king of musical theatre composition. When the first lady of the broadway musical and the king of musical theatre get together, they are unbeatable. Get this DVD and you will watch it over, and over. Bernadette Peters can act a song better than anyone in the world and these songs show her off perfectly.

I have been a fan of Ms. Peters for over 15 years since I first heard the soundtrack to "Mack and Mabel". Since that time she has continuted to grow and mature as one of the world's leading Divas of the Musical Theatre. However her vocal styling does not merely hold to Broadway standards. Her rendition of "The Hills of Shiloh/Faithless love" is haunting and a melody that I love to hear over and over. I HIGHLY recommend this concert in any form for those new to Bernadette or those of us who have been waiting for years for an album like this.