The star of Broadway, film and television, the Divine Miss. M, otherwise characterized as Ms. Las Vegas, in “The Showgirl Must Go On,” sold the crowd on her song styles and her beautiful bevy of showgirls on opening night at the Coliseum at Caesars Palace.
Bette Midler’s engagement has her performing 100 shows per year in the 4,000-seat theater.
“Nobody got hurt, and nobody died,” she said. “It was a wonderful kickoff.”
When asked about the production of the show, she said, “I’ve got some gorgeous dancers who dance their butts off.”
The 20 female dancers about which she spoke are choreographed under the direction of longtime Midler choreographer Toni Basil. Midler revises some of her popular characters, such as Delores Delago, the Wheelchair-bound Mermaid, and Soph, the oldest living showgirl in Las Vegas. Midler is joined by the Harlettes, a 13-piece band, which includes a six-piece horn section from Las Vegas. They are known as The Fat City Horns.
Promoter John Meglan of AEG Concerts West stated, while on the red carpet, that the production showcases of Bette’s performances are her absolute best, and the fans love it. Bob Arum head of Top Rank Boxing, who was one of the VIPs along with his wife, said the opening of Midler’s showcase confirms her as an all-around performer.
Bette was accompanied by her husband, Martin von Haselberg, and their daughter, Sophie Haselberg.