BERNADETTE PETERS
Five years is about five years too long to wait to see Bernadette Peters back on a Broadway stage.

That was one of the many things that went through my mind as I was once again enthralled by the Tony-winning talent as she entertained a sold-out crowd this past Monday evening at the Minskoff Theatre in Bernadette Peters: A Special Concert for Broadway Barks Because Broadway Cares. As I left the theatre on what can only be described as a Bernadette Peters high — something I first experienced in high school and still seem highly susceptible to more than two decades later — these were some of my other thoughts:

Is there anyone in the theatre community who engenders more good will than Peters? In fact, it's a lucky thing that she's a benevolent soul because her personality is so appealing that she could probably get her fans to do anything she wanted. That she wanted to spend an evening to raise funds for both Broadway Barks, which she co-founded with Mary Tyler Moore, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, is more evidence that she is a kind-hearted person.

Also, why has Peters not aged while the rest of us have? She is truly as beautiful as ever. I used to suspect that the former Song and Dance star had found the Fountain of Youth and was occasionally taking a sip, perhaps even a full glass on matinee days. Now I believe she is swimming in it! And, the voice remains a powerful instrument; in fact, her soprano may even be stronger than ever. While her chest voice has matured and deepened so has her skill as an interpreter of lyrics. Combine that one-in-a-million voice and those interpretive skills, and the result is one of the great singers of our time.