DIVA TALK Just a few tidbits as we go into the first weekend of 1997. BERNADETTE PETERS
More exciting news about one of our favorite ladies, Bernadette Peters. Bernadette has been invited to sing the opening number at this year's Presidential inauguration. It is a fitting honor for this multi-talented performer to have been asked to sing before Bill Clinton will be sworn in as President of the United States for a second term. The inauguration will be televised nationally Jan.19. Be sure to set your VCRs.
Also, as reported a week or so ago, Peters' smash evening at Carnegie Hall will be released on a single CD some time in February on Angel Records, titled Bernadette Peters: Live at Carnegie Hall. The recording, which will feature highlights from the evening, contains approximately 60 minutes of music and 13 minutes of dialogue, which will give all those who weren't able to attend the performance more of a feel of the evening. Some of the songs that Peters brings to dazzling life on this recording include "Making Love Alone," "Johanna," "Being Alive," "Hello Little Girl," "Some People," "Broadway Baby" and others. I will post the complete list of songs when it becomes available. (Proceeds from the recording will benefit GMHC.)
Meanwhile, BP is off to London to begin filming the four-hour NBC epic, "Odyssey." Peters stars as Circe in this adaptation of Homer's classic tale. Other stars in the miniseries include Armand Assante, Greta Scacchi and Vanessa Williams.
BETTY BUCKLEY
In an interview with Newsday's Patrick Pacheco, Pacheco asked Betty Buckley what she thought about the "Norma wars" of Sunset Boulevard. Responded Ms B, "It was a big drag. We respect each other, and suddenly we're pitted in this competition and circus atmosphere. Norma is just such a huge archetype in our collective consciousness that people go through all sorts of stuff about the lady playing Norma and project [it] onto you."
Be sure to check Betty Buckley's website, in its home on Playbill On-Line, if you haven't done so recently. Right before Christmas, Buckley posted a nine-page "postcard" to her fans and friends as well as a Christmas card, too.
Coming soon to the website: "Betty Buckley: Road Tour," photos BB has taken on her tours throughout the country.
Buckley, who continues to mesmerize audiences in the tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Music of the Night can also be seen in repeats of the Christmas episode of "Remember WENN" on AMC.
PATTI LuPONE
There's less than a month left to catch Patti LuPone as Maria Callas in Terrence McNally's Tony-winning drama, Master Class. LuPone, who received raves for her moving portrayal of Callas, will give her final performance in the show Jan. 29. La LuPone is scheduled to bring her heralded performance to London some time this year. If you haven't caught Patti in her first non musical Broadway role in years, get thee to the John Golden Theatre before the end of the month. It is a must see for all LuPone fans.
ELAINE PAIGE
Very happy to receive the latest Elaine Paige newsletter, Front Paige News, which is put together by Alan Vince, who is based in London. In each installment, EP writes a note to her fans. Thought you might like to read the letter she penned during her current stay in New York while inhabiting Sunset Boulevard:
"Dear All, Noo Yoork, Noo Yoork, it's a wonderful town! What a welcome they gave me here on Broadway, it really has been a fantastic few months. So much excitement and we've gone from hot, hot summer to the wonderful fall foliage and Halloween and now we're freezing as winter and Christmas get nearer.
Many, many thanks to all of you who have made it such a special time by writing, sending gifts and actually visiting me here on The Great White Way. I know it's a good excuse for a weekend's shopping as well, but it really has been a tremendous kick to see so many of your waiting to say hello after the end of a performance here at the Minskoff. And it's been great to have the opportunity to meet numerous new American friends and to hear from many by letter.
I must say I do love life Stateside but I miss a good cup of tea and my dog!
Wherever you are during the holiday period I'd like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and New Year. . . .
Elaine."
Alan Vince, who compiles, edits and produces Front Paige News can be reached by mail at 201 Wayfield Road, Chatham, Kent ME5 OHG, England.
That's all for now. Happy New Year and happy diva-watching!
-- By Andrew Gans e-mail me at [email protected]
