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Michael Cox reviews an excellent night of musical theatre.
After a number of subpar to adequate touring shows, how wonderful it is to be reminded of the sheer excellence musical theatre can be. For that alone, Broadway sensation Bernadette Peters should be given a great deal of thanks.
But her show, which only had a short three-city tour of the UK that ended in Edinburgh, offered far more than that. Without relying on gimmicks or design distractions, Ms Peters delivered a stellar 90-minute show that relished all that musical theatre can offer.
Backed by an 11-member orchestra, Ms Peters delivered a collection of musical performances, ranging from the silly to the heart breaking. Themes and styles varied, with Peters’ cheeky banter binding the show together. She’s a shameless name-dropper (Alan Cumming, Stephen Sondheim, Mary Tyler Moore) and happily told personal stories about her life on and off the stage, all of which created a light atmosphere for the music to play out.
And what music she offered. Those familiar with her past roles won’t be surprised to hear Sondheim dominated the playlist, though many other staples of musical theatre’s cannon also featured. Each song was sung brilliantly, showcasing her rightfully famed vocal skills.
What Ms Peters excels in, however, is bringing three-dimensionality to each character she plays. These were not mere songs but musical monologues, telling stories and reflecting on life. Every song was a masterclass in how to give dramatic life to music, resulting in a parade of unforgettable characters.
It’s a shame she spent such a short time in the UK, let alone Scotland. It would be a greater shame if she doesn’t make a return in the near future—in concert or in performance.
Reviewed at Edinburgh Playhouse June 7, 2016. Review updated July 1, 2016.
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