Bette Midler …and Me was performed at the Crazy Coqs, London.
West End star Sue Kelvin took to the Crazy Coqs stage, accompanied by performer Me’sha Bryan and pianist Erika Gundesen.
Kelvin celebrates all things Bette Midler in her touring show Bette Midler …and Me, performing her hits, covers and providing tales of Midler’s life from infant to adult. On my journey to the theatre I wondered what the ‘And me’ part would be and how it would fit in.
The artist provides an insight not only into Midler’s life but her own. Tales of a tough childhood as a ‘Jewish’, ‘fat’ young girl dealing with personal, family issues are interwoven with the depiction of tales from Midler’s life. While Kelvin tells her life story, she also explains to the audience how Midler is an icon she looks up to and how her music helped her escape a life affliction.
The story of both Midler and Kelvin is connected with infamous songs sung by the former throughout her career. Hits include ‘From a Distance’, ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ and ‘The Rose’. Kelvin’s emotional story as a young girl growing up in Manchester is a real contrast to Midler’s life. However, it is interesting to discover that although these are lives miles apart, similar tragic life events happened to both.
This comes to a climax when Kelvin explains her drama teacher once told her that she reminded her of Midler. Kelvin’s passion for the star is captured as she asks the audience: “Has someone ever said something to you and didn’t know how much that small thing meant to you?” This gave Kelvin the confidence to go on to be the West End performer she is.
Me’sha Bryan and Erika Gundesen’s vocal tones perfectly complement Kelvin. Bryan beautifully belts ‘From a Distance’ and is a comedic partner to Kelvin. Gundesen’s dulcet tones and piano skills are second to none.
Kelvin provides comedy, tragedy and grace as she perfectly depicts her passion and love for Midler.
Molly Kerrigan
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