Park West - Chicago, IL
Berg: Unknown

The problem with 'The Bette Midler Show'' at Chi nitery Park West is not that it's bad, but that she's been better.  Those who have never seen Midler before were treated to the newest of her ribald stories (including her X-rated Sophie Tucker jokes), quick-witted insults (she dumps on everyone; from Queen Elizabeth to Linda Rondstadt and eclectic material (who else does "La Vie En Rose" and "Empty Bed Blues" in one show?) But for  those who have seen a Midler show (and most of the crowd responded to her that they had), a poor sound system, cramped surrounding and abbreviated program all squelched that extra spark of excitement that has helped make her almost every concert tour a sellout.

The 80-minute show was at least 40 minutes short by traditional Midler standards and her song repertoire suffers as a result. The total number of tunes has been reduced to nine, with the elimination of traditional crowd pleasers like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.'' "Do You Wanna Dance," and "Hello in There." 

 Although her current tour of smaller clubs across the country is designed for her to get back to a more intimate atmosphere, many patrons complained about the long wait for tables and cramped surroundings once they were seated.

Midler has once again reinstated her version of the Bob Dylan classic "I Shall Be  Released," and it is the high point of the show.  A telling rendition of  "Superstar” and Midler camp classics such as "In The Mood" and her theme song, "Friends." also work effectively.

The Harlettes, Midler's three backup singers, opened with a tight 20-minute mixed bag of tunes. The arrangements are engaging and the singing well-paced and energetic, making Sharon Redd, Ula Hedwig and Charlotte Crossley a more than capable trio on their own. The backup seven piece band works well with the Harlettes, but do not seem to be quite the right mix for Midler.