“How much did you pay for these tickets?” Mitzi Gaynor asked her husband Jack Bean about their orchestra seats when they attended a Bette Midler concert at the Greek Theatre. “Whatever you paid, you didn’t pay enough.”

They were enthralled with Bette’s performance, as Mitzi was this month with Bette’s concert in Las Vegas, where whispers keep surfacing that Bette may be the honoree this spring at the Professional Dancers Society luncheon on May 16 at the Beverly Hilton. Mitzi presides over this great organization that looks after dancers in need and has honored Mary Tyler Moore, Angela Lansbury, Cyd Charisse, Donald O’Connor, Dick Van Dyke, Gene Kelly. Who isn’t aware that dancers careers are short-lived, their bodies pummeled by the fiery toll on their bones and muscles. When push comes to shove and the gigs become leaner, our blessed PDS is there to offer assistance. Continued…

Comedy Star: Bruce Vilanch – Writer, Actor, Character!

With his unmistakable presence — characterized by an obese figure, oversized red glasses, a shaggy blonde mane, and a scruffy, unkempt beard — Bruce Vilanch is one of Hollywood’s most colorful characters. Though known to many as an onscreen character player and comedian, Vilanch scored his most resounding successes as a gag writer for stand-up comics such as Bette Midler, Billy Chrystal, Lily Tomlin and Roseanne. He has became the the go-to writer for events such as the perennial Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony telecasts and has even hosted many awards show himself. Vilanch was one of the most infamous “Hollywood Squares” on that classic gameshow, he played comic acting roles in features such as Diana Ross’, 1975 Mahogany (as a fashion designer), the 1984 “Ice Pirates,” the 1986 thriller, “The Morning After ” and the 2008 Adam Sandler’s, “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan.” On the side, Vilanch did frequent uncredited rewrites of Hollywood features and enjoyed a lengthy and productive tenure as a writer of features for the Chicago Tribune newspaper. Vilanch’s professional mainstay, however, remained comedy writing. He was the subject of the all-star 1999 documentary “Get Bruce” and hilariously played “Edna Turnblad” during an extensive run of the Broadway musical “Hairspray” to resounding critical acclaim.

Reserved Seating based on the order of purchase. Seats will be given up 10 minutes after showtime.

If you are joining a larger party please call the box office and give us the group name so we can make sure you are all seated together the night of the show. Thank you.

Tickets & Showtimes:

Tickets: $30

FIRST SHOW: May 15, 2010 at 7:30pm

SECOND SHOW: May 15, 2010 at 9:30pm

For Tickets: Click Here

Here is my story.

Since the age of 4 I have been a devoted fan of the Divine Bette Midler.
Broken Blossom was one of my favorite albums and one I played every night to get me to sleep with the above song on repeat.

Who knew that 22 years later I would not only be sitting front row at her concert but also standing in the same room being comforted in her arms.

Oh my!

So here goes.

Bette came to Australia in 2005 with her “Kiss my Brass Tour”, being the first time in 30 years since she was Down under Last ,I took advantage and saved up and went to two of the concerts, one in Brisbane and the other in Sydney. I tried everything to get to meet her, However did not watch T.V at the time so missed all the competitions advertised. I did however get a contact for one of her security guards thanks to my Aunt Suzie, and we met up in Sydney and he got a signed program for me. That to me was still amazing!

Seeing Bette in concert has always been a dream of mine and after seeing her perform I was inspired even more.

So years later I hear Bette is doing TSGMGO at Ceasars Palace in Vegas.
I have been saving since the show started. However purchasing a new car and just every day living expenses, this dream was staring to sound unrealistic!

Bootleg Betty is a site I attend daily for all the up to date info on Bette. “Thank god for Mr D”. So when I hear that Bette’s final show will be Jan 31st 2010 I just buckled down, went online and purchased a Smug Martha Ticket For Jan 17th which is also my Birthday.

Who better to spend my b’day with than the Divine one Herself.

So I spontaneously purchased the ticket, ran outside to where my Dad was doing the gardening and said “Hay Dad, Guess what?” “Yes Erin” “I’m going to VEGAS!!!!!” to where Dad responds with “WHAT!!!!” “Yep I just bought a VIP ticket to see Bette, and Guess what” “what?” “It’ll be on my Birthday!!!” Well I Was jumping with Glee all day, contacted everyone I knew and informed them of my soon to be adventure of a life time. Everyone I spoke to was so glad to hear that I would meet my idol and understand how long I have dreamt for this to happen. Next came the Flights to which are extremely cheep at the moment.

For the next coming weeks after purchasing the tickets I was the most pleasant person to be around, so happy and positive. Though The week before Flying solo to the states I started to get extremely nervous and anxious.

Jan 16th
Syd to La connecting straight to VEGAS! (Just made the Transfer in time!)

I Arrived in Vegas around 11 pm, and went straight to the “Stratosphere” as I had booked this prior. Not to impressed with it, however on the 17th and 18th I would be at Ceasars Palace anyway. I put my luggage in the room and headed straight towards Ceasars Palace, not knowing it was about 4.5 miles from the Stratosphere, but after a 15 + hr flight it was good to stretch the Legs. About 1 mile away there she was in all her Divine glory, A giant Bette! I felt like I was in Bette land, Bette on Taxi’s Bette on Billboards, Heaven!

Strolled through Ceasars Palace and found the Bette shop. A lot of stock was not available, like the HARLETTE and DIVINE diamonti panties (Darn!!!), and I was hoping there would be a Ukulele. However I still managed to find some bargains……. When I was through finding my item’s I piled them on the counter, to where I her a sweet voice say (m)” Gee you must be as big of a fan as I am”, (e)“Oh yeah I’m a pretty big Fan,” (m) “Are you going to the concert” (e)“Yes I’ll be going tomorrow night as a Smug”(m) “ME TOO!!!”, so we introduced ourselves Miranda and Erin and said we would see each other tomorrow night.

I strolled back to The Stratosphere and hit the sack so thrilled that tomorrow all my dreams would come true.

Jan 17th
After checking in at Ceasars and strolling around town, I headed back to my room at and started getting ready. I had my “special’ Dress to wear, it is an Australian designer “Lisa Ho” and a dress I purchased over 8 years ago now that I wear when I perform and on special occasions. I was sure that it would attract Bette’s attention, but did not expect the reaction I received from other residents of Ceasars.

I meet up with BOB at 6:30 as arranged prior and waited anxiously to be seated. Bob could see how excited I was and was impressed that I had traveled such a long way to see the Divine.I meet other smugs as we were getting our complimentary drinks and being taken to our seats. Bob told me I had the Best seat in the house as I was directly in front of where Bette sat on the stairs with her Uke singing “The Glory of Love Number”.

As I’m sitting there my heart was pumping so hard and tears where beginning to well up. Miranda joins me and there is one seat in between us, so we where thrilled that we weren’t the only ones to come alone. After chatting away with Miranda and exchanging our contact details a Beautiful young lady joins us, formerly known as Ms Julya.

(

One of the girls mention that Pink is sitting directly 10 rows behind me. “OMG!!!” I stood up to check that it was her, and it was. I was in Bette land so much that I didn’t even bother to go up to Pink and ask for an Autograph. We all exchanged our details and Julia informed us that she was there the night prior and Bette did not have the best audience so we really had to cheer her on. That was not a problem.

Talia one of the Personal Assistance came to inform us of what we need to do at the end of the show. I asked Talia being my birthday and all if I could arrange for two glasses of champagne for my meet and greet with Bette, she said it was going to be too busy tonight and Bette only drinks one kind of champagne. You don’t know unless you ask right.
Lights dim and the show begins.

I won’t go through the entire show as this has been explained in detail already but she was Fabulous and I was on top of the world. And when Pink made her appearance and sang “The Rose” with Bette well that just topped it off, to have both of my Female idols singing 2 meters in front of me was an even better birthday present.

The Las Vegas throat did effect Bette at the end of “WAMLAW” but we all raised from our seats to cheer her on.
When Bette hit her final note on the last number “WBMW“, all the smug’s were rushed back to the elevator to go backstage for our meet and greet with Bette. Just as we got in the lift we were told to get out, so we got out and Pink made her way in. I yelled out “You ROCK Pink” she said Thanks, and than I yelled “Australia Loves Ya!!!” She said thanks again. As Pink did break the record for the amount of shows she did in OZ for her latest concert tour, “Funhouse”.
Okay so by now we are backstage which is decorated beautifully, all of us so nervous thank goodness there was a loo back there.

There were about twelve smugs and then about 20 other people joined us backstage I was later to learn that these were the high rollers. I felt sorry for Bette that she had to go through so many people after the show and also felt that the Smugs didn’t get quality time we had hoped for, although I was totally satisfied.

Miranda went before Julia and myself, when it was Julia’s turn Bette saw me and said to Julia is she with you. ‘ Julia said no I’m from Jersey.

Then It was my turn. Bette looked me up and down as I had sequins on from top to toe. ”Hello, look at you”, I just went straight into her arms and gave her the biggest cuddle and she embraced the hug and rubbed my back ( So comforting). After our embrace we held hands the entire time we talked. I told her how I’ve loved her since I was four and that she has inspired me my whole life. She said “How sweet”, then with a surprised look she said “Your Australian!!!” I said “Yes I’m from Sydney and have traveled alone so I could be with you on my birthday”, ”This truly is a lifelong dream come true for me”. She asked how old I was and I told her “26 today” “Really” and she hugged me again and said “Happy Birthday” then it came to the signing of my new book” Saga of Baby Divine ” which Bette signed “For beautiful Erin, Thank you for all the years”

Her manager Marty said they would be coming back to Australia and I said” Oh yes please do, Australia Loves ya!!!” I gave her a letter I prepared in my room earlier just in case I didn’t have enough time and then gave her a present which when I look back now is pretty silly. However when she did the “Bette” T.V show there was a seen where she said “ Get a Twix we’ll split”, I promised myself that they day I meet Bette I’m gonna split a twix with her. When I explained this to Bette she laughed and I said” I know it’s silly and that you can’t split it now but maybe you can split it was someone special later” She said thank you Erin.

I asked Bette if she had ever been to “Port Douglas” (Far north Queensland ( Pink also goes to Port when in Australia) she said she heard of it but had never been, I told her I thought it would remind her of Hawaii as it is so tropical and has cane fields and that I was a snorkel guide on the Great Barrier Reef for 3 years, but live in Sydney now.
Then we had our Photo

I LOVE THIS…………..Forever in my memories…………..Awwww i want to meet her again and again……………

Look her leg’s popped up to……. Awww

Then it was time to be on my merry way, I Said “Thank you for Being you” and left.

Miranda and Julya were waiting in the hall way and by the time we got in the lift I started to cry. It was a happy cry I couldn’t quite believe what had just happened but it did.

The girls and I took photo’s out the front of the colosseum. I also went up to Bob a to see if there was another Smug tickets for the 19th, but they were all booked, however he put my name down as a reserve. I really wanted to meet Bette again! Even if it meant another grand she is totally worth it and that’s what credit cards are for right!

We then went for celebration drinks for both our Bettetasctic experience and of course my birthday. I was thrilled not to be alone. We stayed up until about 4 am exchanging our Bette stories and singing Bette songs at the top of our lungs and of course the Sophie Tucker Jokes.

It was a spectacular night and I am so glad to have met them both. Julia said I should contact her once in New York and we’d meet up.

I called my Dad at about 5:30am which was about 11:30 pm the next day in Australia and informed him of my night and mentioned I hadn’t eaten since being in Vegas do to pure adrenalin and excitement. He made me promise I’d get some food into me first thing when I wake.

Jan 18
The next day I woke to the Phone ringing at about 12:30. A girl named Michelle from the ticket booth said there was a ticket available if I wanted it, “OH YES!!!” gave her the credit card details and now that was the best wake up call ever!!!
I jumped around the room with joy played the “For the Boys C.D” took a shower and started the day knowing I’d be meeting Bette again tomorrow.

As I promised my father I’d get something to eat, I went over to my favorite spot in Vegas “The Bellagio” and could see a lovely place to eat @ Paris “MonAmiGabi” Where I informed the waiter, who was surprised I was by myself, of the reason I was in Vegas to see Bette for my b’day which was yesterday etc…… Soon after I ordered the Floor Manager ’Clancy Noailles’ Came up and informed me Of Bette eating there and how he went to see her in concert too, not long after that another female waitress must of heard the story and wanted to here mine. I was more than happy to tell the whole world!!!

I ordered a pineapple juice and the BLT but asked for a BLAT (add avocado) I only ate a quarter of the sandwich as I was simply not hungry. And don’t think I’m doing a Lindsay Lohen on you now, look at me I love to eat there is no question.
I was surprised by my waiter with a profito ball desert with ice cream in the middle and a birthday candle lit, I was so surprised and even though no at all hungry I ate one of the balls to be polite.

When It came time to pay, I was handed a receipt that said “To Bette’s Biggest Fan” “This is on Us” Who said there was no such thing as a free lunch!!! I did leave a nice tip for the best service. You must go there. I was truly grateful, said my thanks and on my merry little way.

Jan 19

Second encounter with Bette.

Today I awoke about 10 am went across the street for a coffee did some shopping, well window shopping anyway, bought a phone card so I could call the family and before I knew it, it was 3pm already. So I headed back to my room to prepare for the next Bette encounter. I ran myself a bubble bath and played ‘Jackpot’ in the background. I must have been in the Bath for nearly an hour, that gave me two hours left for Hair and make up, and deciding what to wear. I must have changed about 5 times or so.

5:45 ready and waiting so went down to the bar and ordered a vodka lime and soda to ease the nerves however I was a lot more relaxed tonight knowing what to expect.

Went up to Bob at 6:25, he said I know the drill, waited for him and introduced myself to other smugs. We got our complimentary drinks and where seated. Bob told all the smugs to speak to me as I new the drill.

Bob brought over this interesting creature named Morgan from Maryland, who was so so nervous, anxious everything I was on Jan 17th and more. Bob thought I could calm her down which I did, too Bad we couldn’t sit next to each other though. Both Morgan and I have been devotees from the early ages she 3 me 4. I said we could meet up for a drink after the show to celebrate, Morgan was totally up for that.

So I told the smugs what to expect when meeting Bette and also asked that they rise and cheer for Bette as she will feed off our energy.

The show begins and Bette descends from the Louis Vuitton Suitcase stairs and after TSGMGO Number she does her intro eyeing out the front row, when her eye’s met mine she gave a “WTF” are you doing back here look. I just smiled. Later she went on to say whilst looking at me “ some people have traveled a VERY long way to get here”

Later when doing the Delores Delargo number with the poi Balls I could have sworn that she was aiming them for me when she released them, I jumped from my seat but just missed!!!

Then “TGOL” number Morgan had the best seat this time and I just watched her reaction as Bette pretty much sang to her. So sweet.

Then “wbmw” our queue to go backstage.

As we where running back stage the Harlettes where on there way to the front of the collosseum to collect money for the Haiti crisis. Jordan recognized me and said hi and so did Kamilah.

Okay backstage Morgan was near Hyperventilating, so I just talked to her rubbed her back and explained how Comforting and calming Bette was, tears welled up in her eyes, it was quite a site to see that I am not the only young fan who admires this woman so much and just what kind of effect she actually has on our lives.

Morgan’s turn to meet Bette, now mine.

Bette “There you are” Me “I just had to see you again” we chatted for near to 10 minutes. I said I’ve paid a lot of money and traveled along way, I have some questions !!! So I asked her about handling her nerves and dry mouth when she performs and she Put me onto Vocalzone.com which she wrote down on my Bag so I’d remember. I also told her I’d be flying to New York the next morning, so where should I go for a drink? (I meant to say eat) And she recommended I go to “ThE sTANdard” which again she wrote on my Bag.

I saw Marty ( her manager) and said “HAY Marty” shook his hand as if I knew him well.
It was quite a humorous encounter. One I hope she wont forget.
I showed Bette the Picture of us on Jan 17th as Talia brought it over instead of posting it.

I said “Ain’t we cute” Bette looked at the pic for about 30 seconds, I’m like look you even popped your leg up for me, Bette “Oh that’s great”. I asked if she would mind signing it to “Miss Ezz” which she did, then I asked if she would sign a postcard of her in the ‘from a distance dress’ made out to Jordan whom I used to baby sit since she was seven and sang her Bette songs to get her to sleep. Then Marty handed the C.D over and said “Do you want this signed too? I said “Well I don’t want to ask for too much, but OK” so Bette signed the ‘Jackpot’ c.d also

Then Bette was like ok let’s get our photo taken. I totally forgot, and asked her if we could do an ‘Eat shit grin’ for this one, she laughed we did our grin, and then Bette stared putting me in all these different positions and poses, we must have had about 5 taken. These are the 3 I got

(Eat shit Grin)

(Oh what Joy what Bliss)

( The Showgirl Pose)

After more conversation I was being led out the door buy Bette with her hand on my back. On our way out Bette said “This chick’s gonna make it!” “I’m gonna keep my eye out for you, what is you surname?” “ummmm Vanderslot” Bette cacked herself laughing whilst holding her nose “That’s why my stage name is Miss Ezz” Bette “Yes I like that”. So time to go again, nearly forgot my bag and as I went back to get it I noticed Bob was backstage, so I went up to him gave him a cuddle and thanked him for everything. On my way out I said to Bette “Do you know how much I love you?” She looked at me and I responded with “BIGGER THAN THE SKY” her look on her face was like AWWWW “Thank you Erin”.

Time Was up.

Morgan and I went out for celebration drinks, and before we knew it, it was 4:30 am and my flight to New York was @ 7am and I had to be at the airport @ 5:30, so still intoxicated I Just made the Flight, and landed safely in New York.
I went straight to The Standard for Lunch and had a Salmon dish and met a lovely Man who was also alone and celebrating the Birth of his first Grandson. We both celebrated our achievements, Howard was very interested in my story and travels and he also shouted lunch. “How’s my luck!”

I met up with Ms Julya and we went out for dinner that Friday. On Saturday she devoted a day to showing me around town and how to navigate the subway.

We went to Greenwich Village, which I absolutely fell in love with and went down Barrow street ( where Bette lived in the 70’s) and I made Julya take a photo that resembles a famous photo taken from Kenn Duncan of Bette in the 70‘s.

Morgan also took a train from Baltimore Maryland to spend time with me. We also went to The Standard and other historical Bette Places like ‘The Ansonia Hotel’ ( The Continental Baths)

My trip to the states was an unforgettable one. Not only did I meet my Hero, but because of Bette have met some pretty fabulous people, those of which I will never forget. “Oh you got to have Friends……….”

“The feeling’s all so strong”

“You got to have friends, to make the day last long……………………………….

Mister D: Bette Midler failed? I don’t think so….

KIMT.com
Streisand turns down $100 million Vegas offer
Feb 9, 2010
Last Update: 10:34 am

Superstar Barbra Streisand has turned down a massive $100 million offer to take up a residency in Las Vegas, according to reports.

The Woman In Love singer, 67, has allegedly been approached to follow in the footsteps of Cher, Celine Dion and Bette Midler by signing a three-year contract with a Sin City promoter.

A source tells PopEater.com, “After Celine Dion left Vegas, no one has been able to replace her. Bette Midler failed, Cher is trying, only Barbra is guaranteed to succeed.

“She’s an international star and the only performer in the world that would make people flock to Vegas year after year.”

But the veteran entertainer is not interested in the bumper pay check and has rejected the deal in favor of a summer 2010 tour.

The insider adds, “Money has never been a deciding factor in her career. She plans on touring again this summer instead.”

Streisand proved her superstar status in October when she stunned music experts by storming to the top of the U.S. album charts with her 63rd release, Love Is the Answer, beating Paramore and Mariah Carey to the coveted spot.

My Vegas experience is nothing short of a miracle. It was so amazing, so full of non-stop special experiences, I found it hard to write it down. But I know Don would never forgive me if I didn’t (joking). The trip was a 50th Birthday present from my husband (George). I was reluctant to go since the economy has been so bad and he has been working under a 35% salary cut for over 6 months. He simply said, “You only live once!” I mentioned to a friend that I was struggling, wanting to be practical and she immediately offered to purchase our Showgirl tickets for us! Lets say at that moment caution was thrown to the wind!

At the airport and on the plane I met 6 people going to see Showgirl, 2 of them smug Muthas. Ask my husband, I talk to anybody and everybody I meet! As we checked into Caesar’s, I learned the registration clerk was originally from, PA. We chatted and next thing you know we were upgraded to Junior suite! We did, some sight seeing and when we got back to our room, there was a package and a note for me. It was card from Rosie at the registration desk wishing me a happy birthday and thanking us for being so kind to her and a set of stone Caesar Palace beverage coasters!!!

By this time I hadn’t slept in well over 24 hours. In addition to the show I was meeting a friend I’ve Facebooked, text and spoke on the phone with for almost a year. We weren’t supposed to meet until Monday, but decided we just couldn’t wait. She gave me directions where and when to meet her outside Caesars. We waited and the texts began to come,” just a few more minutes…I’m walking..” Then out of the door pops that gorgeous mane of hair with that unmistakable gorgeous smile…Bette Sussman! Finally, the hug I’ve been waiting to give for what felt like forever. We joke about the fact that her actual home is 2 hours from ours but we had to fly clear across the country to finally meet!! You all know what a stunningly beautiful woman she is but I can tell you/ she is also one of the kindest, most generous, funniest and incredibly supportive people you could ever hope to meet. I will be forever grateful for the amount of time and the number of incredible experiences she shared with us throughout our visit.

We did so many things while there, including the Grand Canyon, the skywalk, I rode a horse to and along the edge of the canyon. We had our picture taken with a lion cub. (We actually got to meet and pet 2 cubs because the first one wouldn’t settle down for the photo!) Of course we did all the touristy stuff and did all the recommended things from friends and family.

When my Birthday arrived I was over the top, I was going to see both my Bette’s perform!!!!!!! We had dinner at Sushi Roku, a big deal if you know George’s aversion to seafood and particularly sushi. We underestimated the time a little and were hurriedly trying to leave the restaurant, but the staff had a surprise for me, three types of ice cream on a plate with drizzeled chocolate that said Happy Birthday!!

We got to theater and purchased a program. We were taken to our seats in the 16th row center. The seats were amazing, the view and acoustics were perfect! As we were sitting there a woman approached (I didn’t get her name) and spoke with my husband, she handed him an envelope and told him when the show ended to wait and she would come and get us! Needless to say I was stunned! There was quite a conspiracy of kindness that worked to surprise me with meeting the Divine Miss M!! Just prior to entering the theatre, my husband informed that efforts were being made to have me meet her but since he hadn’t heard he was sure it didn’t work out. At this point it didn’t even matter to me. I’ve had so much fun, I was going to see Shayna Steele, Kamilah Marshall, Jordan Ballard and Bette Sussman play a set the club Freakin’ Frog after the show. Everything up to this point had already been so far beyond any thing I could ever have dreamed.

The show started and the band began to walk on the stage we waved and Bette Sussman acknowledged us in her unique funny way! When the Divine One took the stage it was nothing short of magical. Of course it felt as though she was singing directly to me. I was mesmerized, it was magical watching both Bettes, the Harlettes, the Caesar Salad Girls, the band, The Fat City Horns…all of it! It was the fastest yet longest 90 minutes of my life if you know what I mean! The audience was electric, several standing O’s, she had us eating out of the palm of her hand! It was nothing short of spectacular. What an extraordinary group of talent all in one place, performing seamlessly like this is what they were born to do.

When the show ended and we waited, I realized how lucky I was not to have been expecting to meet Miss M up until the last minute, I didn’t really have much time to get too nervous! We were taken to the infamous elevator and the green room. We waited and in a few minutes in pops Bette Sussman, she and my husband were beaming with the knowledge of how well they surprised me. As we waited I noticed Olivia Newton John, Bob Mackey and Tony Basil. They were all in conversations but Ms. Newton John took a second to acknowledge and say hello to us!

I looked around the room and there she was…Bette Midler! I finally realized it wasn’t a dream! This is real!!! We were called to come meet her, by this time Bette Sussman had gone to her dressing room. I introduced myself and much to my surprise she said, “Oh yes, I’ve heard about you.” My immediate response was to say “Oh no, should I leave now?” she laughed and told me no, it was all good things! I asked if she had been to NYRP since her birthday and she said she hadn’t. I told her about the BLB donations, she put her hand to her heart and seemed to fill up a little and said, “For me? That is so wonderful!”. I told her about the box, mostly I told her about the note I taped inside. The end of the note said, “Consider this the hug I would so dearly love to give you in person. My circumstances as they are now won’t allow for a trip to Vegas let alone a Smug Mutha’ package.” She laughed and agreed to ignore that section when she gets it! We talked about the show and both of us told her how good it was. I asked her if she would sign a program for a friend of mine whose mother is terminally ill. I explained that a few years ago when my mother died this friend took me to see KMB to lift my spirits and I know I can’t change things for her but this would give her at least a smile. She asked my friends name and wrote a personal note to her. Before she handed it back to me, she gave me the biggest hug and said” this is so kind of you.” We got the picture taken and my husband asked if he could give her kiss for making this day so special for me. She said, “Of course you can!” As I turned to leave she gave me another hug and said, “I hope we meet again soon”! As we left the room, Bette Sussman met us and lead us out to the casino floor.

There we met Jordan Ballard. I introduced myself and told her we are friends on FB and she says yes we are!!! It was on to the Freakin’ Frog for the next show! I will write about that next. For now it’s off to bed. To Don, and all my fellow Betteheads that have encouraged me to write this, thank you, how wonderful to relive it!

(Art Work: Barbara Anthony)

Bettehead Wendy Poo is trying her best not to show up on the show “Hoarders” so she’s trying to get rid of some Bette magazines and clippings due to the amount of space she has in her apartment. Please help the poor girl out…she’s one of the good ones!!!!

Love, Mister D

PS: Maybe she could send us a direct link???? Here it is: Click Here

When I left you ladies and germs in Part One (Click Here), I was galavanting around Caesar’s right after having my photo taken with the Divne Miss M, Bette Midler. And here is the picture to remind you once again that it did happen…it’s also my visual pinch:

Now anyone who has been in Caesar’s Palace knows it’s like a maze trying to find your way around there. I usually have a great sense of direction and even I got lost most of the time. After I met with Bette, I was so excited and quite ashamed to say, a little inebriated, that I could not for the life of me find my way back to the room. But then I remembered, I knew where David’s (the statue) penis was…and I knew to go gayly forward from there and that would take me to the elevators to my room. Well, of course, I found it and headed to the Palace Towers. Yes, I lived in a Palace…could you imagine less?

(David’s penis points the way)

Well, I made it up to the room and was on such a high I couldn’t go to sleep, so we all watched “Zombieland” which was about DittoHeads who infiltrated Vegas because Rush Limbaugh was one of the judges that night for the Miss America pageant….of course, we, the good Americans, had to slay them all. At least I think that’s what the movie was about…I was having a hard time concentrating.

Oh I forgot to tell you guys that I met a wonderful BetteHead by the name of Ron who brought me some rare Bette gifts that I hope to share on Bootleg Betty eventually. He came over the night I was to meet Bette and we had a nice chat…great guy. We shared some Bette stories, drank a few drinks, and then we went our separate ways. I just wanted to mention him, because he was so nice. We’ll run into him later again.

The next morning I was a big baby and didn’t want to do anything. I wanted to look my best for the BetteHead dinner and for Bette’s last night. Plus I was supposed to meet with Bruce Vilanch. I run his official website, so we were going to get a photo together and chat for a minute. I was also supposed to meet with Eric Kornfeld although I had no idea how this was going to happen. All three of us seem to run into each other naturally so I had no worries there. Maybe I should have. Anyway, Becky and Barry kept pestering me to go look at the lions, cubs, and dolphins, so I tried to pretend I had a piercing pillow headache. This is my acting technique which did not work….:

(Mister D with a piercing pillow headache)

I was a good sport, however, and went with my friends walking in Vegas…but I ate and drank a lot. I knew by the time we went to the BetteHead dinner there would only be room for drinks and that was okay with me. Drink, Drink, Drink, Drinking Again was my theme song in Vegas….having a few, buying a round for total non-strangers….just to get them off my back. I really enjoyed the two for one places…joyous times. By the way, here’s one of the tigers I think Bette Sussman took care of….My God she has a hairy thumb:

Anyway, let’s move this story along…we got back to the palace and got all spruced up for the dinner at Lago’s Buffet in Caesar’s Palace that BetteHead Becci had arranged. She also had arranged for the Harlettes, Jordan Ballard and Kamilah Marshall, and Bette’s background singer, Shayna Steele, to surprise us at dinner which they so kindly did. It was great meeting everybody (yes, I’m going to attempt naming everyone): Becci, Troy, Kim, Peter, Ron, Jennica, Christina, Rebecca, Barry, Janine, Jenny, Larry, Kathy, Jordan, Kamilah, and Shayna….a few were missing in action and I blame the maze that is Caesar’s. But thank you Lago’s for being so kind to us. Our waiter even took our photo:

Anyway, everybody was so kind and I’m so glad I got to meet all that I did…there were even a couple of more in the venue who introduced themselves. Just really cool. Thanks for a great night. Also many thanks to Janine Wilson for giving out some of her CD’s. Check her out she’s awesome!

Here are some more photos of me with the goils:

(Showing some love: Kamilah, Mister D, Shayna, and Jordan)

(Mister D and Shayna Steele: After she signed her CD and gave a few away)

After this little lovefest, we all headed to see Bette’s final performance. This time I sat with Barry and Becky about 4 rows back in section 5, I believe, a very odd angle, but interesting. Very close. I still considered my seats the night before that were further back, center, much, much better. Before the show started I spotted Bruce Vilanch and Marc Shaiman, later Marie Osmond sat in the row behind us. Becky ran around to get her autograph cause she’s a little bit country and so is Marie, ya know? Wayne Newton made a grand entrance by walking all the way to the front and then back to the back where his seat really was….guess he wanted to be noticed. Others spotted were Paula Abdul…oh well, I can’t remember anybody else. That’s enough.

The show was flawless and you couldn’t have asked for a better audience. There were several standing ovations. I have to say the only disappointment for Betteheads that night was that “Hello In There” and “WAMLAW” were both cut to make room for Jake Shimabakura and Bette’s “In My Life” and his solo of George Harrison’s “When My Guitar Gently Weeps.” It was awe-inspiring. Not many stood up, but I sure did….it was breathtaking. Bette did get emotional during “Glory of Love” and could not finish the last few notes. She also cried while introducing Gladys Knight and while singing “Wind Beneath My Wings.” The crowd ate it up! You could hear people from different corners screaming “I love you Bette” or “We love you Bette!” It was enough to bring tears to anyone’s eyes. And in a flash, it seemed the show was over…all 2 hours of it. Yet, like all Bette shows, you clamored for more! But this time The Showgirl was gone for good. Yet we all know she will reappear again better than before. Long Live Bette Midler!

After the show, we chatted with a few Betteheads….I ended up missing Bruce and Eric. Bruce got mixed up about the night we were supposed to meet and Eric scolded me because he said I should have called him after the show. Frankly, I forgot I had his number. Oh well, there’s always Hulaween or the Spring Picnic. Slowly, but surely the night winded down with a few Betteheads heading to Paris for drinks and fun until we could hardly speak. Everybody was leaving the next day, so there was an air of sadness or that old feeling of here we go “back to reality.” Yuk!

(Homeward Bound: Becky and Mister D)

All in all it was a great time and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. The next day we headed back to Nashville where it was cold and snowbound. No pants on the ground (suspenders!), no penises to lead the way home….it was just like a click of the heels and we were, well, HOME……and even that felt good.

PS: Eric did send me the lyrics to It’s Getting Hot In Here (Eric Kornfeld/Bette Sussman):

Love, Mister D

(Entertainer Bette Midler accepts handkerchiefs from her show girls during the final performance of Midler’s “The Showgirl Must Go On” on Jan. 31 at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Photo by Duane Prokop.)

You know it’s strange, but I can’t ever remember anything. And I’ve tried every trick in the book to help my memory along…notepads, tape recorders, post it notes, even photos, but nothing seems to do the full trick…so I rely on what little short-term memory I have, friend’s recollections, and if I can find any of the other doo-dads I’ve listed, well I enlist their help, too. It takes a city, people. Therefore please bare with me as I sort my own story out for your pleasure…and, well, mine, too! A Lot can be blamed on my health and drugs…okay, not drugs, for that would make me cool, but old people’s medications for depression, anxiety, thyroid, and other assortments of ailments, but I digress…as Miss M would say. I’m a smorgasbord of human illnesses, but I’m known as a big fighter and survivor. I refuse to let all that conquer me. So on with the story….who made me bring this up? I think it was George Washington and that damn cherry tree’s influence. I cannot tell a lie and I cannot shut up.

Now I have met Bette 4-5 times over the years (not counting Hulaweens), so I thought I would ask if I could meet her the last night of “The Showgirl Must Go On.” Of course, I thought the answer would be “no” since it was the last night, but I was told there would be no problem. Then the week of the show, I got an email from Bette’s people saying it was a problem and we’d have to figure something else out. I said it was okay if it couldn’t happen, but it turned out that Bette wanted to see me…it had been some years since we last talked and we did hit it off quite well. I was ecstatic. The only way to do it was if I came to the show Saturday night as well as Sunday night. Saturday was the last night for guests whether they be Smugs or VIP’s. So I said I would be willing to come Saturday night (twist my arm why don’t you?) by myself and Barry and my friend Becky could do something else. So I threw Barry and my best friend, Becky, under the bus for a Saturday night with Bette Midler. Well, wouldn’t you?

(Becky and Barry before being thrown under the bus)

When we arrived in Vegas, the main trouble I had was keeping my pants up. Many on Facebook already know this story. I’m between waist sizes. Not only did I lose my pants in security at the airport, I also lost them one night at Caesar’s walking to our room while I was carrying two bags. My pants literally fell to the floor and Barry caught the notorious moment on camera for posterity. I have no shame. Here it is:

Most of my trip revolved around Bette, I have to say. I was not a good walker, so Vegas was not for me unless I was drinking a yard of pina coladas or some other fruity drink. I was just so out of shape. But I’m working on that diligently now. One of the first things I did was hit the Bette store. I bought over a hundred dollars worth of stuff even though everything was on clearance. It was just so tempting – Programs, tote bags, hoodies, T[shirts, coffee mugs, etc…and yes I will use every bit of them. Then I picked my ticket up at Will Call and the guy kept going on about how lucky I was. I noticed I was not with the Smugs, but found out I was in the VIP section….whatever that meant. At the time I didn’t know.

Later that Saturday night I felt so alone going to the show, I guess because I was alone. I was escorted to my seat which was about 16 rows back. They call it the director’s row or something because it gives you the best view in the house stagewise….dead center…I mean I could see and hear everything perfectly without straining left or right…it was just awesome. Later Glenn Close and Mitzi Gaynor sat in my row. I said my hello’s quite demurely since I didn’t want to intrude on their privacy too much. But it was neat being in their presence. For once I felt glamorous and yearned for rabbit stew….did I say that? By the way, the programs I bought in the Bette store were free in the concert hall. Why me?

The audience was not at their best that night….no standing ovations, but hearty applause. Bette gave it her all. The only change I had noticed was that she sang “friends” 3 numbers in and had dropped “in the mood” or “stuff like that there.” Anyway, it was a welcomed change. I had always thought “Friends” should have been in the show anyway. At the end of the show, someone was to come get me but nobody came. The usher came and told me I had to leave, but I told him my dilemma and he showed me where the elevators were. Just as I was walking to the elevators the lady who was to get me came and said sorry, but I was last on the list and to please put my VIP tag on. I hate being ostentatious so I had not taped it on me. I was too nervous to unpeel it so 2 Betteheads helped me out….Randy and David, I believe. I also met another Bettehead backstage, John who was very nice, however they got pulled in before I did, so we didn’t get to talk long.

Bette Sussman made her entrance into the Green Room and started talking to Julie Golde who wrote “from a Distance” and was telling her about the surprise guests appearing the next night. Susswoman said to keep it a secret, so then I felt it was my turn to chime in. I said “Thanks for that little tidbit, Bette!” She turned around and saw me and screamed out “Goddammit, Don Bradshaw, you little MF’er, I better not read that in Bootleg Betty tomorrow! How ya doin? Give me a hug! So we hugged one another and told each other how good one another looked and she did look stunning. She always looks good…just a naturally beautiful woman. We talked a little and then Shayna Steele walked in whom I’ve never met…she recognized me and we exchanged pleasantries. She said she’d be seeing a bunch of us the next night at a Bettehead function…so all that was cool. Now she was stunningly beautiful up close. We chatted a little about her CD and then she had to run.

Then it was wait, wait, wait….I watched people have their photos taken with Bette one by one…there must have been 30-40 people back there….including Laker’s and TV star Rick Fox, Eliza Dushku, and Mitzi Gaynor. I don’t know how Bette did it for that long, but she kept her graciousness intact. I figured by the time she got to me, she’d have a temper tantrum. I would!

As my time approached, Bette’s assistant came over and greeted me with a hug and a kiss and Marty Hom the tour manager shook my hand and asked how I’d been doing. He said he expected to hear no bad things on BLB about anything in the Green Room (and yes he was kidding!). Like there was anything bad to report. This is the most professional team in show business. I talked with Jill for a minute about spending too much at the Bette Store, but she was pleased. I was pleased that all the Betteheads T-shirts were almost gone cause those came about because of BLB. Not to mention a few other ideas.

Now it was my time. Marty goes something like here’s your last guest Don Bradshaw and Bette looks at me for a minute and goes to herself….”I know you….Don, Don, Don Bradshaw….DON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bootleg Betty DON…..it’s been years!” I said “Probably 5 years.” She said, “No, it’s been longer, I remember, more like 6!” I said, “if you say so, it sounds about right to me.” She then asked how I was doing after I told her how much I enjoyed the show and told her how ravishing she looked. Of course, I told her I was fine, but my lips were about to fall off because the desert air was so dry. Then she said, “that’s not what I heard.” Then I said, “Oh, I’m fine” and she then said, “No, your health has been bad, what’s going on?” WELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!! What was I supposed to do???? I told her I had been clinically diagnosed as a major depressive, had high anxiety problems, and fibromyalgia, and was fat. She then told me what a young, good-looking man I was and that I didn’t have to be living so badly….she quoted a little from The “Saga of Baby Divine” (Make your life a rare entertainment) and started in on the virtues of exercise and eating right. Of course, I was hanging on every word she said; she’s my mentor. But I must have started acting like a child and doing that heavy sighing thing and going “I know, I know, I know” like a kid, because she started mimicking me by sighing real loud and jumping back and forth on her tippy toes and shaking her head with her hands limp at the wrist. I just started laughing. She just said I’m giving you good advice and you should listen. I said I would and that she would notice a difference the next time. She said once again that she couldn’t get over how good I looked though…I just needed to lose a little weight. Then it was photo time. Afterwards she asked me about Bootleg Betty and if the kids still loved me? I wasn’t sure what she was talking about, but I said “of course they do, but they love you more” and she smiled! She then asked about my hair and said what a lovely color it was and wanted to know if I bleached it or if it was real? I said, “it’s real…it’s just old man’s white.” She said she just loved it. I told her about our BLB birthday fundraiser and that a memory box was waiting for her when she got back to New York. She was very appreciative of the money the fans mustered up during these hard economic times. It was time to go by then, so we hugged goodbye until the next time. I promised it wouldn’t be such a long interlude.

As I was leaving, it dawned on me that I was Bette’s last official guest. Oh, the pressure! She was Johnny Carson’s, Neil Young was Conan’s, and then there’s ME, and then there’s Me, and then there’s Me (sung like the old Maude theme song). Anyway, I turned around once more to get a glimpse of The Showgirl, but all the lights were off and The Showgirl had been whisked away. The usher beckoned me to follow him back to the elevators so I could leave.

Then I hopped and skipped all the way back to my room. Tomorrow was the last night….a meeting with the Betteheads and The Showgirl finale. Stay tuned for Part II!

*Must credit Eric Kornfeld for that idea!!!!

It was about 6:30 pm, I left the room, went to the elevator, down nine floors, across the casino, and to will call. I still had to get my ticket! This is where I was to meet Bob with The Colosseum box office for my VIP escort into the show. Bob took me into The Colosseum with a pit stop at the bar for a Vegas Sunrise! The next thing ya know, I am standing right in front of the stage at my seat, AA 402. A couple of seats down was Janet, from Missouri. I knew Dani from Argentina would be sitting next to me on my right so I patiently waited for her to get in so we could have some nervous chat. Before Dani got there, the lady that would sit on my left arrived. Funny thing about Betsy is she lives only about 15 miles from me and we didn’t even know each other! (Yay I have a Bettehead in my own backyard!) Dani arrived and we chatted a bit and took a few pictures. Bob came back in to check and see who was or wasn’t there, if you know Whitney, ask him about this! I asked Bob where our second drink ticket was and he said that was a misprint in the ad info but gave each of us a second ticket anyway. Note: I probably shouldn’t have had that second drink, you’ll see why later! We were getting ready to go redeem the tickets for a second drink when Talia came in and told us we needed to wait until she talked to us. She gave us the low down on when she would come and get us and gave us our VIP stickers, I never put mine on, hehe. Talia also said that Bette probably wouldn’t be autographing anything because it was a very busy night, not at all what I expected or wanted to hear. We got our drinks, came back to our seat and the Donkey popped up on the screen!!!

Bette looked perfect! The show was perfect, not a note missed, she even did the Poi balls perfect! I was thrilled that she added Friends to this show since it was not in the show when I saw it in October. Towards the end of the show, right before Bette sang Wind Beneath My Wings, she was talking about TSMGO coming to an end that weekend and about the dollar for dollar collection of money for Haiti when Betsy unrolled the vinyl banner she snuck in, well as much as you can sneak in a 4ft banner. Before the show had started she told us about it and asked if we would help her hold it up, our response “OF COURSE!” While unrolling it, the security guard seated at the front of the stage kept shaking his head and hands telling her no. I told her to act like she didn’t see him. Right before Bette began to sing we stood up with the banner, we couldn’t be missed. The banner said, “Thanks for making our life better.” Bette walked up to the front of the stage and read it out loud, and said “Ah those are my Smug Muthas!” Everyone clapped, I was so happy that Betsy was able to get it in this time! She tried back in June when she was one of the 1st Smug Muthas and was unable to get it inside.

Bette was on the last verse of the song when Talia came and told us it was time to go. My heart started pounding, it was really going to happen. (I had those reoccurring thoughts of missing the show because I had the date wrong, luckily that didn’t happen!) We walked what seamed to be a long way to the back doors then to the elevator to go down to the green room. When we arrived at the elevator there were many more people there than the eight of us who were Smug Muthas. It took 2 elevator trips to get us all down. When we finally got to the green room, there must have been 30 people there waiting to meet Bette. I couldn’t believe it. Talia told us that we would be meeting her first. She actually told Dani and I we would be the first ones. I didn’t want to be first so I took a seat a bit further away. Bette came in the room after freshening up and said, “Hi everyone!” One by one our little group of eight was dwindling away. I think I went up 7th. Remember when I said I probably shouldn’t have had that second drink????? Read on.

I knew I was not going to take no for an answer on the autograph thing. I took my Flea ukulele out of the bag and a folder I had with some poems Bette wrote and pictures of her from high school. I walked around the curtain and Bette said, “ Helloooo” and I said Hi! (I wanted to run straight towards her but I controlled myself and leisurely walked. I didn’t want to trip and fall in my 3” shoes!) She saw my ukulele and said, “Oh a Fluke or a Flea,” and I said it’s a Flea. She took it and asked me if I wanted her to sign it and I said that would be fabulous if you will. While she was signing it, I asked her if I could read something to her. Marty, Bette’s tour manager, asked me if I would just leave it and she would read it later, I said could I please just read the 1st line? He said nothing so I began reading, I looked towards Bette and she had a puzzled look on her face, so I read the 2nd line. Still nothing, I handed her the copy and told her she wrote it and she looked at it and said, “ Well I guess I did!” (I knew it would be a long shot but thought I would try. My good friend’s father went to high school with Bette.)

Marty asked if she could have the pictures I brought and I said of course, but I needed to pull one out. I told Bette it was my favorite picture of her. It was a picture of her in the Delores costume with Dolly Pardon on the set of her show Bette. She asked me if it was for her. How do you answer a question like that from Bette Midler? Luckily Marty said I think that is her picture. Bette said, “OK, do you want me to sign this too?” (Went from nothing signed to 2 things!!!) I said that would be perfect! I still don’t remember if I really ever looking at her face, shook her hand, or even gave her a hug. (Luckily Betsy said I did shake her hand at the end, and I did give her the side ways hug during the pictures, whoo!) Part of my brain died, or maybe it was that second drink. As we were walking over for the picture I was telling her a story about my seven year old nephew and how he recognized Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy from Uncle Buck and The Rose from……..I went blank, and Bette said with the sweetest confident voice, “from The Rose!” I hated to tell her that was not the movie I was trying to think of. What I really said was, “well crap I can’t think of it,” who says that to Bette Midler? ME. What I couldn’t remember was Napoleon Dynamite. We took our 2 pictures, and somehow my ukulele and photo magically ended up in my hands and I was walking away. (No clue how I ended up with them, again Betsy said Bette handed them to me….) Bette asked me if I was going to learn how to play and I told her I was already learning and had the calluses on my fingers already! She said, “That’s great keep it up!” I don’t know if I even said bye or not. I do remember telling her Thank you so much for following your dreams, we are all thankful you did! I was then rushed out of the room and back to the elevator. Thank goodness there were familiar faces waiting for me to come out, we call ourselves Bette Friends. Thank you so much Dani, Betsy, Janet, Kasi, Whitney, and Aaron! I am so thankful we were all able to experience this moment in time together!

What an opportunity I had. I feel totally blessed to have been able to purchase the ticket and actually meet the Divine Miss M. I pray that the void in my memory comes back soon……….. Note to self, DO NOT DRINK before meeting Bette Midler!!!!

With Lots of Love and A Very Grateful Heart,
Tamara Daniels

Photos taken prior to the last show:

See how Bette reacts: Click Here