RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
For decades, Bernadette Peters has proven to be a force of nature. Behind her plucky curls and gorgeous voice is a thoroughbred entertainer of stage, screen and song. The Broadway icon will headline the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center on Aug. 30 for An Evening with Bernadette Peters and the Plano Symphony Orchestra.
Peters’ career spans more than six decades in musical theater, television and film. She has nominated for Tony Awards seven times and has won twice — as well as receiving an honorary award. Peters is particularly noted for her characters in the musicals Sunday in the Park with George (1984), Into the Woods (1987), The Goodbye Girl (1993), Annie Get Your Gun (1999), Gypsy (2003), A Little Night Music (2010), Follies (2011) and Hello, Dolly! (2018), as well as in such films as Pennies from Heaven (1981) and Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021).
Ahead of her show in Dallas, Peters spoke with the Dallas Voice about her iconic status and the enduring connection she shares with her queer fanbase — and that Cole Escola moment at this year’s Tony Awards.
Dallas Voice: Welcome back to Dallas. First and foremost, can you tell us what we can expect to see at your show? Bernadette Peters: I haven’t been there in a while. I’ll be singing with the Plano Symphony Orchestra in that beautiful symphony hall. The Meyerson sounds so incredible and beautiful there. And I’m just going to be there to entertain in different ways.
We’re going on a musical journey, people and everyone will feel so satisfied!
How do you juggle the decisions on doing a theater production or a tv show or a concert like this? Each is definitely a different mode, but the most important part is the writing — even with a show like this one. That’s the most important part, and if the writing is great, that’s where you’ll find me. We all want to have something to say when we act and something to believe in.
Speaking of writing and speaking with you, it’s hard not to mention Stephen Sondheim. You two are so intertwined; however, the question here is, do you feel like you’ve observed or maybe seen the next Sondheim yet? You know, not quite yet. None like him — and there are wonderful writers out there. People try for it, but he was at a genius level. So it’s hard to be at that level already.
You’re definitely among the Broadway gay icons. What do you think creates that lasting bond between you and queer audiences? I believe it’s because gay people are sensitive and emotional and recognize when something is true. That’s quite beautiful, and I really think they connect with me on that level. And it’s a fun, crazy level, even, and with me, the connection has always felt based in real emotions.
Do you recall the moment or role you clicked with queer audiences? I do. And it was way back when I did Dames at Sea 55 years ago. It was this take of 1930s movies, and it was totally camp, but you had to play it serious. We first did it in a coffeehouse in the Village, and it just caught on. The Boys in the Band was on at the time and those actors would always come to see our show. It was such a tongue-in-cheek show, which really brought the gay audience in.
Oh, Mary! writer and actor Cole Escola paid homage to you at this year’s Tonys with their gown and even a wig of curls. How was that for you? I didn’t know them until this great success of theirs. They went to the Tonys in a dress similar to [mine] when I won my Tony. It was the whole outfit and everything. I was told they do videos as me, so I had to look them up. What a great compliment!
For tickets, visit PlanoSymphony.org.