PhotosPHOTO ARCHIVE: From Mabel to Momma Rose! Celebrating the Stage Work of Birthday Gal Bernadette PetersBernadette Peters celebrates her birthday this weekend, on Feb. 28. We look back at some of the Tony-winning actress' greatest roles!
By
Matthew Blank
February 28, 2015
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From Dot to Dolly: Celebrating the Stage Work of Bernadette Peters
From Dot to Dolly: Celebrating the Stage Work of Bernadette Peters
45 PHOTOS
Bernadette Peters and cast in Dames at Sea Off-Broadway, 1966
Joel Grey, Bernadette Peters, Betty Ann Grove and Jerry Dodge in George M!, 1968
Joel Grey, Bernadette Peters, Jerry Dodge and Betty Ann Grove in George M!, 1968
Peters made her New York theatrical debut at the age of ten, playing the role of Tessie in a City Center revival of The Most Happy Fella. Since that time the celebrated singing actress has become one of the most sought-after musical theatre performers, one who brings a mix of humor, warmth, passion and emotional depth to all her work. In fact, listening to her early recordings in such musicals as Dames at Sea and George M! one can hear the unique mix of vocal colors and nuanced interpretations that, several years later, would help her solidify her position as one of the all-time great musical theatre stars.
Although she won her Tony Awards for her performances in musicals by (Song & Dance) and (the revival of ) and also created leading roles in musicals by () and (), Peters is, perhaps, most associated with the work of , having offered beautifully shaded performances in five Broadway musicals that boast lyrics and/or music by Sondheim: model/mistress Dot in , a wise, but crooked-fingered Witch in , the indomitable stage mother Rose in , the captivating actress Desiree Armfeldt in and, most recently, a former girl in Follies.
It was the aforementioned Sam Mendes-directed revival of Gypsy that earned Peters her seventh Tony nomination and seemed to mark a new chapter in her career, as she completely shed her endearing persona to fully delve into the psyche of the powerhouse that is Rose. And, although her TV and film work remain equally compelling, Peters is a true "Broadway Baby," returning to the stage year after year, allowing audiences to revel in her formidable talents as both a singer and actress.
