Midler kicks off new Vegas show

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Bette Midler's "The Showgirl Must Go On" act premiered this week at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

In the show, the award-winning singer and actress revives some of her popular characters, such as Delores Delago, the wheelchair-bound mermaid, and Soph, the oldest living showgirl in Las Vegas.

She is also joined on stage by the Harlettes, a 13-piece band -- which includes a six-piece horn section from the Las Vegas band "The Fat City Horns" -- and 20 female dancers, who dance to choreography created by Toni Basil, famous for singing the 1980s hit "Mickey."

"All of us at AEG Live are ecstatic about the debut of Bette's show," John Meglen, co-chief executive officer and president of AEG Live/Concerts West, said in a statement. "The production showcases Bette at her absolute best and her fans are going to be blown away."

Midler said the show would be quite a spectacle.

"I've been hoarding feathers and fans and sequins and rhinestones for the last 50 years and, hey, I'm throwing 'em all on stage," she said.

Midler is scheduled to perform approximately 100 shows a year at the 4,300-seat theater.