I'LL EAT YOU LAST, Bette Midler's critically acclaimed return to Broadway by Tony Award winner John Logan, directed by Tony Award winner Joe Mantello, closes today, June 30th, at the Booth Theatre (222 West 45th Street) on Broadway. The production began previews on April 5 and opened April 24. BroadwayWorld takes you back through Bette's return to Broadway below!
Appearing on Broadway for the first time in almost 40 years, Tony and Grammy Award-winning superstar
Bette Midler plays the legendary Hollywood agent Sue Mengers (1932-2011) in the new play.
The creative team includes three-time Tony Award winner
Scott Pask (scenic design), Academy Award winner
Ann Roth (costume design), three-time Tony nominee
Hugh Vanstone (lighting design), and Drama Desk Award winner
Fitz Patton (sound design).
Sue Mengers was an American original. She was the first female "superagent" at a time when women talent agents of any kind were almost unheard of. She came from near poverty, a refugee from Hitler's Germany, and worked her way up through pluck, charm, and a legendary wit. In that uniquely American way, she invented herself; and when the career she wanted didn't exist, she invented that as well: "Superagent." It was a term Hollywood all but coined for her. By the 1970's, she represented almost every major star in Hollywood and went on to become the town's most renowned hostess.
I'LL EAT YOU LAST began previews Friday, April 5, 2013, at the Booth Theatre. Kicking off the show's strictly limited 89 performance engagement on Broadway, BroadwayWorld brought you a first look at Midler onstage. Scroll down for video highlights and photos from I'LL EAT YOU LAST!
The show opened on April 24, and BroadwayWorld was there to capture the evening. Check out photos of Midler at the opening night press reception and the curtain call below!
On opening night, BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there to chat with John Logan, Bette Midler and the rest of the gang about the new play. Hear what they had to say below!
The producers of I'LL EAT YOU LAST announced at the end of May that the world premiere production had recouped its initial Broadway investment of $2.4 million in just over eight weeks at the Booth Theatre (222 West 45th Street). Well done, Bette!
Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos