Bernadette Peters Co-Hosts Live! with Regis and Kelly; Potential Talk Show Career

A famous, albeit out-of-place, face was seen on Live! With Regis and Kelly this morning. Bernadette Peters, of Broadway fame, co-hosted with Regis this morning before she sets off for San Francisco to perform at the Davies Symphony Hall.

When I turned on my television and saw Peters staring back at me this morning I was a wee-bit nervous. Sure, Peters is a dynamo on the stage. Her presence is strong, independent and captivating, but that does not always translate well on the small screen.

Peters did an outstanding job on the talk show and while she had a bit of "shrinking violet" vibe to her at moments her presence transferred beautifully from the big stage to the small screen. The dynamic was solid and the show flowed almost as well as it normally does.

Several years ago I was given the opportunity to see Gypsy on Broadway. The musical is what turned me into a theatre lover and part of that was Peters' ability to captivate and titillate and audience. Her level of comfort on stage put the entire audience at ease and the show was enjoyable, fun and captivating. The entire cast was wonderful and their chemistry helped along the process, but Peters' charisma is what set the show above all others for me.

When I watched Regis and Kelly today I was forced to think back to the two hours and some odd minutes I spent in the theatre watching Peters and I truly do think the star could roll into a television talk show without much of a problem. People would watch her because she creates a very intimate feel between the viewer and performer, but that is not to say I want to see Peters pursue a talk show.

This gem should not be stolen from the stage. It is where she is most needed.

Sources

Peters Returns to San Francisco, Terra, June 24, 2009