New York-based talk shows in the 1970s offered plentiful opportunities for quirky young talents like Bette Midler to sing a song or two and maybe kibitz with the host, regardless of whether they had a Broadway show or film or new record to promote. Midler had none of these when her manager Budd Friedman got her booked on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson not long after she began her legendary run at the Continental Baths.
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Get the latest scoop on the upcoming performances at 54 Below. From Broadway veterans to rising stars, experience the magic of live entertainment this coming month.
"Whatever I dreamed of, reality soon took its chair, knocked it out of the cakewalk, left me standing here with a cake and I'm still hoping for a knife, and plates."