Barbra: The Concert

Barbra Streisand - Love her or hate her, few would deny her talent for singing! Her first concert tour in over two decades was well worth the wait. Opening with "As If We Never Said Goodbye" from "Sunset Boulevard", she had some of the lyrics changed, now instead of the song referring to Norma Desmond's return to the movie studio, it is about Streisand herself returning to the concert stage. The performance was staged very much like a theater production with two "Acts" and Barbra offering an audio biography along the way. She performs one new song, the beautiful "Ordinary Miracles". Among the highlights are a medley from "Yentl", a mesmerizing version of "Lazy Afternoon" and the closing number "Somewhere". In truth, nearly ever song is a gem. Streisand reminds you how moving truly talented vocalists can be. Here's looking forward to her 1999 tour!

I can think of no other show to match this "Perfect Storm" of a performance, other than maybe "Liza Minnelli At Radio City", shown on PBS. Ms. Streisand can be exasperating for her over the top, nervous breakdown renditions, but I must say as a musician, this cocnert is beyond reviewing. I mean, do you review Heifitz, or Horowitz, or a Jan van Eyck alterpiece? The patter, which can be very over done Brooklyn Jewish, was held to a minimun and quite enjoyable. You know, for people we idolize, many stars find it difficut to talk about what they do, or express themselves verbally. Fred Astaire on the "Tonight" show simply could not discuss what he does on the screen. I've seen Sinatra, who did have a sense of humor, try to ad lib remarks to the audience, with less than successful results. Even Brando, who went on the Joey Bishop show to talk about the assassination of Martin Luther King, had trouble getting his point across. Incidentally I just peeked, and "Liza at Radio City" got 3.8. Not too bad, FOR THE GREATEST PERFORMANCE I HAVE EVER SEEN BY A LIVE HUMAN BEING, up till this show. And I've seen, in person, Sinatra, Anthony Newley, Sammy Davis Jr., Lenny Bruce, and Dame May Whitty. Ms. Streisand's cohorts included conductor, composer Marvin Hamlish, who by some lucky fluke composed the score to "Chorus Line", and repeated the lucky fluke by composing "The Way We Were". The lead trumpet was Lew Soloff who to trumpet players is a Mount Everest of contemporary horn players. Add a dash of Hank Waldman's delicious piano on "For All We Know", plus what looked like a thousand strings with oboes and French horns and you wouldn't even miss the ten thousandth rerun of "Celebrity Bowling".

I love this video. It shows Barbra Streisand's first full length concert in years. Watching the audience reactions, to this legendary performer, is as exciting as watching Barbra herself. The only complaint I have, is that this is different than the HBO special. The HBO special concluded in LA, and the video concludes in New York. Also, they should have showed the people in Times Square(video) watching her perform 'Somewhere' on the jumbo tron. Other than that, it was magical. Sort of like taking a trip down memory lane with Barbra.

This concert is divided into two parts. At the beginning of each part, fans from the US (part 1) and the UK (part 2) are interviewed. Their clothes are so 90's, it's a dive into the past. Many celebrities attended the concert. Some back stage shots are included, as well.

The orchestra was conducted by Marvin Hamlisch. The concert was interspersed with excerpts from Barbra Streisand's movies, as well as intimate details about her life.

A live album, entitled "The Concert", was released following the tour, in September 1994, through Columbia Records.

Track Listing: Act I "Overture" "As If We Never Said Goodbye" Opening Remarks "I'm Still Here/Everybody Says Don't/Don't Rain on My Parade" "Can't Help Lovin' That Man" "I'll Know" (with Marlon Brando) "People" "Lover Man" Therapist Dialogue #1 "Will He Like Me?" Therapist Dialogue #2 "He Touched Me" "Evergreen" Therapist Dialogue #3 "The Man That Got Away" "On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever)"

Act II "Entr'acte" "The Way We Were" "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" "Lazy Afternoon" Disney Medley: "Once Upon a Dream/When You Wish Upon a Star/Someday My Prince Will Come" "Not While I'm Around" "Ordinary Miracles" Yentl Medley: "Where Is It Written/Papa, Can You Hear Me/Will Someone Ever Look at Me That Way/A Piece of Sky" "Happy Days Are Here Again" "My Man" "For All We Know" "Somewhere"

I have been a music promoter for 56 years. The best I have ever heard! What Diva in any era, had her own play on Broadway at 20? Directed her own films! Sold millions of records worldwide! Five decades (going on six) Sold out Concerts! Did it all , with her own strength and passion!

Nobody that's who! You would know that voice in the dark...and stand up! The audience was the who's who of the World, excited to be there, wanting to be no where else. No scalpers to be seen . Who would sell their ticket?

The sound, professionalism, style...it was all there! I have never bought a ticket for anyone...till this.