Barbra Streisand Returns to the Concert Stage With Il Divo

When I first heard that the legendary Barbra Streisand was once again hitting the concert tour circuit (her 'Farewell Tour' was in 1994) I was intrigued in regards to what the show might be like. Of course like many, I had only seen Babs on TV or in the movies. I never imagined the prospect of seeing her live in concert. So when a South Florida date was announced I decided I had to give it a go.

However, to be quite honest, the concert ticket prices almost stopped me dead in my tracks. Would this be another concert that got away? Not a chance if I could help it. After all, that's what credit cards are for, right? I braved the juggling hoopla of online ticket buying on one hand with the phone in the other trying to get through busy lines. But fear not, I'm not called a 'pit bull' by some for nothing. I prevailed and got myself a seat, way in the back.

As the night came closer the anticipation grew. So, tonight's the night. This was definitely not the rock and roll crowd I'm used to. Which at my age is actually a welcome thing. No, I'm not 90 but sometimes I feel like it. I may not have been the youngest person in the crowd, but close. The Bank Atlantic Center seats about 17,000 give or take a few and the arena was packed to capacity. This was to be Barbra's first of a 2 night gig at the venue.

Right from the get go (standing in line outside) the rumors ran rampant. Including discussions from the folks waiting about the songs she was going to sing, how long the show was going to be, her 'political dialogue,' the George W. Bush impersonator, etc. What I did not expect was an almost 'out of body experience.' Now, before I lose you and you think I've totally lost my mind, hear me out. I've been a fan of Barbra's for more than half my life.

In my opinion and those of many others, she is undeniably the greatest female singer of all time. There was something that is so pure in her voice that her singing seems effortless. Her voice is a power-de-force, her range is incredible, and those notes: ah, those incredibly long held notes. Okay, here is where I gush.

There is no vocal enhancement going on, not live, and not on CD. This is where my 'out of body experience,' comes in. It was a surreal concert for me. I mean after all, there she was, standing way way in front of me - remember I was pretty far back (thank God for concert screens). She was about the size of my little finger. But you know, it didn't matter. As I watched from the stage to the screen and back again that was when it hit me: I was actually in the presence of a living legend whose mere existence is the epitome of what the word "DIVA," stands for. She's a true entertainer, not merely someone who plays one on T.V.

The concert itself was an amazing show. Beginning with the overture from "Funny Girl," backed by a 55-piece orchestra, she appeared to her first of many standing ovations. She worked the stage and the crowd like the seasoned professional she is. Her 'Special Guests,' the vocal group Il Divo fit in well. They were not merely 'an opening act.' An added dimension to the typical concert experience was now put into play. Il Divo was impeccable in regards to their vocal prowess not only on their 'solo' efforts but also in regards to their duets with Barbra. Most notably "Evergreen," (though it would have been nice to hear Barbra as a solo on this song) and "Music Of The Night."

Beginning with an Italian version of "Unchained Melody," the quartet moved onto their hit version of Toni Braxton's chart topper "Un-Break My Heart," performed in Spanish. Their performances intertwined with Streisand kept the music interesting. Normally when the 'opening act,' takes the stage that the first sign of a bathroom break. Tonight that was not the case. Il Divo members were brought together by American Idol bad-boy judge Simon Cowell. Their styling for those of you who are not familiar is a cross pollination of booming classical vocals with an International flair.

There were many standing ovations for Ms. Streisand as she rolled out some of her most memorable songs. "Evergreen," "People," "Happy Days Are Here Again," a very funny version of the first verse of "Stoney End," was among the highlights. She seemed extremely comfortable in front of the masses. Except for one moment when she sat behind the piano to play the very first song she ever wrote, "Ma Premiere Chanson." Yet, she delivered a lighthearted and intimate moment with the audience. There seemed to be no sign of her well known stage fright.

The only criticism I have about the show would be song selection. I would have loved to have heard songs from the "Guilty," era. And yet, everything seemed to fit perfectly into place. If there were to be a single moment (though there were many) I would take with me from the show it would be her rendition of "Somewhere." I sat on the edge of my seat waiting for that final unmistakable note, I was not disappointed. Streisand's performance was flawless. As she reminisced through the show, she delivered personal stories about various songs and their meanings to her. It certainly didn't seem like she had been away from a national tour for 12 years. The tour however hasn't gone on without its share of controversy.

Her political views, a staunch Democrat, she has incorporated this into the show by adding a parody comedy segment featuring a George W. Bush look and sound alike. Of course there are political jabs at the Prez, all in good fun. But some have not taken it too lightly. There have been sporadic instances, one at her New York stop and one here also in Florida (the Monday night show) where some people in the audience took her comments rather personally.

The New York concert incident was a bit more personal in nature when Streisand actually stood toe to toe with the heckler, who departed on his own. The Florida incident, a cup of water was thrown at the superstar. That person was physically removed. She did make of point in her dialogue of stating "It's not a matter of red states or blue states. We are the United States." A point well taken that received a round of applause from the 17,000 + crowd. The rest of the concert so far has gone without a hitch, thankfully. Even with all the ruckus, it doesn't take away from the magic that is Streisand.

Though the concert tour itself only makes a handful of stops, if you have the chance to see Barbra live, do yourself a favor, break out that credit card and go. You will not be disappointed. And maybe for the first time in a long time when you get your bill you won't be complaining about money very well spent. This was truly the concert of a lifetime.
By Tina Mrazik

Barbra Streisand Live with Special Guests Il Divo
Bank Atlantic Center
Sunrise, FL.