STREISAND: THE LEGEND LIVES

Last Friday evening Chicago had the honor of welcoming back legendary singer, actress, director, Barbra Streisand to the United Center. For being such a large venue, and playing to an almost sold out crowd to at least 15,000 people, Barbra Streisand managed to create an intimate evening where she invited us all into her living room with very special guests. I know it is hard to believe that the United Center can be viewed as intimate, especially with such a large audience and a full orchestra that consisted of Los Angeles and Chicago musicians. However, Barbra succeeded in every possible way.

The evening began with Barbra's entrance, after a video montage and Barbra's recording of "You'll Never Know". Barbra entered the stage on a long runway and began her almost 3 hour love fest with Chicago singing, "On a Clear Day". The show began without any opening act. It began and ended with Barbra, including special guests Il Volo, Chris Botti and some other surprise guests throughout the concert.

Barbra then sang a Sinatra tune "Nice and Easy" and strolled around the stage as she connected with the audience. When her songs were completed, Barbra sat down in her chair and poured some tea, and proceeded to converse with the audience. In fact, this was the way most of the evening went with Barbra getting to know her audience and creating a very comfortable atmosphere. Barbra sang, Barbra schmoozed, Barbra gave her love to Chicago.

Aside from Barbra's well known repertoire, she sang a beautiful version of "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered". After speaking with the audience, Barbra introduced three young, handsome men from Italy "Il Volo". Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble, who are barely 19 years old , and have the most dynamic voices of someone who is twice their age. Barbra graciously joined Il Volo as a background to sing "Smile" written by Charlie Chaplin. Barbra then left the stage telling the young men that she is getting them a Chicago deep dish pizza. Il Volo then sang "O Sole Mio" followed by a beautiful Ferrelli aria, "Un Amore Cosi Grande". The word "Outstanding" is underrating the vocal talents of these talented young gentlemen. Their voices literally brought tears to my eyes. From the warm reception they received from the audience at the United Center, most everyone attending agreed. I first saw Il Volo on various television appearances over a year ago and I was impressed with how these youthful men with mature voices were so well trained without any audio enhancement. Seeing them one year later in person was a musical treat. When Il Volo completed their songs, true to her promise, Barbra returned to the stage with a Chicago deep dish pizza from Chicago's Lou Malnati's Restaurant.

Barbra gave tribute to her dear friend of nearly 50 years, Marvin Hamlisch who passed away in August at the age of 68. Barbra proceeded to tell the audience that Marvin was not only a talented musician and very funny, he was extremely generous and a great friend. There was a video tribute showing Marvin and Barbra working together, followed by Barbra singing "The Way We Were" along with pictures from the movie in the background.

Barbra was then joined by famed jazz trumpet great, Chris Botti. Chris played "What Will I Do" joined by Barbra on vocals. Barbra then joined with Chris singing "Evergreen" and "Lost Inside of You" from the movie, "A Star Is Born". Backed by Botti and full orchestra, Barbra sounded amazing. Barbra then sat back and enjoyed Chris Botti playing two jazzy arrangements where he was joined on stage by talented violinist Carolyn Campbell. Aside from their extreme talent, both Chris and Carolyn were extremely sensual with their musical performance.

Barbra returned to the stage with a question and answer session where the audience was invited to write questions to Barbra when entering the arena. Barbra then candidly answered questions about her career, and her feelings about being called a legend. Her response was, "As long as the word "LIVING" is included with legend". Barbra spoke of her son Jason Gould's birthday surprise which was a video of his life with his mom, with Jason singing "Nature Boy". When the video was completed Jason joined his mom on stage where they sang, "How Deep Is the Ocean". It almost gave you a Judy and Liza moment from Judy Garland's 1960's television show. However, this time it was with mother and son. It was very moving! Barbra and Jason blended beautifully with wonderful harmonies. Barbra then stepped back and sat upstage and watched her son as he sang a very jazzy version of "Masquerade". This moment made me wonder if this is an indication that one day Barbra will pass her baton and musical legacy to her son Jason. As far as Jason's voice goes, you can see which part of the gene pool Jason has received his talent. Jason sounded amazing and was very comfortable on stage.

The remainder of the evening kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Barbra gave tribute to composer, Jule Stein where she sang a portion of "Rose's Lament" and "Some People" from the musical Gypsy, ending with a portion of "Don't Rain on my Parade" from musical Funny Girl. Other songs included "Didn't We", "No More Tears"; giving tribute to the late Donna Summer, then singing a nostalgic toast "Here's to Life". Barbra then brought a climax to the evening by singing "People" also from Funny Girl.

Then joining Barbra on stage was her son Jason, Il Volo, Chris Botti, Carolyn Campbell, the Chicago Christian Choir, and the full orchestra to sing late composer Leonard Bernstein's "Make Our Garden Grow" Barbra Streisand joined with her on stage guests singing this beautiful composition was one of the most memorable highlights of the entire evening. It received a well deserved standing ovation.

As an added surprise, Barbra introduced her sister Rosalind Kind to join her singing the duet, "Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy". This duet, Barbra originally performed with the late Judy Garland on Judy's television show. Barbra introduced the song by making a statement about the direction of our country along with a political endorsement.

During her question and answer segment, Barbra mentioned about her struggle with stage fright where she performed a concert in the late 1960's and she could not remember the words to some songs. This caused a 25 year span where Barbra refused to perform live, until she returned with her concerts in 1992. I have to say it is very difficult for me to believe that this legendary icon has ever had any apprehension or stage fright in her lifetime for performing live. This concert was a wonderful, comfortable evening with just me and Barbra Streisand, and thousands of her devoted friends. It was truly an evening to remember. It is also safe to say that at the end of the concert every gay man in the arena, along with the entire audience proudly stood in adoration of this "living legend".

REVIEWED BY: RUSSELL GOELTENBODT