"Life's too short. Start with dessert!" - Barbra. If you believe this adage, then you must see Steven Brinberg's Simply Barbra. He is the ice-cream-sundae-with-a-cherry-on-top of all Streisand impersonators. Unlike many, many drag queens around the country lip-syncing to Streisand hits, Simply Barbra doesn't just dress and act like the Broadway diva; Steven Brinberg sings like the Broadway star as well.
Honey, a drag show this is not. Brinberg likes to think of himself as an actor playing a part and not a "drag queen." Mixing in a bit of wit and humor between songs, he is truly a sight to behold. But hey, the proof is in the pudding; Barbra herself invited Brinberg to sing at her friend Donna Karan's birthday party. You cannot get a better recommendation than that!
And now, Feinstein's at the Nikko is bringing Brinberg's one-diva show, Simply Barbra, to the Nikko Hotel June 27 & 28th for two performances only! Hot, hot, hot, get your tickets now! Hodges & Hodges simply can't wait for Simply Barbra!
How to get ready to see Simply Barbra: Some Barbra things to do in SF!
Selfie Time! Visit the Hungry I Nightclub at 599 Jackson at Kearny where Streisand performed in 1963 after her commitment to Broadway's "I Can Get It for You Wholesale" ended. The gig was timed to correspond with the release of her first album with Columbia Records. Sadly the location is now. . . well, a strip club of the same name. Still, visit the outside of the club and take a selfie and send it to our facebook page at BroadwayWorld San Francisco.
Dress to Impress. Take your cue from Barbra herself who says, "I'm not weird, just different from people who aren't different." Don't go and see this show in your usual theatre garb. Be different and get a dazzling outfit from Decades Of Fashion. Filled with glamorous and sleek vintage clothing from any era, Decades Of Fashion on Haight Street is the place to shop if you want to stand out in a crowd.
Go get your nails done! Barbra's mother didn't think her daughter would ever make it in show business so she advised her to go to Secretarial School and learn to type. Whereupon Barbra promptly began to grow out her fingernails. We don't think she's typed to this day! "Tootsie Toes" on Polk is the place to go. Make an appointment today and get ready to enjoy Simply Barbra in a manner befitting the diva herself!
Show tunes anyone? "I go by instinct - I don't worry about experience." - Barbra. Trust your instincts and head on over to the Castro after the show to belt out some of your favorite Barbra hits at Martuni's Piano Bar.
"I just don't want to be hampered by my own limitations." - Babra. Let go of your limitations and inhibitions and try a few Barbra-esque drinks found by Hodges & Hodges.
What to watch for from Nick: From what I have heard and read this isn't a drag show. It's a true and honest portrayal of THE Barbra Streisand. I am interested in seeing what humor is placed inbetween the songs to keep the audience interested. Can it be sustained?? We'll find out.
What to watch for from Linda: In this iteration of his show, Brinberg pays tribute to the 40th anniversary of the movie "Funny Lady." Look for the diva to knock the Kander and Ebb, Oscar-winning song "How Lucky Can You Get?" out the park.
From the two of us: No matter how you dress. No matter where you go afterward. No matter what you decide to drink - Simply Barbra is a must-see for anyone who is a fan of Ms. Streisand or a fan of acting.
SIMPLY BARBRA
Feinstein's at the Nikko for two performances only - Saturday, June 27 (7 PM) and Sunday, June 28 (7 PM).
Tickets for Steven Brinberg range in price from $25-$40and are on-sale now and available by calling 866.663.1063 or visiting www.ticketweb.com.
For additional information on Steven Brinberg, visit http://www.simplybarbra.com/
For additional information on Feinstein's at the Nikko, visit: www.hotelnikkosf.com/feinsteins
For Hotel Nikko San Francisco room specials, visit www.hotelnikkosf.com. Code: FEIN
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