A Guilty Pleasure: Simply Barbra Review

Simply Barbra, aka Steven Brinberg is a real find as a performer. Not only does this talented American manage to nail every inch of Barbra Streisand; the diva, he also does it with a great deal of affection. From the minute the curtain opens and the audience glimpse the sequins and the iconic wig and false nails, you know you are in for a real blast of an evening.  

Then the song "The Way We Were" reminds you why you have paid to see a Barbra tribute act in the first place. The hair flicks, the showy anecdotes and the ridiculous holding of notes, nasal style are all in evidence. The man does not miss a thing and the audience warmly appreciate this as they know their Jewish 'Princess Of Tides' better than anyone.  

Donning a sequinned dress; the diva moves around the stage with real grace, telling fans that she is going to sing a musical number close to her heart. Once we hear the opening bars of "Tomorrow" from Annie, this sets the scene for the silly but very funny humour on display.  

Many of the woman in love's hits are given new renditions with Babs loudly slurping tea in between each high note as it is good for the voice box, don't you know?! "I haven't been on a farewell tour in 6 years" she says reducing the audience to smiling nodding dogs. The joy of this show is that the audience come prepared for a good time, trying to outdo each other with their Barbra knowledge. He who laughs loudest…..! 

Once we get to a track penned for the tour called "Brolin's Eyes" about the superstar's current beau, Brinberg is unstoppable with his wonderfully witty lyrics and cutting one liners.  

No stone is left unturned; the movie career, the lack of recent Oscars, the rumours about "Meet The Little Fockers" and so much more is covered in this fast paced two hour spectacle. I was reminded very much of the equally fantastic Kiki and Herb as the humour is as sharp. You know you are not watching the real Babs as she would have a bigger toilet than some of the venues on the tour. But you still cannot help but get swept away with the sheer majesty of it all. For many of the audience, including myself, this is the closest they will get to seeing the Funny Girl, herself. Unless you count the new TV channel A.B.S, (All Barbra Streisand!) of course!   

"You Don't Bring Me Flowers" features Neil Diamond also, with our hostess switching from one voice to another seamlessly. This pleases the audience and acts a precursor to a clever take on Stephen Sondheim's "I'm Still Here" featuring the voices of Cher, Bea Arthur and Eartha Kitt amongst others.  

So until you can afford to see the lady herself, Steven Brinberg will offer you a discounted version and On A Clear Day, you will not really notice the difference!  

Glenn Meads (reviewed at the Lowry, Salford, UK)

www.simplybarbra.com - for tour dates

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