There is good reason why Barbara Joan ‘Barbra’ Streisand is so adored the world over – what a remarkable talent.
An American icon with a career spanning over six decades – she is a multiple Oscar, Emmy, Golden Globe, Grammy and Tony Award winner. Few have reached the heights of her success.
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Live Nation tribute to her outstanding career marking her 80th birthday (April 24), To Barbra, with Love, was a stunning and fitting tribute to her extraordinary career with seemingly endless hit after hit.
While there is no mistaking the skill and faultless performance of the MSO, superbly conducted by Vanessa Scammell and music arranged by Nicholas Buc, the show truly belonged to the vocal stars Caroline O’Connor, Katie Noonan, Elise McCann and Ryan Gonzalez.
Cameron Mitchell directed proceedings with a seamless flow and focus. Opening with a Stephen Sondheim ensemble piece, Putting it Together from Sunday in the Park with George (1983), was a rousing beginning.
It was followed by the stand-out song of the show, Woman in Love, performed by Noonan. Noonan’s vocal range and clarity was astounding and her renditions of Evergreen and Somewhere were as equally nuanced and magical.
The award-winning and internationally renowned O’Connor demonstrated her star quality and powerhouse vocals in People, Don’t Rain on my Parade and Send in the Clowns.
Elise McCann channelled Babs with an extraordinary likeness, and there wouldn’t have been a dry eye in the house with her beautiful and moving Papa Can you Hear Me.
Delivering the male vocals for duets such as You Don’t Bring Me Flowers and Guilty, Ryan Gonzalez brought a flamboyance to the show. He also impressed with his solo performances of Gotta Move and How Lucky Can You Get.
Peter Rubie’s lighting design created mood and beautifully highlighted the dramatic crescendos.
Such a joy and celebration, congratulations to everyone involved.

• Review by Beth Klein