Access Atlanta > Arts > Our Reviews > Archives > 2006 > November > 02 > Entry
At the Babs concert: Manicures, mousse and not nearly enough mink
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, here we are at the Barbra Streisand concert at Phillips Arena, which is just covered in manicures, mousse and not nearly enough mink, in my humble opinion. Just look at these people! So many well-dressed post-middle-age groupies dolled up to the nines for Babs, who swept in a tish late, at 8:30 p.m., on a purple stage with a giant white “Sâ€? on the central catwalk. And so many roses: vases of pink ones on the sides, a big red spray in back and a sweetheart bouquet up front, next to Barbra’s swivel stool. Pure schmaltz or good taste? That’s kind of the essence of the whole Barbra debate, now isn’t it?
The orchestra played a Broadway-style overture of vintage Barbra, and then there she was: arguably the best female entertainer in the world in a simple black sheath and skirt that showed a little leg, looking a little more zaftig than expected but coiffed to a dirty-blonde farethewell. “Starting Here, Starting Now,� she sang, beckoning audiences to take her hand for the greatest journey ever catalogued.
Well, we’ll just see about that.
But first things first. The diva pretended to be looking under the rows of the front seats for cocktails. It was a jokey reference to the Fort Lauderdale incident earlier this week in which a patron tossed a drink at her.
She said all the publicity was a big mistake. “He was having a spat with his girlfriend. He was angry at her. He wrote me a beautiful letter of apology. It wasn’t even political. That’s the point. He’s from Australia.â€?
Great. Thanks for clearing that up, Babs.
Anyway, dear readers, just a few minutes into the concert, a security guard shut me down and told me to turn off my computer. “She’ll have a conniption if she sees that light,â€? he said.
Now wouldn’t that be swell?
Permalink | Comments (14) | Categories: Pop Music
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Karen
November 3, 2006 8:33 AM | Link to this
As the orchestra began very familiar melodies, I whispered to my daughter that’s the FUNNY GIRL overture. I remembered it so fondly from the time that first introduced me to the musical. I saw that movie 5 times as a girl. I didn’t expect the emotion I felt when Barbara’s head first appeared rising from the center stage circle. It was thrilling and I’m so glad I didn’t miss it. The concert was wonderful.
By Will
November 3, 2006 8:40 AM | Link to this
Great show. Barbra was in fine voice. Did you see the celebs in the crowd? John Travolta, Rosie O’Donnell, Shirley Franklin, Tyler Perry. The crowd at Philips Arena was similar to being at the Colonnade on Cheshire Bridge Rd: the gay and the gray.
By trish
November 3, 2006 9:04 AM | Link to this
What an amazing night! I grew up watching Streisand, and her humor and talent often lifted me to a place of pure joy and away from the “problems” of childhood and adolescent. I had a preconceived notion of what it would be like to see her in concert and I was not disappointed.
Besides her obvious gift of voice and style, she was witty and at ease with the groud. There was a general feeling of connecting with her on as personal of a leval as you can in such a meeting.
I took my two “Longest…they hate the term oldest” friends for their birthdays…and to be entertained and transported to such a peaceful place was truly the best gift I could have given my friends and myself.
Why even bother going to another concert. I witnessed the best darn concert I could ever see and now I take on today with a smile and a lighter step.
Thanks, Barbara!!!
By claude
November 3, 2006 9:14 AM | Link to this
I have never seen Babs, so I am grateful for having the chance. I enjoyed the show. I could not get the imgae out of my head that she was Gaylord Fockers mom. The “W” routine rubbed me the wrong way especially after the following song comments were about love and everyone getting along. But that is just who she is. For the two couples that dipped out around me should have stayed for the glass “half full”. ” The Gay and Gray” - that is hysterical and true
By Debbie
November 3, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this
Barbra’s concert was everything I was hoping it would be and more. Her work was precision, passionate, elegant, funny, and genuine. Thank you, Barbra, for a great evening. You are one individual I would like to personally meet prior to my departing this Earth! I promise to have some of the buttermilk fried chicken for you! Thank you for your continued devotion to protecting our wonderful Earth.
By Jan
November 3, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
BABS didn’t disappoint….what a fantabulous performance….from THE DIVA LEGEND herself! It was nice of her to sing so many songs from FUNNY GIRL and she even played the piano performing her first piece she ever wrote! She is such a class act and sang all of the great songs she is known for…she had fun with the audience kicking off her shoes for the last set and skipping up and down the stage to greet her fans. I had waited 30 years to see her and never imagined I would nab the last single ticket. My prayers had been answered and to think that this upstate New York native didn’t have to go to Montreal or NYC to see her but saw Barbra in my new hometown of Atlanta! Thanks Barbra for coming to Atlanta and giving a great performance to some very appreciative fans!!! She made us all SMILE!!!!
By M
November 3, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this
Where were John Travolta and Rosie O’Donnell sitting? I look all over the floor for “famous” people and did not see them.
By M
November 3, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this
Where were John Travolta and Rosie O’Donnell sitting? I look all over the floor for “famous” people and did not see them.
By Elliot
November 3, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this
John Travolta was in row 2 center…with Kellie Preston….
By Glenn
November 3, 2006 1:19 PM | Link to this
I just love how babs decided to alienate a lot of her fans by demanding astronomical prices. She may preach hate of George Bush and capitalism, but she sure lives by their principles.
By Scott
November 3, 2006 1:21 PM | Link to this
Babs, you were fab!I was verklempt several times, beginning with the overture, which I know by heart, to a number of the songs that are near and dear. It was a once in a lifetime event. I’m so glad I could be there. I saw Rosie on David Letterman last night. She made no mention of coming to the Atlanta show, but she was at an earlier show (New York, I think). Perhaps it was a case of mistaken identity? No matter. It was a flawless evening.
By Lisa4Peace
November 3, 2006 1:54 PM | Link to this
The Streisand show in Atlanta “did not disappoint”. In fact, it superceded my expectations. I enjoyed the reworked rendition of The Way We Were — and the Funny Girl material was superb. I loved the Bush skit and thought that it was indeed freedom of speech at it’s best. Whenever she’s back — I will be. Also nice to hear about her eating binge thru Atlanta — actually mentioning Fatt Matts, Intermezzo and Mellow Mushroom. ..and I’d love to know in which antique shop she bought her new octagon table. If the store is reading — tell us! Anyway — GREAT GREAT GREAT show. What a fantastic night!
By Darrell
November 6, 2006 4:46 PM | Link to this
The concert was fabulous in my opinion. Wendell Brock is either not a Barbara fan or he was sleeping through the entire show. As for the Bush skit and remarks, I didn’t think there was any- thing wrong with it. Sometimes the truth hurts and we as Americans need to wake up to what’s going on around us and vote for change. Those in political office certainly don’t care as long as their pockets keep getting richer. You go Babs! Her voice though still sounds awesome and would gladly pay the price to see her again and again.
By Hoyt
November 10, 2006 2:03 PM | Link to this
Babs has very right to her opinion. I just don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars to hear it. I think the “Bush” skit is a little bit over the top for a music concert. She has a lovely voice, but I would just like to hear her sing not politics! What “truth” Darrell? You don’t speak for ALL Americans!!! And what makes you think that this new “change” in power won’t fill their own rich pockets!