New Barbra Book - Author talks to BarbraNews.

30 May 2006

1. Tell us how you came to write the book

I've managed two dozen Broadway shows over the years and decided that I wanted to move onto the creative side of things and write a book. The entertainment field was the obvious field to write about and I decided that I wanted to analyze a performer's career. I didn't want to write a biography but rather, look at the work in and of itself. The two entertainers who had always interested me the most were Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra; they share what I call an "outsized talent and an outsized personality."
I think that Barbra Streisand is a very important cultural figure: a very talented singer, actress, director who changed the country's notion of beauty, who broke down barriers facing women in the film industry, an outspoken political advocate on controversial issues like gay rights and a woman's right to choose- she really has what I consider to be the biggest individual all media career ever.

2. You're obviously a fan -- how did you become one?

Yes, I am a fan. I really became a fan of Streisand's when the "Funny Girl" movie was released. What impressed me was the combination of that one in a million singing voice and the acting talent to go with it. It's a very rare combination.
There's another key reason why I'm a fan: we live in a day and age of celebrity culture, where the newest kid on the block is instantly called a star, with absolutely no body of work to back it up. Streisand has a four decade body of work to back it up. It's what Dizzy Gillespie said: "The professional is the guy who can do it twice." She has done that- and them some.
I have such respect for her talent that I've realized that I hold her to a higher standard than I do other singers/actors; she's capable of so much it's why I find it disappointing that she spends her time on projects like "The Mirror Has Two Faces" and "Guilty Pleasures."

3. How did you research the book -- did you talk to any of Barbra's colleagues or work partners?

No, I actually didn't talk to Barbra's colleagues and work partners. I wanted this book to my analysis of her work- my reaction to the recordings and movies, while trying to place them within the context of what was happening in American society at the time e.g. she attempted to sing rock music when rock music began to dominate the airwaves and her theatrical type of singing became passe. (I was always interested in that quote from Barbra when she talked about recording "Stoney End" and realizing that she was the oldest person- at age 28- in the room)

4. How long did the book take?

I wrote the book during most of 2004- started it in February and submitted it in November.

5. Your book certainly isn't controversial, unlike other books which have been released about Barbra - did you keep away from that on purpose?

Yes, that was a deliberate decision on my part. Funny thing to say having spent a year writing about Barbra, but I'm not that interested in her personal life. What I mean is that I figure it's her business. I'm glad she seems to be happily married to James Brolin, but the interest her personal life holds for me lies in the fact that she works much less now that she seems to be happy in her personal life- one movie in eight years, one CD per year, and oftentimes they have been compilations. That burning ambition and drive has lessened- that's the interesting aspect to me.
In addition, so many of the controversial personal stories about Barbra are non-verifiable- only Barbra and the person involved know the real answer. I think the work is what holds the interest- let it speak for itself, both good and occasionally bad.

6. If you could meet Barbra -- what would you tell her?

I actually met Barbra- she came to see a Broadway show that I was working on, and we spoke briefly after the show. (We didn't speak about my book and since this was last December it wouldn't have registered anyway). She was exactly as you'd expect: pleasant and reserved. She asked me a few questions about the show.

If I were to have a lengthier conversation with her, I'd tell her that I like her work very much and that I have great respect for her work ethic.
I'd also want to discuss politics with her because I share her obsession. (Another aspect which interests me-- the fact that most of her website is devoted to politics and not her career)

7. Just for fun: Your favorite...

Favorite albums- two: Simply Streisand and The Broadway Album

Favorite movie- three: Funny Girl, What's Up Doc, The Way We Were (would really like to have seen that before they cut so much of the political aspect)

The co-star pairing that interested me the most was Redford: the combination of her passion and his withholding/cool made it a great pairing.

8. What is your impression of Barbra now? Has it changed since before you wrote the book?

I actually have the same impression of Barbra now that I had before writing the book. She is a wildly talented and very complicated personality. That's what makes her so interesting. It's the contradictions in her persona that resonate the most: the "funny girl" who has become an extremely serious woman, the singer who rose to fame during the rock era by singing standards from the past, the obsession with work but the great stretches of professional inactivity, the looks hailed as both weird and beautiful, a powerful and strong woman who can still be vulnerable-- I had these impressions of her before writing the book, and now they have been confirmed.
We're all a mass of contradictions, but in Barbra's case they're played out on a worldwide stage. Combine all of that with that huge talent, and it's why she is who she is.

9. How has the press reacted to your book?

Thus far the reviews have been favorable, so I'm happy about that. Interestingly, the biggest criticism thus far has been that I don't delve into her personal life- people seem to want the personal dirt, but I think the work is infinitely more interesting. Liz Smith has been great in her praise of the book, and I just received a very nice review from Library Journal, so I'm hoping that Barbra fans will realize that this is a very respectful book. It doesn't treat everything she does as perfect (I am pretty blunt in my dislike of "A Star is Born" and "The Main Event") but I am also very upfront in my enormous respect for her talent. After working on Broadway for twenty years, I have dealt with many "stars"- Barbra Streisand is that rarest of breeds- she's the real thing.

10. Do you think Christopher Andersen's book will overshadow your own book? It's had a LOT of attention

Inevitably, his book will and has received a great deal of attention because of the emphasis on her personal life (I was called by People magazine for my reaction to some of the personal "revelations" in his book but since that's not what interests me they ( the magazine) couldn't get a "sound bite" quote from me and ultimately didn't use my statements) I think that Christopher Andersen's book is aimed at a different audience- he's writing a biography with emphasis on her personal life. I'm trying to analyze the work.
We (St. Martin's Press and I) are trying to get the word out that my book is an analysis of the work- and I'm hoping that people realize that it's a fun read and funny. It's not ponderous.

11. Finally, do you plan on sending Barbra a copy?

I hadn't planned on it, but only because I'm assuming that somehow or other she obtained an advance reading copy once those were sent out.
I've read contradictory statements as to whether or not she actually reads books about her, but if she does read it, I would hope that she realizes that it comes from a viewpoint of great respect.

BarbraNews.com would like to thank Tom for his time!

The Importance Of Being Barbra is officially release on June 13, however warehouses have started to ship the book to suppliers. Order your copy now, using this following link:

March 28, 2006