My
Experience -- Las Vegas and Los Angeles
I was lucky enough
to attend the final two stops on Barbra's 2006 National Tour -- her
first tour since 1994. It was also my first 'Barbra' concert
experience. I've been a fan since 2000 (the same year that Barbra
did the Timeless concerts). So I'd spent 6 years thinking that I
would never get the chance to hear Barbra live.
On
November 18th 2006 -- it happened. I flew to Las Vegas the previous
day from the UK -- and booked into the MGM Grand Hotel for 3 nights.
The same hotel that Barbra was to perform in. My dreams were
becoming reality. After nearly 24 hours of travelling and
'schlepping' half way around the world, I met up with Linda E (She
helps me moderate The Barbra Streisand Message board -- thanks
Linda!). We had a brief walk around the hotel. We checked out where
Barbra would be performing. We checked out where the fans could meet
after the show -- and even bought some Barbra gifts from the stand.
The Day Of The Las Vegas Show
I met up with Linda
again -- and we decided to have breakfast at the MGM Grand Studio
Cafe. While we were waiting for go inside -- we were standing next
to Renata Buser (Barbra's personal assistant for decades) and we
also saw Richard Jay-Alexander; the tour's director. I've
communicated with Richard for a while now -- so it was fun to
finally see him in person.
The rest of the day
was at leisure. Linda and I went for a walk down the strip. We were
surprised when we came across a rare photograph (see right) of
Barbra from the early 60s at Basin Street East. It was reduced from
$400 to $200 -- so she decided to buy it. (If I had the money on me
-- I would have bought it!).
We headed back to
the hotel -- and had a few hours rest.
We had arranged to
meet up with a bunch of fans before the show at 4pm for some food.
So I headed through the casino machines -- down to the MGM Grand
Buffet. We spent a few hours together -- and that was great. It was
great to see those who I hadn't seen for a while (Allison J.
Waldman, Sal LaBarbera) -- and also new faces. You were all great!
Thanks for attending.
7pm. Time to pick
up my ticket from the 'Band Will Call' desk. I was taken care of by
Barbra's manager (Marty) -- so I really didn't have a clue where I
was sitting. It was VERY exciting to pick up the tickets. I opened
the envelope -- and there was my seat! Floor section, row 5, dead
center. I couldn't believe it. Here is a photo from my seat (Very
naughty I know, but I needed at least one keepsake).
I was one of the
first people in the arena. I wanted to see where I was sitting. I
sat there, alone -- and just looked at the stage. I couldn't believe
it. After a short while -- an assistant came to greet me -- and to
say hi (we'd been communicating for 4 years) -- so it was great to
say hello in person. She handed me a backstage VIP pass -- and told
me to say hello after the show. My first thought was "Will I get to
meet Barbra?". As it happened -- I didn't. But there's always
another time, right?
The Show.
I could sit here
and type out the entire song list, what she wore etc, etc -- but I
know most of you have seen the reports on the message board -- and
seen the press photos.
What I will say --
for those of you who have the albums, DVDs and videos -- but have
not seen Barbra live -- there's just no comparison. Hearing 'that'
voice LIVE, is unlike anything else you'll ever experience. It's
hard to put into words. Perfection isn't even close!
It was great to be
sitting in the same section as Rosie O'Donnell, Roslyn Kind, Mimi
Hines, Billie Jean King. I was introduced to Mimi Hines at one point
-- and she was adorable. A very nice lady.
The Las Vegas show
seems like a lifetime away -- it's all a blur. But it's a moment
I'll never forget.
Los Angeles Update Coming Soon
Song List for Vegas
and LA:
Song
List
ACT
1
Funny Girl Broadway (overture)
Starting Here, Starting Now
Down With Love
The Way We Were
Ma Premiere Chanson
Evergreen (with Il Divo)
IL DIVO SET
(a) Unchained Melody
(b) Unbreak My Heart
(c) My Way
Barbra Returns
Come Rain Or Come
Shine
Funny Girl
The Music That Makes Me Dance
My Man
People
People BOWS
ACT 2
Music Of The Night
Carefully Taught/Children Will Listen
Unusual Way
What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?
Q+A Ask Barbra
George Bush Sketch
Woman
In The Moon
Have I Stayed Too Long At The Fair?
A Cockeyed Optimist
Somewhere (with Il Divo)
My Shining Hour
My Shining Hour Bows
Encores:
Don't Rain On My Parade (Broadway version reprise)
People Bows
Happy Days Are Here
Again
Fan Photo after LA
show:
Special thanks
to Marty Erlichman, J-Me Diamond, Dick Guttman, Richard
Jay-Alexander, Linda Eppley, Anthony and partner, Paul Katz, Corey,
Mary-Jo, Ginny -- and to everyone else who I met along the way. You
all made me feel very welcome to the US! |