Steven Brinberg is Simply Barbra at the Crazy Coqs, London
Steven Brinberg is Simply Barbra continues at the Crazy Coqs, London until 20 September and returns from 22–25 September.
Back due to phenomenal demand, Steven Brinberg provides a fascinating evening’s entertainment in the persona of Barbra Streisand – a persona that he has occupied for over a decade and claims to have played in more cities than the lady herself.
His vocal performance is amazing as he captures the diva’s delivery, as well as the movement and nuances of her character. The singing is serious. Only in the linking witty dialogue with the audience does he send up the superstar.
The show celebrates the 50th anniversary of Funny Girl with the bulk of the numbers coming from both the stage and film versions. Contrasting with the uptempo numbers ‘I’m the Greatest Star’ and ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’, the audience is treated to an exquisite ‘The Music That Makes Me Dance’.
Several well-known producers were considered for Funny Girl, including Alfred Hitchcock. Commenting on his notoriety for keeping his actors in the dark and not giving them full scripts, it was only natural that the plea: “What’s it all about, Alfie?” should be sung.
As well as the classic numbers ‘The Way We Were’ and ‘Evergreen’, there are a couple from the pen of Stephen Sondheim – ‘Send in the Clowns’ and ‘I’m Still Here’. The latter is worth the price of the ticket alone as Brinberg sings it using 13 different voices.
Musical director and pianist, Nathan Martin, calls out the names of various singers and actresses – from Eartha Kitt to Cleo Laine via Bette Davis and Katharine Hepburn. All voices are brilliantly imitated. Brinberg’s versatility is also demonstrated in ‘You Don’t Bring Me Flowers’ when he duets with himself, switching effortlessly from female to male voice.
Guest star Peter Caulfield sings a Maltby and Shire number and then joins the great lady for their version of ‘Over the Rainbow’.
Commenting on her latest CD, Partners, in which ‘Barbra’ duets with the younger generation of singers, she jokes about having to appeal to a newer and more youthful audience. These barbs act as a perfect introduction to the lament ‘Kids’.
Barrie Jerram
www.brasseriezedel.com/crazy-coqs
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