Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – CHRISTINA BIANCO makes a rare New York appearance with her inspired Barbra Streisand tribute show

• By drediman
• October 19, 2024
• No Comments

Last evening for just a single late night performance, Christina Bianco made a rare New York appearance — the beloved funny lady now calls London her home (in fact, she can be seen in the upcoming UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) — at the Green Room 42. Performing her inspired Barbra Streisand tribute show entitled Her Name is Barbra: My Passion for Streisand, Bianco once again proved why she’s one of the most talented performers working the cabaret circuit. Suffice to say, she’s been much missed, and it was fabulous to have her back performing on our side of the pond, if only just for one night.

This latest act is both a spoof and loving tribute to the one and only diva, with Bianco taking the audience on a chronological journey through Streisand’s long and eventful life and career. As a guide, she takes inspiration from short passages collected from a pair of books written by Streisand herself — her hefty recently-released autobiography My Name Is Barbra (after which the show is named) and the often unintentionally hilarious My Passion for Design — reading from them through the voice and persona of not only Streisand, but a whole library of divas (for those unaware, Bianco is world famous for her uncannily spot-on impersonations). Throughout, Bianco showcased her prowess as a natural and instinctual comedian, as well as a world class belter — a winning combination, to be sure. Although much of the comedy comes at the expense of her subject (and her distinctive “isms”), it all comes from a place of deep respect for a woman who has found tremendous success living life on her own terms, especially in a man’s world.

In terms of the songs, highlights included the iconic “Get Happy / Happy Days Are Here Again” medley in which Bianco (of course) sang both parts as Garland and Streisand; “The Way We Were” through the lens of a dizzying lineup of divas; refreshingly straightforward renditions of “People” from Funny Girl (what I would have given to see her play Fanny Brice!) and “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” from the film Yentl sung simply as Christina Bianco; and a stirring “Something’s Coming” from Streisand’s seminal The Broadway Album. Through them all, music director Ryan MacKenzie provided nimble support. Although the show blew through its allotted time, I would have gladly spent all night long there with Bianco holding court.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

CHRISTINA BIANCO: HER NAME IS BARBRA — MY PASSION FOR STREISAND
Cabaret
The Green Room 42
1 hour, 30 minutes (without an intermission)
One night only