For the week of July 17 - 23, 2002

Steven Brinberg performs "Simply Barbra" Tuesday, 8 p.m., at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey. Courtesy photo

Brinberg is 
‘Simply Barbra’

---

By ADAM TANOUS
Express Arts Editor

There are few American cultural icons as recognizable as Barbara Streisand. A large presence both in films and on Broadway, Streisand has a distinct style and charisma few can match.

Steven Brinberg is an exception to that rule. Since 1993 he has been performing an act he created in which he not only talks the talk, but walks the walk of Barbara Streisand. The show is titled "Simply Barbra," and it is coming to the Liberty Theatre in Hailey for a one-night show on Tuesday. Curtain time is 8 p.m.

Steven Brinberg performs “Simply Barbra” Tuesday, 8 p.m., at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey. Courtesy photo.

Brinberg’s show includes classics like "People," "Evergreen" and "Funny Girl." He also manages to sing a duet by himself, a rendition of "You Don’t Bring Me Flowers Anymore." Along the way, Brinberg as Streisand, does vocal imitations of Julie Andrews, Bette Davis, Ethel Merman, Betty Buckley, Carol Channing and Eartha Kitt.

"Simply Barbra" has played to sold-out theaters around the world, including in London, Hong, Kong, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Marvin Hamlisch, Streisand’s musical director, said this of Brinberg’s show: "When you first hear Steven’s ‘Simply Barbra’ for the first brief moment, you almost think, ‘My God! Is that really her?’ Not only does he have a wonderful take on her—not at all mean-spirited—and this ability to imitate her, he also captures a lot of moments and nuances that are terrific. It was very impressive."

Tickets are available at Company of Fools’ box office at 409 North Main St. in Hailey, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by calling 788-6520.

 

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.