Barbra: The Music... The Mem'ries... The Magic!

Barbra: The Music... The Mem'ries... The Magic! is a dazzling tour-de-force concert film capturing an iconic performance by one of the greatest entertainers of our time, Barbra Streisand. Released on Netflix in 2017, this film offers audiences an intimate and electrifying experience of Streisand's last concert tour.

Streisand, one of the few artists who have received an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards), is renowned for her irresistible charisma, unparalleled talent in singing, acting, and directing, as well as her ability to continuously reinvent her art to remain relevant over her five-decade career. This concert film is a significant testament to her enduring power and appeal as an artist.

The concert begins with the legendary singer appearing on stage, the spotlight solely on her, with thousands of fans waiting with bated breath for the magic to unfold. The magic indeed takes off as she graces the stage, bringing alive her all-time classics in a truly mesmerizing performance. Streisand's charismatic presence and her incredible ability to connect with the audience make the concert subtly intense and deeply engrossing.

The film intersperses each performance with brief documentary-style footage, offering viewers a glimpse into Streisand’s journey and her thoughts leading up to the concert. This personal narrative embedded within the actual performance provides a biographical context. It enlivens the experience and enhances the viewer's emotional engagement with the music by putting Streisand’s extraordinarily successful career into perspective.

She doesn't just churn out hit after hit in this concert. Instead, Streisand carefully curates her setlist to include ballads like "People" and anthems like "Don't Rain on My Parade", taking the audience on a journey through many of her previous roles, albums, and accomplishments, successfully stirring up nostalgia even as she impresses with her undiminished vocal prowess.

One of the most exciting aspects of this extravaganza is the array of big-name guest artists who appear on stage with Streisand, including Alec Baldwin and Jamie Foxx. Stephanie 'Stevvi' Alexander, a noted background vocalist in the music industry, serves as a strong support throughout the concert. These guests not only join Streisand in musical collaborations but also engage in warm, unscripted interactions with her that lend a distinctive charm to this performance.

Streisand's duet with Alec Baldwin is particularly exciting as they perform "The Best Thing That Ever Has Happened", a song from the musical "Road Show". The chemistry between the duo is palpable, leading to a poignant yet playful performance guaranteed to bring a smile to any viewer’s face. Her interaction with Foxx is similarly heartfelt as they sing "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" from "The Sound of Music", effortlessly demonstrating their shared musical talent.

Despite the superstar guest appearances, the spotlight solely belongs to Streisand as it should. Her command over the stage, her enchanting voice, and the emotional depth she brings to each song is truly a testament to her status as one of the best performers the world has ever seen. Her commentary about the songs and her life stories reveal the person behind the star, adding a personal touch to this musical journey.

In addition to the spectacular musical performances, the film also benefits from its impressive production values. The cinematography and editing effortlessly capture the glamour and grandeur of the concert, while also paying attention to the minor details and audience reactions that create a compelling atmosphere of a live concert.

Overall, Barbra: The Music... The Mem'ries... The Magic! is a rare and intimate look at one of the world’s most beloved entertainers doing what she does best. This film perfectly encapsulates the timeless allure of Barbra Streisand, combining her sterling performance on stage with glimpses of her humanity off-stage.

Although the concert tour may have concluded, the magic of Barbra Streisand's music and her charisma lingers on, and this film serves as a true celebration of her musical genius, her career, and her personality. For fans and newcomers alike, it is a must-watch, offering a chance to relive or discover the multi-faceted talent and legacy of a true musical legend.