Color Me Barbra

Color Me Barbra is a spectacular television special that aired in 1966 with the ever-mesmerizing Barbra Streisand as its star. It was the second special that Streisand did for CBS, following the success of her first one, "My Name is Barbra." Geared towards cementing her position in the industry as a unique artistic persona with a distinctive vocal prowess, Color Me Barbra showcases the actress/singer's talent in a brilliant hour-long presentation.

Produced by Marty Erlichman and directed by Dwight Hemion, this television special is essentially a solo musical extravaganza by Streisand who was already at the zenith of her singing career by this time. Starting with a tour of the Philadelphia Museum of Art where Streisand serenades the paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces in a splendid black and white sequined outfit, the first section beautifully merges art with music. The show's unique opening sequence is followed by her singing in a medley of songs by a variety of different composers including Rodgers and Hart, Sondheim, and Cy Coleman.

As for the songs themselves, Streisand performed a range of popular numbers - from the profound and melodic "Yesterdays" to the more vibrant, animated "Gotta Move." Her exquisite rendition of the title track "Color Me Barbra" demonstrates her versatility as an artist, while her emotional performance of "Where or When" instills a sense of nostalgia. No matter the style or the tone, Streisand’s voice never falls short of mesmerizing her listeners with her depth and range.

Although primarily a musical special, Color Me Barbra also shows off Streisand’s gifts for comedy and performance art. In one whimsical sequence, she whimsically takes on the personas of various types of women in a dream-like circus scenario, costumed by designer Irene Sharaff. The sketch, which is dubbed "The Minute Waltz," is an homage to actresses like Judy Garland and Fanny Brice and establishes Streisand’s roles as leading funny ladies of her generation.

In the final segment of the show, Streisand performs a concert in front of a live audience. Dressed in a circular jeweled frame resembling a vibrating peacock, she complements her singing with an array of extravagant facial expressions and flamboyant hand gestures, drawing in her audience with her authentic and passionate performance style. From the booming opening number of “It Had To Be You” to the stirring closing rendition of “The Sweetest Sounds”, she captivates her audience and leaves them spellbound.

The special uses richly hued color palettes and innovative cinematography to create an visually enchanting experience for viewers. The staging and framing of each animated and surreal sequence complement Streisand's powerful performance, creating a multi-sensory experience that captivates the audience completely.

The set designs for the show are noteworthy in their extravagance and flair. One moment viewers are in the renaissance-esque Philadelphia Museum of Art, the next they’re dropped into a dreamy, multicolored circus wonderland. The iconic shot of Streisand, sporting an eye-popping red wig and sequinned leotard against a plain black background, is one of the many that linger long after the show is over.

Color Me Barbra shows a young Barbra Streisand at the top of her game: a force of nature who can captivate an audience with just her voice and her personality. There's a reason why this television special has become iconic, and it's not just the memorable performances. With its distinctive blend of music, comedy, and theatrical spectacle, it reflects the vision of one of the industry's most versatile and talented performers at full throttle.

In conclusion, Color Me Barbra stands out as a dynamic and captivating showcase of Barbra Streisand's abilities both as a singer and a performer. It amalgamates the elements of music, art, and comedy into a stimulating visual and auditory experience, laced with Streisand’s natural charm and her infectious energy. This vintage Barbra Streisand special not only colors her fans impressed but also etches a vibrant, unforgettable mark in the annals of television history.