Before I start I will admit I am a fan of Streisand and thought this would be a rather nice night to relax and enjoy some good to ok music. What I will say to all you who should be going to see this do not for one moment think your going to be seeing some standard ‘tribute’ act who is going to be trying to do Streisand, if that’s what your wanting then your going to be in for a shock. Lisa Faye brings to life some of Streisand’s classics with an voice so beautiful and powerful she will make your body tingle, this is a night not to be missed.
There are some female singers who demand respect at such a level that it almost seems impossible and Barbra Streisand is on the very top of that list. Her career has seen her win Oscars, Golden Globes and become one of the music industries most successful recording artist (over 175 million albums sales world wide). Lisa Faye was last at the Fringe in 2005 which was also her debut so five years later she is back with he new show Streisand: The Concert.
Coming onto stage in a black velvet dress which is one of three she purchased from a Streisand auction last year Faye’s first was Together which was upbeat and a great introduction to what would become one of the most beautiful music events of 2010 fringe.
Inbetween songs Faye would give some back stories and history of Streisand and her career which perfectly punctuates her show. From the start the audience is aware that Faye is not going to be a tribute act with her struggling to get into Streisand’s style and key becoming nothing more than a dopple-ganger. Her voice is powerful, controlled, and releasing a gentle vibrata that brought the audience closer to her performance. It was, in some ways, a performance that built up to a finale that blew the audience away.
The audience was treated to songs from Streisand’s childhood, her work with Benny Goodman, and even a duet she once did with Judy Garland, during this period Faye’s “Cry Me A River” was wonderfully delivered. There was a good slice of Streisand’s musical work as well, from Yentl, A Star is Born, Hello Dolly, and Funny Girl.
Lisa Faye’s show was without question one of respect for Streisand’s huge body of work, as well as the woman behind the music, but at the same time original in its own right. Faye voice is magical and as powerful as any of the great divas. When she sang “Somewhere”, her final song, the audience erupted in their applause, the shouts from the crowd of ‘more, more’ would continue for 3 minutes. There is no doubt of Lisa Faye’s ability and after the show I found myself for an hour singing one of the show’s song.
‘Stunning and breathtaking Lisa Faye is an icon in her own right, a genuine 5 star performance and then some … a voice so powerful and beautiful she will leave you with your jaw ajar in disbelief at her skill and ability. A true star and a major triumph!’
C central (cabaret bar) 22-30 Aug at 15:50 (0hr50)
Tickets £8.50-£10.50 / concessions £7.50-£9.50 / children £5.50-£7.50
Universal - To book tickets call 0845 260 1234.
