Entertainer Brings Hello Dolly! and More to Martinis Above Fourth Table + Stage
By Bill Biss
It’s an incredible gift to be able to sing and stun as Barbra Streisand can. When Steven Brinberg takes the stage, there is a tingle and recognition in his talent to perform and delight in the very same way that Barbra Streisand can. His skill at capturing her voice and persona is remarkable. It was a pleasure to be able to talk with him about his career personifying “The Voice” and to learn more about his upcoming show at Martinis Above Fourth Table + Stage in San Diego on Wednesday, October 23 at 8 p.m. The audience is surely in for “Happy Days” as he celebrates the 50th anniversary of Hello Dolly! In his own inimitable way.
The Rage Monthly: How long have you been performing as Streisand and when did you realize your voice could do this?
Steven Brinberg: 25 years now. I was in high school when I realized I could sound like Barbra.
I have to say that listening to you that it is uncanny at how you sound like her. Is Streisand aware of Steven? I imagine she would be… but you tell me.
She’s definitely aware of me. Her manager hired me to sing at Donna Karan’s birthday when Barbra could not be there. She even has some directing notes for me which she gave over the phone to someone.
Did you ever see Jim Bailey perform as when I interviewed him a decade or so ago, his talent was also extraordinary?
Jim Bailey was my idol as a kid, though at the time I didn’t know I would grow up to do what he did. I did see him live once in Atlantic City.
Your work has taken you all over the globe. Will you share your worst experience (just for a laugh) and your proudest moment so far?
The worst: I was performing in Scotland and a fire alarm went off during the show… we had to evacuate and suddenly I was outside, in costume, in the rain with everyone who had just been watching the show!
Proudest: the first concert I did with Marvin Hamlisch. It was in Pittsburgh and it was Marvin, Barbara Cook, me and an 80-piece orchestra…. like being shot out of a cannon.
There are so many songs. What’s the first Streisand song that pops into your head when reading this question?
I’d have to say “People,” as she did it in the Funny Girl movie. It’s still my favorite.
Please share a bit about the 50th anniversary of the film Hello, Dolly! For your performance at Martinis Above Fourth.
We’ll be doing all of the songs Barbra sings in the movie, plus some that she didn’t sing. Plus stories about the making of the film. And some of her big hits as well, and songs from her latest album.
How do you get in-tune and prepare for the Streisand voice and attitude before hitting the stage?
I drink lots of tea, and once the last fingernail is snapped on, I couldn’t be anyone else but Barbra!
You’re hosting an all-star tribute to Marvin Hamlisch. How exciting is that? Please tell me about this upcoming event in Los Angeles.
I toured with Marvin for 11 years. We’ve played San Diego once. He was such a great, down to earth guy. He would have turned 75 this year. When I saw that no one else was doing a big tribute, I produced one in New York. It went so well; we are doing another in Los Angeles. The night after my show in San Diego! We’ve got Alan Bergman, Melissa Manchester, so many great people. We even got a letter from Barbra that we’re going to read. I think Marvin would have been pleased. As he once said, “every time Stephen Sondheim goes to the bathroom, he gets a tribute.” So, it’s about time Marvin got his due.
Thank you, Steven. So looking forward to seeing you perform.
For tickets and more information go to ma4sd.com