Streisand – Then and Now
Streisand – Then and Now
Starring Carla DelVillaggio
Footlights Theater
Orlando, FL</strong>
It must be weird when you’re famous enough that people make a living imitating you. That’s the gig Carla DelVillaggio takes on; she’s a striking Barbara Streisand imitator. She’s got the build, she’s got the voice, and she even has all the hairstyles. Tonight’s show in the intimate footlights theater had a small but enthusiastic crowd; one row of fans traveled all the way from Milwaukee. Naturally, DelVillaggio sticks with the hits; she opened with “Don’t Rain on my Parade.” Behind her we see a projection screen; sometimes it’s static and sometimes shows clips for films and concerts and it helps give some context to the songs. DelVillaggio takes risks; the audience was asked to join in for “Second Hand Rose” on the second number of the evening, and she pulled a surprisingly competent music major up to help her with “Minute Waltz.” The song is tight and fast and nearly impossible to decode on one hearing; but this young man improvised all the way through and nearly upstaged DelVillaggio.
More singalong came with “Miss Marmelstein” from “I Can Get It For You Wholesale;” she blended “Get Happy” and “Happy Days Are Here Again,” and the first act wrapped up with some “Hello Dolly” material. After the break her blue gown with a sailor scarf turned into a black and white lounge dress. The music heads off down the Kris Kristofferson / Paul Newman road. Duets Streisand sang with both appear, and here her music leaves the stage and follows a more pop tune styling. Even a Donna Summer hit “Enough Is Enough” crossed the stage. Overall, this was a solid show with some muddy sound; the music was all playback and there were some minor issues with levels and equalization. The crowd ignored those technicalities and gave her a standing ovation. It’s nice work if you can get it.
For more information on shows at the Footlights Theater, please visit http://www.parliamenthouse.com/footlight-theatre/
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