The Streisand Economic Effect
(Feb 11) - Earlier this week, you could almost hear a collective groan around the city of Las Vegas. There were rumors that Barbra Streisand had turned down an offer to perform on the Strip in a three year concert engagement. Whether this rumor was true or not (we're sure Barbra's been asked numerous times to perform as an artist-in residence before), it's amazing to realize how she, alone, could have a positive impact on an entire city's economy if she wanted.

Barbra performing on the Strip in a three year engagement would have triggered a dramatic economic boom in a city that has taken a major pounding during the recession. People from all over the world would have flocked to Vegas for the next three years, courtesy of Barbra, and the city would have benefited greatly by their patronage. Single-handedly, Barbra could have been the engine that drove economic recovery, at least in Vegas.

Bette Midler just concluded her two year run at Caesar's Palace, and by all accounts, most of her performances were sell-outs. Cher has a similar deal at the same hotel, and her success in bringing visitors to Vegas is similarly documented. Celine Dion will return in 2011 for her second three year stint, and if her first engagement is any indication, she too will succeed. Each of these ladies did their part in making a positive contribution to the economy on the Strip.

But if Barbra Streisand had agreed to a long term performance contract, the numbers would have been all the more impressive. Her stature as THE preeminent performer in the world have eclipsed the successes of Bette, Celine and Cher, combined. And the economic kick-start Las Vegas so desperately needs would have been a godsend.

Having said that, we are actually glad that Barbra is not going to enter into an extended run on the Strip. Barbra would have been an employee of the hotel and subject to their restrictive rules. Typically, any long-term Las Vegas production that is sponsored by one of these large resorts is limited to 90 minutes with no intermission. Why? Simple. In Las Vegas, it's gaming first, everything else (including entertainment) second. The hotels want their guests in and out of the showrooms as quickly as possible and back at the gaming tables. If Barbra were in it for the money, she could have had a very lucrative pay day. But her art would have been restricted, and fortunately, we know that her art has always transcended the opportunity for a quick and easy buck.

So what should Barbra do next as far as performing is concerned? Ideally, we'd like to see Barbra commit to an extended run on Broadway instead. Kick out "Mama Mia," reclaim residency at the Winter Garden for six months or so, and show up on Tony night to pick up a real Tony award - one for an actual performance.

And just imagine how positive the Streisand economic effect would be on the City of New York.