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See Also

Point-Counterpoint: The Normal Heart
Glenn Close in Normal Heart Benefit

 

Barbra, Live!

The Normal Heart/1993

   

Barbra Returns to Broadway

Barbra Streisand was coming to Broadway. Something just seemed right about that when it was announced that Barbra was going to host a reading of Larry Kramer's play at the Roundabout Theatre. Barbra took to the stage to introduce the performance and cast while speaking of her hopes to make "The Normal Heart" into a film. Returning to her seat, Barbra and the rest of us then enjoyed a compelling performance from a remarkable cast.

   

   

The Normal Heart

Apr 19, 1993
In the spring of 1993, Barbra came "Back To Broadway," making two very special appearances on the Great White Way. On May 13, she appeared at a listening party at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, an event to promote her new album, Back To Broadway.  Fans were treated to a preview of the new album - played to a slide-show style presentation showcasing Barbra's career.  Barbra appeared at the end of the program to say a few words about her latest recording project.  Regretfully, I was not in attendance that evening, but I did manage to participate in what was surely the more emotional event for Barbra - a benefit reading of Larry Kramer's play The Normal Heart last night at The Roundabout Theatre on April 18.

At that time, Barbra had an option on The Normal Heart, intending to turn the play into her next movie.  Artistic differences with Kramer would ultimately drive Barbra away from the project.  What does remain, however is a cast recording of that evening's phenomenal event with Barbra's heartfelt introductory remarks included. 

Barbra was moved to tears at the conclusion of the reading.  With tissue in hand and tears flowing, she joined the cast on stage for their curtain calls as you can see from the exclusive photo, above.  Among members of this stellar cast were Tony Roberts, Stockard Channing, Harry Hamlin, Eric Bogosian and Kevin Bacon.  The players viewed their participation in the event as more than philanthropic.  Some, I'm convinced, considered their performance as a big time audition.   

Tickets for the event were available to the public.  For my modest contribution, I not only got a second row center seat (Barbra sat behind me on the 4th row aisle), but I had the opportunity to meet Barbra personally and take a few pictures.  We exchanged greetings after the first act as she made her way backstage.
 


It's Deja Vu for Barbra

The Roundabout, a.k.a. The Criterion
When Barbra Streisand arrived at Broadway's Roundabout Theatre for the reading of "The Normal Heart" in 1993, it was a coming home of sorts. On September 18, 1968 Barbra last entered that very same building when it was known as The Criterion Theatre. The occasion was the star-studded New York premiere of her film, "Funny Girl."

In those days, The Criterion was a major movie theatre located in the heart of Times Square. The "Funny Girl" premiere closed off traffic in order to celebrate Barbra's triumphant return to her home town. The event was broadcast on television, and Barbra was even interviewed by one of her all time favorite politicians, the Mayor of New York, John V. Lindsay (right).

Since that magical night in 1968, The Criterion has undergone a substantial makeover. Once a massive movie palace, The Criterion was later transformed into two smaller Broadway theatres. One of those theatres was named The Roundabout.