MUSIC CONCERTS

Barbra Streisand

A Happening in Central Park

Barbra Streisand's Unforgettable Night in Central Park.

In the summer of 1967, the stars aligned over Central Park, setting the stage for a historic musical event that would resonate through the ages. Barbra Streisand, a luminary in her prime, prepared to grace the vast expanse of nature's amphitheater with her mesmerizing voice. Despite looming forecasted rain and the futile attempt to secure "mud insurance," destiny had its own plans. The evening air crackled with anticipation, the lingering daylight prolonging the wait until 9:45 p.m. when the magic was about to unfold. As the night fell, a sea of faces and 135,000 fans gathered under the canopy of stars, making history as the largest audience ever assembled for a park concert. August Heckscher, New York Parks Commissioner, christened the park as "Streisand's" amid thunderous chants of "Streisand Park!" The stage was literally and figuratively set, as Streisand, adorned in captivating attire, embraced the ovation of her adoring fans. As soon as the first chords struck, the enchanting notes of "Any Place I Hang My Hat is Home" resonated through the park and ignited a wave of emotions.

Among the luminaries present, the stage was glorified by the presence of Elliott Gould, Roslyn Kind, Bella Abzug, Mayor Lindsay, Calvin Klein, Andy Warhol, and Mort Lindsey, enhancing the occasion. However, behind the scenes, a silent ballet unfolded as director Robert Scheerer orchestrated the televised spectacle, deftly concealing his presence to capture the raw essence of Streisand's performance. Yet, amid the grandeur, vulnerability emerged. Streisand's intimate confession unveiled her escalating stage fright, rooted in the shadows of political turmoil and personal apprehensions. The haunting memory of forgetting the lyrics to "When the Sun Comes Out" unveiled the fragility beneath her starry persona.

The evening's attire, meticulously crafted by Irene Sharaff and Sarmi, adorned Streisand in ethereal grace. The iconic cape, a symphony of pleated chiffon, fluttered in the wind, connecting her to the distant masses, ensuring every soul glimpsed her radiance. Decades may have passed, but the echoes of that night still reverberate. Streisand's ethereal presence and the delicate vulnerability she revealed amid the grandeur immortalized that enchanting night in Central Park, etching its mark on history.