Our On-the Scene Reports

Curtain calls at "The Normal Heart"
(Tony Roberts, Harry Hamlin, Barbra, and  D.W. Moffett)

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.

Back to Broadway
(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.

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.