Film, Music, Politics, Medicine ... Barbra was a part of it all in 2011

December 31, 2011
In 2011, Barbra participated in a spectacular whirlwind of events. a list of activities that would make anyone's head spin in amazement. She was out there doing something important every single month and grabbing headlines all along the way. The worlds of film, music, politics and even medicine benefited greatly from Barbra's very high public profile this past year.

Barbra socialized with current and future heads of state. She dined with the presidents of both the United States and China at one event and sipped cocktails with the future King and Queen of England at another.

Barbra continued to be a public advocate for research into women's heart disease. There were fundraising activities where Barbra met with generous donors. There was a major speech given in which Barbra called for a gender balanced approach in all heart health research. And there was the award Barbra picked up as Cedars-Sinai's Humanitarian of the Year.

Somehow, amidst all this activity, Barbra even found time to work. In 2011, she gave us a brand new album (that quickly garnered a couple of Grammy nominations) and completed a new film (which will be released in 2012).

There was plenty of time for relaxation, too. A trip to Europe was Barbra's well deserved reward for all of her hard work. And a couple of visits to New York gave Barbra a chance to catch up on her Broadway theatergoing.

So, as the year comes to an end, let's all take a deep breath and review all that Barbra accomplished in 2011.
 

January 2011 Left to Right: With Ann Francis in "Funny Girl" The Brolins at The White House Seth Rogen 3 Legendary film and TV star Anne Francis passed away after a long bout with cancer. Francis is best remembered by Streisand fans for her turn as Georgia James in the film "Funny Girl." 6 Arthur Laurents told the NY Post that Barbra might star in a film remake of "Gypsy." The rumor quickly went viral, picked up by The New York Times and other mainstream media outlets. 9 Peter Yates, the director of Barbra's 1974 comedy "For Pete's Sake" passed away at his home in the U.K. at the age of 81. 19 Barbra and James were in Washington, D.C. for a White House state dinner honoring President Hu Jintau of China. Earlier in the day, Barbra had some one-on-one time with the leader. 20 Barbra Tweeted: "Attending the State Dinner for President Hu of China was such a privilege. The leaders of the two most powerful countries." 21 Theoni V. Aldredge, legendary Hollywood and Broadway costume designer passed away at the age of 78. Barbra wore costumes by Aldredge in "Wholesale" and years later in "Mirror." 28 The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Barbra and Seth Rogen will co-star in a comedy called "My Mother's Curse." Shooting is expected to begin in the spring.

February 2011 Left to Right: Performing at MusiCares Presenting at the Grammys With Kenneth Mars in "What's Up, Doc?" 7 In an interview with the L.A. Times, Barbra confirmed a hot Hollywood rumor. She is going to star in the film remake of "Gypsy." 11 To coincide with Barbra's MusiCares Person of the Year honor, the Grammy Museum in L.A. opened up a year-long Streisand exhibition. 11 Barbra was honored by MusiCares at a fundraising gala in L.A. Several stars were on hand to pay tribute to Barbra, including the cast of "Glee." Barbra closed the show with her own mini-concert. 13 Barbra Tweeted: "I’m so honored that a lead character on 'Glee' [Lea Michele] is so admiring of my work." 12 Kenneth Mars, the comic actor who portrayed Hugh Simon opposite Barbra and Ryan O'Neil in "What's Up, Doc?" passed away at the age of 75. 13 Barbra's Grammy hopes for "Love Is The Answer" were dashed as Michael Bublé, her one time opening act, snatched the award for his album, "Crazy Love." 13 Barbra performed "Evergreen on the live Grammys telecast. She and her "Star Is Born" co-star Kris Kristofferson closed the show by presenting the Album of the Year Grammy. 18 Barbra Tweeted: "Thanks for all the warm messages which I've been reading... especially from last weekend when I performed at MusiCares and the Grammys." 20 Jay Landesman, owner of "The Crystal Palace" in St. Louis passed away at the age of 91. Barbra's appearances at his club in 1961 helped establish her as a nationally recognized entertainer. 22 At Santa Monica's Pier 59 Studios, Barbra and Donna Karan attended an exhibition of photography by Russell James that celebrates and supports the indigenous cultures of Australia.

March 2011 Left to Right: Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents With Bill Clinton With Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton (1964) 10 Howard A. Roberts, producer (along with Jack Gold) of Barbra's 1967 album "Simply Streisand" passed away at his home in California at the age of 86. 12 Off and On: Arthur Laurents claimed that he and Stephen Sondheim cancelled plans to remake "Gypsy" - dashing Barbra's hopes of playing the lead. Now it seems the project is back on. 18 At the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Barbra presented former president Bill Clinton with the Public Counsel's 2011 William O. Douglas award. 23 Barbra's friend, screen legend and philanthropist Elizabeth Taylor passed away. Barbra and Elizabeth joined forces in 1994 to help raise over $4.9 million for AIDS Project Los Angeles. 23 Barbra Tweeted: "It’s the end of an era. It wasn't just her [Taylor's] beauty or her stardom. It was her humanitarianism. She put a face on HIV/AIDS." 29 It was revealed that Barbra and Jackie Evancho will appear together in a remixed duet of "Somewhere." The track will be on Jackie's new album, due June 14.

April 2011 Left to Right: "Little Fockers" DVD Charity Auction Ad With Michael Sarrazin 5 Universal's "Little Fockers" was released on DVD and BluRay. A digital download version of the film was also made accessible to smart phone and tablet device users. 14 In her ongoing efforts to support the Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center, Barbra announced that she will personally meet the winner of a special charity auction. 17 Barbra was featured in the "CBS Sunday Morning" profile of the recently opened National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. 17 Michael Sarrazin, Barbra's co-star in the 1974 comedy "For Pete's Sake" passed away at his home in Montreal. He was 70.

May 2011 Left to Right: On the Set of "My Mother's Curse" With Larry Kramer (1993) Billboard Awards video 3 Barbra and Seth Rogen began filming "My Mother's Curse" in Los Angeles. The first photos emerged of Barbra and Seth in character as Joyce and Andy Brewster. 5 Theatre great Arthur Laurents passed away at the age of 93. Laurents directed Barbra in the Broadway musical "I Can Get It For You Wholesale" and wrote the film "The Way We Were." 7 In a published on-line interview, Barbra and playwright Larry Kramer offered opposing perspectives on their ill fated attempt to bring "The Normal Heart" to the screen. 9 Barbra posted: "I think it’s unfair to blame me for the movie not getting made ... Larry has had the rights for the last 15 years and he couldn’t get it made, either." (re: "The Normal Heart") 22 Barbra honored Beyoncé: "Great performers have a sound and style that is all their own. And that's why so many people love Beyoncé. And so do I." (on video at the Billboard awards) 28 Barbra told the LA Times: "I only hope that there is little disruption to the residents of Ramirez Canyon through this potential transition." (re: the state's hopes to sell her former Malibu estate)

June 2011 Left to Right: With Jim at the Ocean Initiative benefit On video with Jackie Evancho Barbra's new album 4 In Malibu, Barbra and James Brolin attended a benefit for the Natural Resources Defense Council's Ocean Initiative. 5 By way of Streisand's 1985 video, Barbra and Jackie Evancho perform a duet of "Somewhere during Evancho's television special on PBS. 14 The PBS affiliate in Chicago was the first to air Barbra's 2009 performance from The Village Vanguard in New York. 14 PBS revealed the title and cover art for Barbra's new album: "What Matters Most - Barbra Streisand Sings the Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman." 18 In Beverly Hills, Debbie Reynolds sold four important Streisand film costumes (from "Funny Girl" and "Hello, Dolly!") at a major auction of items from her Hollywood memorabilia collection. 22 Screenwriter David Rayfiel, who assisted Arthur Laurents in crafting the final version of "The Way We Were" passed away. He was not crediteded on the picture. 27 SONY Music officially announced that Barbra's new album, "What Matters Most - Barbra Streisand Sings the Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman" will be released on August 23. 27 Barbra said, "Alan and Marilyn Bergman have a remarkable gift for expressing affairs of the heart." (re: the Bergmans, in the press release for her new album)

July 2011 Left to Right: With Prince William "What Matters Most" on QVC At Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas 1 In her column, Liz Smith wrote about Barbra and her upcoming album: "...just so you know, Barbra still matters - a lot. 'What Matters Most' is already # 2 in Vocal Pop Bestsellers on Amazon." 10 At an ultra-exclusive dinner in Los Angeles, Barbra and James had the pleasure of meeting the British royal couple William and Catherine. 10 Barbra told People Magazine: "They're both very charming. I told him about his mother's being so gracious the night of the 'Prince of Tides' opening in London." (re: meeting Prince William) 11 Advance publicity began for Barbra's upcoming album "What Matters Most" as UK's BBC-2 radio premiered the album's 3rd track, "Solitary Moon." 14 Barbra and Seth Rogen were at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas filming a few final scenes before wrapping up their film, "My Mother's Curse." 23 Songwriter Fran Landesman, who befriended Barbra during her days at the Crystal Palace in St. Louis, passed away. Fran wrote the ballad "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most." 25 Amazon.com began streaming a promotional video for "What Matters Most." Commentary by Barbra and Alan & Marilyn Bergman are featured. 27 Polly Platt, esteemed production designer for both "What's Up, Doc?" and "A Star Is Born" passed away at her home in Brooklyn. She was married at one time to "Doc" director Peter Bogdanovich. 28 On QVC, Richard Jay-Alexander promoted Barbra's new album. A bonus DVD to those who order the album during his appearance was part of the promotion. 28 The New York Times began streaming of a new song from Barbra's upcoming album. It's a bossa nova track called "So Many Stars" and features Barbra singing in Portuguese for the first time.

August 2011 Left to Right: On "CBS Sunday Morning" The Elle magazine video "A Happening at Starbucks" 2 During an appearance to promote Barbra's new album on QVC, Richard Jay-Alexander announced that "What Matters Most" will be dedicated to "The Way We Were" director Sydney Pollack. 3 In a tender essay published on the Huffington Post, lyricists Alan & Marilyn Bergman asked Barbra, "Do you know how wonderful you are?" 6 PBS stations around the U.S. began airing the video of Barbra's September 2009 club date at New York's Village Vanguard. 17 Paramount announced a few changes to Barbra's upcoming film. The title "My Mother's Curse" was scrapped and replaced by "Guilt Trip" and the opening date was moved to November, 2012. 18 Barbra said, "I saw a clip of her singing 'My Man' but it was up tempo ... It doesn't matter because she doesn't sing it in the show." (to USA Today, re: Lauren Ambrose cast in "Funny Girl) 21 In one of her few promotional appearances for "What Matters Most," Barbra was interviewed at her home on "CBS Sunday Morning". 21 Barbra said, "I never vocalize. I never sing in the shower, either. It's like a gift that I can't even explain to you." (on CBS Sunday Morning, re: the enduring quality of her voice) 22 Barbra went "retro" during a video shoot for Elle Magazine, appearing in one of the original (or replicated) costumes she wore in the film, "Funny Girl." 23 "What Matters Most" was released in the U.S.  In the liner notes, Jay Landers talks about Barbra's a cappella intro on the album: "It's a high wire act, holding perfect pitch for an entire verse." 23 In an exclusive tie-in to Barbra's new album. fans who visited their local Starbucks were able to stream Barbra's entire performance from her MusiCares appearance earlier in the year. 31 "What Matters Most" come in at #4 on Billboard's Top 200 chart. She surpassed the Beatles and became the 3rd most successful recording artist in history to have a Billboard Top-10 album.

September 2011 Left to Right: Vacationing in St. Tropez At the Clinton Global Initiative With Sting in 2008 3 To promote her album What Matters Most, Barbra was interviewed on BBC-2 radio by lyricist Don Black. Black composed the song "As If We Never Said Goodbye," recorded by Barbra in 1993. 4 While on the East Coast, Barbra and Jim were guests at a chic party given by their friend Donna Karan out in The Hamptons. 7 Barbra caught up on Broadway by attending a performance of the Tony award winning musical, The Book of Mormon. 10 Barbra took in another Broadway show. This time she saw the critically acclaimed revival of Follies, composed by Stephen Sondheim. Cast member Elaine Paige spoke about it on her radio show. 15 After leaving New York, Barbra and Jim were spotted vacationing in the resort town of St. Tropaiz in the South of France. 20 Barbra returned to NYC to attend the annual Clinton Global Initiative. She participated in several break-out sessions and was in attendance when President Obama addressed the group. 21 At the final event for the Clinton Global Initiative, Barbra crossed paths with recording artist Sting. In reporting the event, Showbiz411 indicated Barbra's desire to record a duet with Sting. 22 Barbra said, "I think our voices will go well together." (as reported by Hollywood411, re: a possible duet with Sting) 23 Barbra attended the off-Broadway show, Traces at The Union Square Theatre (confirmed by The New York Post and a tweet by one of the theatre's ushers). 25 At the Broadway Cares benefit auction in New York, autographed memorabilia items generously donated by Barbra netted $2,600 toward the organization's all important work. 28 Barbra Tweeted: "Forget the guy. I'm sending you the doll, but I want a Lea Michele doll when it comes out." (to Lea Michele, re: Lea's search for one of Mattel's Streisand Barbie dolls)

October 2011 Left to Right: Clinton Foundation Video At the Elle Magazine Gala With Sue Mengers in 1979 13 Costume designer Ray Aghayan, who dressed Barbra for The Judy Garland Show and her film Funny Lady passed away. In 1994, Aghayan said that working with Barbra was "... worth all of it." 15 Barbra and James were in the audience at the Hollywood Bowl for a Clinton Foundation benefit concert. Barbra participated in a video that opened the show. 16 Sue Mengers, Hollywood über-agent who represented Barbra during the 70s and 80s, passed away. She was responsible for Barbra's appearance in the film, All Night Long. 17 Barbra was a recipient of the L'Oreal Paris Legends Award at a lavish Hollywood gala sponsored by Elle Magazine. 17 Barbra said, "Even though some say I'm a legend in my own time, I'm not a legend in my own mind." (at the L'Oreal Paris Legends Awards, re: her Hollywood legacy) 17 Elle magazine released its special Barbra Streisand cover of their annual "Women in Hollywood" edition (online only) along with a companion documentary. 20 Barbra posted, "She was one of a kind, acerbically funny, witty, brash, tough but cuddly, a powerful woman in a man's world." (re: the passing of Sue Mengers) 20 Noted rock 'n' roll photographer Barry Feinstein passed away at the age of 80. In 1970, Feinstein photographed Barbra for the cover of her album, Stoney End.

November 2011 Left to Right: At the Cedars-Sinai benefit At the Celebration of Dreams benefit "What Matters Most" 2 At the home of producer Norman Lear, Barbra attended a benefit for Massachusetts Senate hopeful Elizabeth Warren. 8 Barbra received the the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Humanitarian Award at a gala benefit in Beverly Hills. 8 Barbra said, "Gender does matter when it comes to medical science, especially in clinical research and treatment protocols." (at the Cedars benefit, re: women's heart disease) 18 At the 10th annual Celebration of Dreams benefit in Central California, Barbra presented designer and philanthropist Donna Karan with its Founders Award. 18 Barbra said, "“Donna doesn’t just dress people, she addresses them, mind, body and spirit. She is a creative visionary." (at the Celebration of Dreams benefit, re: her friend, Donna Karan) 26 At the second part of the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood costume and memorabilia auction, two iconic costumes from Barbra's film Funny Girl were sold. 30 The Grammy nominations were announced with Barbra's "What Matters Most" receiving two: "Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album" and "Best Instrumental Arrangement."

December 2011 Left to Right: At the TedxWomen's conference On the cover of Pause magazine At the FIDF benefit 1 At the TedxWomen's conference, beamed live around the country, Barbra delivered a speech calling for a gender balanced approach toward research on women's health issues. 1 Barbra continued to spread the word about women's heart related health issues in a cover story featured in "Pause" magazine. 4 Marion Dougherty, the noted casting director who teamed Barbra with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, passed away at the age of 88. 8 Barbra performed a live concert set at the annual Friends of the Israel Defense Fund benefit in Los Angeles.

2012: A Look Ahead . . . The big news for 2012 will be the release of Barbra's new film, "My Mother's Curse" opposite co-star Seth Rogen. It's her first starring role in years. SONY promises big things in 2012 as they prepare to celebrate Barbra's 50th anniversary as a recording artist. We might see some special video and audio releases, too. And some key questions should be answered in 2012: Will Barbra sign on to star in the film remake of "Gypsy?" Will she win another Grammy award? Stay tuned. As we bid adieu to 2011, we wish you all – including Barbra – prosperity and good health in the new year.