1963
Barbra's first Las Vegas engagement, and her first big break as a Vegas entertainer came about when Liberace invited her to open his shows at the Riviera Hotel for four weeks between July 2 and August 4, 1963. Amazing as it may seem today, Barbra was billed at the time as an "extra added attraction." During the engagement, Barbra apparently insisted on working alone. So if this was indeed the case, Liberace never had the opportunity to accompany Barbra on the piano. 

Barbra's contract with the Riviera provided her with a weekly salary of $5,000. Her contract also required that she give a specific number of performances. When her initial 1963 engagement came to a close, Barbra still owed the hotel a few more shows. The Riviera had to wait until the fall of 1970 for Barbra to return and fulfill her remaining contractual obligation. It's not clear if Barbra was offered more than her 1963 salary for her return engagement as a solo headliner in 1970, but the hotel was surely glad to embrace her return, this time as one of America's foremost entertainers.

1970
By 1970, Barbra's billing as the "extra added attraction" was but a distant memory. She had achieved "superstar" status in the world of show business, but still had that early career contract to fulfill with The Riviera.

So in 1970, she returned for two weeks of shows between November 27 and December 10, this time as the biggest headliner in Vegas. The Eddie Kendricks Singers provided back-up vocals as Barbra wowed her nightly audiences with a whole new set of songs - ranging from early ballads to her more recent rock and roll hits.

Of her final engagement at the Riviera, Variety wrote:
"The voice is in perfect shape, taking her on some of the most difficult tune trips imaginable, but there's never a slip, crack or falter."

Barbra's Partial Song Set in 1970:

The Riviera Tribute Show

Barbra's vibe is still going strong at the Riviera in the form of a lounge show called Barbra and Frank - The Concert That Never Was. If you missed Barbra at the Riviera during the '60s, here's your chance to play pretend. Sharon Owens and Sebastian Anzaldo take the stage five nights a week as Barbra and Frank in one of the best impersonation acts you're likely to find anywhere in Vegas. Their widely acclaimed show has been entertaining audiences for years.

And while you are there, look for the Riviera's special 50th Anniversary displays throughout the hotel. You'll see The Riviera's homage to the real Barbra Streisand in a commemoration of her 1963 engagement at the hotel.

For information, visit the Barbra and Frank - The Concert That Never Was  web site.