Streisand / LIVE 

Jay Landers on Barbra’s use of Teleprompters:

Among the highlights tonight, another heartbreaking version of “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”. I mention that song in particular because her introduction was particularly revealing. Someone had sent her a review of the San Jose concert (which I should add was 1,000,000% glowing), but passing reference was made that her lyrics and dialogue were scrolling on a Teleprompter. She explained to the Vegas audience that although she writes every word of the show, the prompter is like a security blanket because she doesn’t want to forget anything.

She went on to describe the “terrifying moment” when she was singing for 150,000 people in Central Park in 1967. She forgot the words to one of her songs and the feeling was so traumatic that she didn’t perform live again for 27 years. It was only when she learned that Teleprompters could be used in a concert setting, that she reluctantly agreed to return to the live stage.

From my point of view, it seems like a no brainer – if the prompter gives her that extra little bit of confidence, then I say, bring it on.

I’m there to marvel at the voice, the person and the artist – the prompter doesn’t diminish her gifts or our enjoyment in receiving them. If some nit-picky critic thinks it’s even worth mentioning, they’re really missing the point.

Besides, no one, least of all Barbra, is trying to hide anything. Prior to each show, our production assistant Emmalie Faye sits with the Teleprompter operator loading all Barbra’s script changes into the machine. Barbra may only glance at them during the show, but if a brain freeze ever does set in, they’ll be there to keep her on track. It may be a little crutch, but as she reminded the audience with tongue only slightly in cheek, “At least I don’t lip-sync!”. The audience roared in support and approval.