The Australian Barbra Streisand Show (at Chapel Off Chapel and touring)

It is one heck of a challenge to take on singing the songs of one of the greatest vocalists of the 20^th century without sounding second rate.

Barbra Streisand (born 24^th April, 1942) is noted for her power, passion, emotional depth, range and versality.

She also happens to be part of a mighty exclusive club, namely those that have received the four major performing arts awards – an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.

Photos by Anna Every

Given her status, you can understand how daunting it would be to try to tackle Babs and make it work.

But, I am here to tell you that attractive, bubbly Rachael Grace has done just that … and how!

She is personable, energetic, classy and confident, with a mighty potent and honeyed set of pipes.

With rich and rounded vocalisation, she sings and emotes magnificently, well and truly doing justice to Streisand’s six-decade-long career.

Like Streisand, her purity of sound is striking.

Included in the 26-song repertoire over two acts are the big hits.

I speak of the likes of People, The Way We Were, Guilty, Don’t Rain On My Parade, Woman In Love and You Don’t Bring Me Flowers.

From a non-musical family, Rachael tells us that she fell in love with Streisand when she watched Funny Girl, aged 11. That was two decades ago.

While the show is mostly about the music, Rachael still manages to relay a number of Streisand stories along the way.

While the latter is noted for drinking tea during her live performances, Rachael sips Coca Cola from an elegant, fine bone china cup instead.

She has with her a strong backing vocalist in Kara Ciezki, with whom she performs some striking duets, Happy Days Are Here Again being among the standouts.

Kara also has the opportunity to shine in her own right, which she does while Rachael has a costume change, performing the Carole King number I Feel The Earth Move.

Kara has a lower vocal register than Rachael, but it too packs punch.

Musical director John Thorn tickles the ivories with aplomb and shares a few memorable numbers with Rachael, including Hello Dolly, which ends Act 1 on a high.

The musical talent on show extends to Adrian Close on guitar and double bass, and Anthony Stanislavski on drums.

From soulful ballads to up tempo tunes, Rachael Grace gives us a concert to savour.

Earlier, I referenced her costume change.

Lest you think there is only one, while immaculately turned out – hair, nail and earrings shining – Rachael wows us with her wardrobe choices.

From an elegant silk diamanté encrusted gown and a chic black and white ensemble to an all-white pant suit, fun filled frills and cat-like coat, Rachael ensures she mixes it up.

It is all part of a poised and polished couple of hours (including interval) that had me in raptures.

The Australian Barbra Streisand Show continues its 2025 Australian tour. 

For details of where you can catch Rachael and the band, go to https://www.rachaelgracemusic.com.au/theaustralianbarbrastreisandshow