A SUAVE, STREISAND-
CENTRIC SOIGNÉE SOIRÉE

Errico eloquently echoes
superstar Streisand with style

Musical mega-talents cast long shadows. Any performer who builds a show around their repertoire risks comparison, yet that hasn’t stopped a parade of vocalists from tackling the songs associated with Barbra Streisand. In The Streisand Effect: Back to Barbra at 54 Below, Melissa Errico sidesteps traps that trip up others. Happily, she avoids slavishly copying Streisand’s signature interpretations. It isn’t mere nostalgia or imitation, but a fresh encounter with familiar material done with respect and admiration.

This is not a show-off’s exercise in radically reinventing beloved songs simply to avoid comparison. Instead, this smart and talented lady relies on her own strengths while navigating material forever associated with another performer. With Billy Stritch at the piano serving as co-pilot and bandleader, she enjoys ideal musical support. Andy Ezrin contributes arrangements and plays keyboards, joined by David Finck on bass and Eric Halvorson on drums—top players all. Errico enlisted Steven Brinberg—best known for his long-running “Simply Barbra” performances—to direct. Melissa Errico’s warm, supple voice radiates drama, intelligence, and is a pleasure to hear. While no performer can completely erase the iconic dazzle of Streisand’s unforgettable artistry, Errico more than holds her own.

Many signature songs are included, and she settles into them comfortably, especially those featuring the romantic, mature, articulate lyrics of Marilyn and Alan Bergman. Playful moments abound as a medley of pop and disco-adjacent hits allows both Errico and Stritch to loosen up and have fun. Stritch takes a solo turn with “Cry Me a River” while Errico changes from a sailor suit (an homage to Streisand’s early television appearances) into a glamorous gown. Re-entering the room with the sly “Down with Love,” she works the crowd, sashaying among the tables and tailoring comments to audience members. Some receive playful flirtation, others warm acknowledgment, including old friends and relatives in attendance.

Errico also spends considerable time chatting about her three daughters, Streisand’s influence, the histories of both women, excerpts from speeches, and selections from Streisand’s recently published memoir. The amount of talk feels a little excessive, but her warmth and enthusiasm keep it engaging.

On May 29, guest vocalist Ava Arkin, one of Errico’s students, joined her for the beloved counterpoint duet first made famous when young Streisand appeared on Judy Garland’s television program: “Happy Days Are Here Again” (Milton Ager/Jack Yellen) combined with “Get Happy” (Harold Arlen/Ted Koehler). The number was thoroughly enjoyable, though it inevitably invited comparison with another Streisand tribute presented earlier this season, where the same medley also appeared.

Melissa Errico moves effortlessly between facts, humor, and emotion, keeping the evening lively and personal. In “People” from Funny Girl, she balances vulnerability with confidence, bringing both grace and emotional weight to the familiar anthem.

In the end, The Streisand Effect: Back to Barbra succeeds because Melissa Errico never tries to be Barbra Streisand. She honors the icon while remaining fully herself, bringing intelligence, warmth, and emotional honesty to songs that continue to reward fresh interpretation.

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photos by Michael Hull

Back to Barbra
Melissa Errico’s Streisand Effect at 54 Below, 254 W 54th St
played May 27-29, 2026, at 7pm
for more shows, visit 54 Below
Streisand Effect plays Sag Harbor (NY) and Provincetown (MA) in August
for more info, visit Melissa Errico