ALWAYS AND STILL “THE GREATEST STAR!”

In the early ’60s, no performer exploded onto the entertainment scene with the extraordinary acclaim of young Barbra Streisand. Nearly 50 years later, there is not a star who still shines as bright or with a more beloved and shimmering luster. From the archives and hot off the presses, the best of Barbra yesterday and today.

Funny Girl, 1964: A star was born and theatrical history made on March 26, 1964, when Funny Girl, directed by Garson Kanin, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill and starring 21-year-old Barbra Streisand, opened at the Winter Garden Theatre. With a standing ovation and 23 curtain calls, Barbra Streisand was now officially “the greatest star!” Ms. Streisand played Fanny Brice in NYC from that March 26 performance until December 25, 1965. Here is a Playbill from one of those performances, signed by Ms. Streisand.

But there’s more! On April 29, Capitol released the gold-certified Funny Girl: Original Broadway Cast Recording in a 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition boxed set with a digitally remastered CD and vinyl LP, as well as a 48-page book, now signed by Ms. Streisand, featuring exclusive photos and essays from the original Broadway production.