Weekend Showcase: “Decades: A Tribute to Streisand”
The Plymouth Playhouse has a new show that is a tribute to one of the most iconic singers of the past 60 years. “Decades, A Tribute to Streisand” will be on stage at the Plymouth Playhouse through Jan. 25.
Playing Barbara
“I could always imitate different artists from an early age,” said Melody Mendis, who is a professional singer. “And I grew up with the “Guilty” album. So I was always in my living room performing as Barbara.”
Mendis transitioned her living room repertoire to the stage a few years ago.
“I remember thinking to myself, well what can I do that’s different that no one else in this town is doing? And then my head went, oh, no ones really doing Barbara Streisand,” says Mendis. “I have friends who perform as drag doing Barbara but they’re not singing.”
She has the mannerisms, the Brooklyn brogue, and even an uncanny resemblance to a younger Barbara, but it is her singing that makes Melody the complete Streisand.
Barbara, or Melody, takes you on a guided tour through the progression of Streisand’s recording life, starting with the 1960s. She knows people will be scrutinizing closely her impression of this larger than life icon.
“I’m hoping that through my show somehow that that veil is lifted and it becomes, people have said that, it feels like they are watching the real thing like they start to transition which is that magic and it’s super exciting.
“Decades: A Tribute to Streisand” will be onstage tat the Plymouth Playhouse through January 25th.
