The Riviera Hotel
Las Vegas, Nevada
July 2 - August 4, 1963

Barbra first performed in Las Vegas as opening act for entertainer Liberace. Liberace's audiences didn't appreciate Barbra's style (or lack of it, compared to the sequined pianist).

The Hollywood Reporter wrote: "Singer Barbra Streisand was a sharp contrast to the star. Her make-up made her look like something that just climbed off a broom, but when she sang, it was like the wailing of a banshee bouncing up and down on marionette strings. It isn't until she does three or four songs that her voice is even noticed as being very pleasant. Her outrageous grooming almost nullifies her talent."

Whereas, Variety wrote: "Barbra Streisand, in her debut here, is a most pleasant nitery surprise. She has an interesting look and an interesting sound, which of course is necessary to set her apart from other canaries."

Liberace changed the format of his show to showcase Barbra and make her more welcome to the audience. Liberace was a fan from the Bon Soir, and had appeared with Barbra on The Ed Sullivan Show, so he wanted to help her out. So Liberace came out, did fifteen minutes, then introduced Barbra as his "discovery". It worked.

The Riviera offered Barbra her own open-ended contract to perform at the hotel, which she accepted but did not fulfill until 1970.

While performing at the Riviera, Barbra was visited by Ray Stark and Jule Styne, who played some songs from the new Funny Girl score.

It was announced she would star in the musical on July 25, 1963, during her engagement at the Riviera.
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