An American Reunion: The 52nd Presidential Inaugural Gala (1993)
CBS broadcast this all-star Gala for President Clinton's Inauguration. Aretha Franklin, Barry Manilow and Michael Jackson contributed their talents. Performed at the US Air Arena in Landover, Maryland, Barbra closed the show with a mini-concert.
Glamorous couple Warren Beatty and Annette Benning introduced Barbra, who was greeted with a standing ovation. She wore what New York Times' writer Anne Taylor Fleming called a "peekaboo power suit" by Donna Karan.
...the costume that really got to me was worn by Barbra Streisand at the gala. It sent a disturbing signal to—and about—American women.
...There she stood in an outfit much in evidence in fashion magazines and ads: a three-pieced pin-striped male power suit, with a feminine touch. Instead of pants, she wore a skirt that was slit from ankle to thigh, while above a definite hint of cleavage poked over the form-fitting vest.
As gorgeous notes sent chills through the crowd, one couldn't help notice her flesh—clearly the point. This was not role reversal, cross-dressing. This was a mixed metaphor—a woman letting us know that underneath her peekaboo power suit, underneath all her bravado and accomplishments, she is still an accessible femme fatale.
Barbra sang three songs: “Evergreen” (dedicated to President and Mrs. Clinton), “Children Will Listen” (with a spoken bridge), and “God Bless America.” The audience gave her a standing ovation after each song!
(At the dress rehearsal the evening before, Barbra performed “Some Enchanted Evening.” For the actual broadcast, Barbra did not perform it, probably because her segment was already several minutes long.)
Barbra introduced Bill Clinton, then hugged him as he took the stage.
Barbra gave an assured, incredible performance ... and her appearance in front of so many people for the inauguration was also a preview of Barbra's return to the concert stage at the end of 1993.
End.
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