Maybe it’s because of her heavy musical theater background, but when Barbra Streisand sings, there’s so much more significance in her songs than when more contemporary female balladeers croon a tune. Musicals are less about hammering home a catchy chorus and more about telling a story, and Streisand proves she is a master musical storyteller. She has the uncanny ability to find the meaning behind every word and connect with it. By doing so, audiences connect with Streisand on deeply personal levels because they’re not just listening to a song — they’re listening to the emotion and the passion behind the song. As such, Barbra Streisand will be remembered less for what she sang and more for who she was and how she affected people.

Much to the dismay of music-lovers in general, Barbra Streisand is kind of like the Haley’s Comet of live performers. She doesn’t have many concerts, and when she does, you can bet good money that she won’t have another one for many years. Streisand’s latest concert tour was in 2006, and before that it was 1994. Those fortunate enough to attend a 2006 performance are probably thinking they got the last look at Barbra Streisand before she hangs it up for good. Not so! With the miraculous technology of Blu-ray and its crystal clarity and uncompressed audio, anyone can bring the concert experience to their living-room, sitting in the best seats without the $1000+ price tag.

What’s great about Streisand’s performance is how informal she comes across, despite the grandiosity of the event. The show begins with the original Broadway version of the Funny Girl Overture while A-list guests shuffle by the camera. Intercutting the glitz are shots of Streisand chasing her dog, Sammy, around the dressing room. During the performance, Streisand even kicks off her heels to walk around barefoot on stage completely relaxed, as if she were at home with a thousand close friends over. Despite the 58-piece orchestra behind her, Streisand manages to make the performance less of a show and more of a celebration of fine music. It’s just coincidence that she’s supplying the songs.

Adding to the communal nature of the concert, Streisand goes out of her way to really connect with the audience. Even the stage is set up in a near “theater in the round” style, minus one side. While Streisand spends the majority of the performance front and center, she makes it a point to visit all three sides, even exclaiming, “I’m coming over there next!” to a section that had been neglected. As a nice touch, Streisand takes time out of the second act for a funny Q & A with the audience. It was also a moment for her to dispel some bad press about herself.

Streisand’s performance is, of course, top-notch and will leave you with no significant complaints. Her voice gets cloudy in a few spots, but that’s common for live performances, and her showmanship more than makes up for those rare moments. Streisand is also accompanied by Il Divo — the quartet of international male singers who have become a global sensation. Their operatic style blended hauntingly with Streisand’s, adding new nuance to songs like “Somewhere” and “The Music of the Night.” Some may take issue with Streisand’s interjecting of her liberal views during an introduction to a song, but she eases the typically conservative Floridians by pointing out that humanitarian issues are not about red states or blue states, but the United States. Later in her tour at Madison Square Garden, Streisand would stage a President Bush-bashing skit, so take her bipartisan words with a grain of salt.

Minor criticisms aside, there’s so much to enjoy about this Streisand concert. Long-time fans and newcomers alike can enjoy the signature style, timeless voice and warm presence. Streisand is funny, provocative, approachable and can sing the hell out of any song. She’s gotten older, but she’s aged with grace and humor, poking fun at herself with the help of the young Il Divo. If you close your eyes, however, Barbra Streisand has barely aged a day.