Staff Reports
For Barbra Streisand tribute artist Rebecca Clark, the memory of growing up in an orphanage is a constant reminder of how far she’s come. The Brooklyn, N.Y. native admits her childhood days were challenging but says her love of music saw her through the toughest of times.
As a youngster, Clark found her “voice” and became determined to follow here creative dreams. Her road led her to where she is today as one of the world’s most in-demand and revered Barbra Streisand impersonators.
At 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2 and 2 p.m. Dec. 3, Clark will bring her one-woman Barbra Streisand tribute show titled “Hello Gorgeous” to the Hi-Desert Center for Spiritual Living, 18575 Corwin Road in Apple Valley.
“Tickets to see the real Barbra Streisand can be upwards of $2,000,” said Clark, who lives in Huntington Beach. “Most people can’t afford that but they can come and see my show, which is a spot-on replication of a Streisand concert, for a fraction of the price.
“If they close their eyes, they will think they’re listening to Barbra. I can’t tell you how many times audience members come up to me after a show and ask me if I am lip-syncing. I tell them, ‘no, that’s really me singing’ and they are astounded.”
According to Clark, she began impersonating Streisand in 2002. Over the years, she has toured with Bob Hope USO shows and also has performed at the Aladdin and Bellagio casinos in Las Vegas, the Cannes music festival in France, the Ritz Carlton in Rancho Mirage, Spago's in Beverly Hills, and countless other nightclubs and performing arts centers around the world.
Clark also has toured with “Legends in Concert,” a show that was originally created for Las Vegas casinos.
“I tried out for the 'Legends in Concert' show a couple of times before I got hired,” said Clark. “That wound up being a five-year gig and I had the time of my life touring with that production.”
Clark said her “Hello Gorgeous” show includes performances of many of Streisand’s biggest hits, including “People,” “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” “Memory” and “Evergreen,” to name a few. She also encourages audience participation and shares stories about Streisand’s life and career.
Her upcoming concerts in Apple Valley will feature several Christmas classics, as well.
“I’ve never met Barbra but have been in awe of her for as long as I can remember,” said Clark. “Not only do I admire her amazing talent, but also her willpower, tenacity and willingness to always fight for what she believes in. Watching her walk her own path has helped me to become stronger in my own life.”
Along with her work as a tribute artist, Clark is a singer in her own right. She has performed in an off-Broadway production and also in several light opera theater productions in New York.
Clark also has shared the stage with numerous artists, such as Jack Jones, Keely Smith, Peter Marshall, Jimmy Osmond, Roy Clark, Mickey Gilley, and Jim Stanford.
“Whether I’m performing as myself or as Barbra, I just love what I do,” said Clark. “I’m honored and blessed to have so many opportunities to share the gift that I’ve been given with others. I plan on doing this as long as I can and as long as the good Lord will allow.”
Apple Valley-based piano player Bruce Jones will provide pre-show entertainment at “Hello Gorgeous,” which also will feature a Christmas carol singalong.
Tickets are $29 per person. Purchase by calling 760-684-9622 or 760-242-2302. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 and 1 p.m. Dec. 3.
For more information about Clark, visit www.rebeccaclarkishellogorgeous.com.