DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — A handful of devoted fans — all vying for a chance to see Barbra Streisand in her second "Back to Brooklyn" concert — did their best to belt it just like Babs Saturday afternoon, hours before the show's start.
Renowned Streisand impersonator Gayle Robbins emceed the event, "A Star To Be Born," at Albee Square near the Fulton Street Mall.
"I did quite a few Jewish plays a few years ago here in Brooklyn and people said that I sounded like Barbra, and that's really where it all began," said Robbins.
As five women each took a turn at the famous singer's style, at the event thrown by the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, heads turned along the busy shopping district.
Kathleen Wolter, a secretary who lives in Brooklyn, was doing an impassioned version of "Je m'appelle Barbra" when she stopped one passerby in her tracks.
"Oh, my God. This is my New York moment!" said Cecile Bavay, 26, a scientist from France who was touring around the city after a work conference. "I was just strolling by and I heard the music. Then I heard a lady singing in French, so I just had to stop."
The group of judges eventually picked a winner, Felicia Watkis, 50, who said she was overjoyed about winning the tickets for her rendition of "I'm the Greatest Star" from Funny Girl.
"I'm thrilled. I have to go shopping now to find something to wear," she said.
"I can't wait to hear her sing, 'I'm the Greatest Star' — that's my favorite song," added Watkis. "For me, Barbra is a fighter, and she always gets what she wants, and I like that."
