READ MyBKLYN REVIEWS
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Name: Kerri
From: Long Island , New York
Hobbies: Dancing, writing, being obsessed with broadway ;)
Occupation/Education: High School Senior
Age: 17
Where they found out about Brooklyn : I heard about it over the summer from a friend
Review: I had been looking forward to seeing Brooklyn for months before I actually got tickets. My friend and I attended the concert at Bryant Park in which Brooklyn was featured, Broadway on Broadway, etc. We pretty much knew all there was to know about the show before it actually opened. I finally saw Brooklyn for the first time on October 9th. From the second I walked into the theater I knew that I was going to fall in love with this show. I could just tell from the set and the atmosphere in general. I was completely blown away when it actually started. I truly did not know what to expect, as this show is different from many I have seen in the past. As soon as it began I could not help but wonder... 'how could so much talent come out of a cast of only five people'? The only actor I had seen perform on stage before was Eden Espinosa, who blew me away as always. In fact, I heard the woman behind me gasp and say "how does she go that high?" at the end of 'Once Upon a Time'. I remember hearing my friend scream "This is the best show I've ever seen in my entire life!" after the show ended. By that point I was still so wrapped up in the emotions which still lingered from the show, so all I was able to do was flash a huge smile and nod. I enjoyed the show so much that I stayed for the evening performance, only to be blown away once again. Even though I already knew what to expect, I was still shocked and amazed by every scene. The actors continued to sing their hearts out, and I think everyone in the audience really felt the music within themselves. There is a song for everyone in Brooklyn . I have seen Brooklyn a total of three times, and have already started planning my fourth trip. I love the show more and more everytime I see it, and I hope for only the very best!
Name: Jill Knox
From: New York
Hobbies: singing, painting
Occupation/Education: Senior at NYU
Age: 22
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Broadway.com like forever ago
Review: I had heard a lot of really great things about Brooklyn over the summer. Then when the show opened I heard alot of horrible things about it but was not deterred. I saw the show, finally, this past weekend and was blown away. I have been singing "Once Upon a Time" since I walked out of the theater on Sunday. I can't stop...it's actually driving me mad. WHY ISN'T THE CD OUT YET!? I NEED IT!!!!! The cast is amazing, though I was/am bummed that Karen Olivo doesn't get to do/sing more. She was my favorite. GREAT SHOW! get better marketing people cause this show has to last!
Name: Jared
From: Florida
Hobbies: writing and tennis
Occupation/Education: teacher
Age: 25
Where they found out about Brooklyn : tkts office
Review: I thought this show was very special. i loved it and am outraged at critics who attacked the very things that i loved about it. namely the music and the costumes. what are they thinking? i think they need to seriously get out and get some things examined. the show is phenomenol, and all the actors need to keep on trucking, because there are a lot of people who agree with me.....people who know what a great evening at the theatre is.
Name: Jim
From: Westchester , NY
Hobbies: Web Design, Gym
Occupation/Education: IT/Celluar
Age: 41
Where they found out about Brooklyn : CD Sampler
Review: I saw the fourth preview and was taken back by the energy and performances and music. It was so nice to see something new on Broadway and not some revival from years ago. The Ensemble of 5 wonderful singers/actors should be given an award just for their energy and great voices alone. I loved it so much I decided to go back after it opened. I loved it even more. The CD doesn't do the show justice. You HAVE TO SEE THIS SHOW LIVE in order to appreciate the music. Go, Go, Go!!
Name: Jessica
From: West Milford , NJ
Hobbies: Broadway and Sports
Occupation/Education: College Student
Age: 19
Where they found out about Brooklyn : on the radio at work
Review: After listening to the tracks online I fell in love with the sounds of Brooklyn . Being a huge wicked fan I also was drawn to it because I knew that Eden Espinosa had to have a powerful voice to be the standby for Elphalba. I am a huge fan of powere ballads and meaningful songs which is why after only about one time listening to Brooklyn I realized I wanted to see the show. I went to see the show on a Saturday evening. I was extremely fond of the set because it reminded me of my favorite show RENT. I loved that the sets were controlled by the cast and how witty they all were throughout. I saw the understudy for Faith and really enjoyed her alot. I thought she was very strong and played the role extremely well. I felt that all the parts were played extremely well. In a show with a cast of only five people it is essential for the cast to really keep the audiences attention. I also enjoyed the fact that throughout the show there were at least three standing ovations in the middle of songs throughout the show. I am a sucker for big songs like "raven", "once upon a Time" and "streetsinger". Besides a little bit of confusion in the storyline i really enjoyed the show thoroughly and would reccommend it to anyone.
Name: Steve Traktman
From: Anaheim , CA
Hobbies: Golf
Occupation/Education: Veteran Employment Specialist
Age: 61
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Internet Preview
Review: My wife and I traveled to NY for a friends wedding and thought we'd catch a Saturday mantinee with some NY friend. After hearing the reviews we were skeptical about about seeing Bklyn. What a pleasant surprise we had! The critics should hide thier heads. This musical was GREAT! The cast was solid, and what great powerful voices and music. I loved the costumes and enjoyed the set changes. To our surprise Mark Schoenfeld stood outside the theater thanking everyone for attend his musical. We thoughly enjoyed the show and have reccommended it to all our NY friends. Hope it come to LA soon so our California friend can enjoy it. BRAVO!!!
Name: Barbara Jones-Corsey
From: Philadelphia , PA
Hobbies: music, travel, and young people
Occupation/Education: Administrator/Educator
Age: 55
Where they found out about Brooklyn : by default
Review: Truth be told my group was redirected to " Brooklyn " after Gem of the Ocean failed to open. Fate was certainly smiling down on us that day. Our group, from Dobbins Vocational School in Philadelphia , thanked me all the way home and exclaimed that they were not at all disappointed that they didn't see that "other" play. Bravo! Congratulations! It was an uplifting and emotional experience, we loved it!
Name: steve rosdal
From: denver
Hobbies: motorcycle riding
Occupation/Education: retail
Age: 58
Where they found out about Brooklyn: denver
Review: great talent, good music, lots of energy
Name: char rafferty
From: raleigh , NC
Hobbies: music, travel, art, gourmet cooking
Occupation/Education: watercolorist/BA
Age: 55
Where they found out about Brooklyn : NY Times
Review: I couldn't imagine a play w/ a name like BROOKLYN that was playing in NYC could be anything but GREAT! We saw the play before it's actual "premier" on Oct 10, afte having seen 2 blockbuster plays the 2 nites before, on our annual fall visit to NYC. Brooklyn was, indeed, a "gamble". When the "curtain went up", I KNEW we'd chosen made the right decision to see this new, unknown play! The play didn't disappoint. The talent on stage from just 5 people was INCREDIBLE! I'm sure I spent the entire evening w/ my mouth open in awe while this touching tale unfolded thru words and sweet, sweet music! The set changes, while simple, greatly enhanced the story. I've personally recommended BROOKLYN to 3 families who have since visited NYC, and they too agree, that BROOKLYN is THE MUSICAL!
Name: Steven Blumenfeld
From: Long Beach , NY
Hobbies: Skiing, tennis, biking, saxaphone, music
Occupation/Education: High School Sophomore
Age: 15
Where they found out about Brooklyn : My music theory teacher, Mr. Bruce Kaplan
Review: BROOKLYN was AMAZING!!! With the highly creative scenery and costume design, passionate acting, and a plot that will truly make you believe in miracles, I left the theater feeling inspired. And how can I forget the singing? Each song will leave you speechless and wide-eyed as they are sung by five of the most talented performers I have seen. As the holiday season nears, BROOKLYN makes you reassess your values and remember that family and love can conquer all. BROOKLYN is one of the best performances I have ever seen and if you would like a performance that will make you laugh, cry, and leave you with a better outlook on life, then BROOKLYN is the show for you!
Name: Patricia Merrill
From: Los Angeles , CA
Hobbies: Everything to do with art
Occupation/Education: Artist/Painter
Age: 64
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Boradway.com
Review: I have only experienced this show through the web site's information & musical downloads. Also, since my son is an actor with 3 Tony award winning musicals on his resume, i have discussed the show with him. The Broadway theatre community is so tightly knit, that I assumed he would probably know one or more actors and/or crew members involved. So far, everything seems very positive. I hope to be going to NYC before the year's end, and will look forward to seeing the show and making a complete evaluation at that time. Based on what I know so far, I look forward to it.
Name: Jason
From: New York
Hobbies: Acting and Singing
Occupation/Education: Student
Age: 14
Where they found out about Brooklyn : The C.D. Sampler
Review: The B from Brooklyn puts the B in Broadway!
Name: Hilarie
From: Whitestone , NY
Hobbies: dance, music, theater
Occupation/Education: HS admin. assistant in dance and Phys. Ed. dept.
Age: 47
Where they found out about Brooklyn : promo CD
Review: After receiving the blyn cd in the mail and listening to the four songs offered, my kids and I knew we had to see if the show could live up to the previewed selections. As we entered the theater and noticed how the set reminded us of Rent, sat with anticipation and hoped that BKLYN would leave us with the same exchilaration we feel each and every time we see Rent. The lights dimmed, the performers came out and from the first song " A heart behind these hands" , we were (all three of us) mesmerized by the talent that took the stage. It was interesting how the performers told the story, as a group of streetsingers and involved themselves in all aspects of production... set change, lighting, etc.... The costumes, designed by Tobin Ost, were highly original and seemed to fit perfectly with idea of the homeless, the tortured artist, the struggle to find your soul and purpose in life, to make a name for yourself and the most important lesson, which is to believe in all that you are and all you can be. I want to congratulate all who were involed in putting together this exciting, moving and powerful work. There was not song that ended without thunderous applause from the audience and many including "once upon a time", sung by Eden Espinosa, lifted us from our seats to a standing ovation. This is a show that cannot be seen just once, the second time around I was just as inspired and more connected with the cast as they told ther story. Thanks to all involved for the BKLYN experience... it was in the house!!
Name: Sheila
From: Aquebogue, Long Island , NY
Hobbies: Going to Bway Shows
Occupation/Education: housewife
Age: 50
Where they found out about Brooklyn : John McDaniel
Review: I had the time of my life going to see Bklyn, the Saturday after if opened. It is a fantastic show, not to be missed. In fact, I will be taking my ladies group, the Red Hats to see this show in the near future. We have over 100 gals in this chapter. The singing is the best. They have the most beautiful voices. And the costumes are genius. Don't miss this show.
Name: Shawn
From: NYC
Hobbies: theatre, life, changing the world by changing someone else, cause maybe that's what I was put on earth for....
Occupation/Education: Actor
Age: 22
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Sam's-45th between b'way & 8th
Review: My first BKLYN experience was during one of the show's final tech rehearsals. I was invited over by my wonderful, talented friend Jeff to take a look at the little skit that is called BKLYN. I was BLOWN AWAY!!!! and I was only watching a tech. This show is full of heart and soul in every way. Everyone from designers to the actors to the ushers have BKLYN in their blood. I love to watch art that has been explored, stretched, and made into something that can truly touch your heart. This show is innovative, witty, can be a little sugary, but hey its balanced out by the spicy sass that Ramona Keller brings. The voices and songs make my heart race. I had the honor of watching the live recording of the CD; I had chills running down my spine, and I had already seen the show 5 times. This is an amazing group of artists who are lead by an amazing creative team. Best of luck BKLYN!!!! Don't listen to those small minded, old fashion critics. You all are FANTASTIC!!! One question: Why is this show so damn good??
Name: Amanda Roper
From: New Jersey
Hobbies: Singing, movies, and going to plays
Occupation/Education: Student
Age: 17
Where they found out about Brooklyn : When they sent me there record.
Review: I am a huge fan of eden espinosa. I think she is really really talented. I finally got my wish of seeing her live in this great play. I thought this play was amazing. Every word was great. Eden was perfect in it. My favorite part of the whole play would have to be Eden singing Once upon a time. I thought that was amazing. And the end was really great. it all comes together. Everyone in the play was great. It was funny to. You have to go see it if you haven't already. I have to get ready and buy my second tickets I have to see it again.
Name: Chareles Wood
From: Wethersfield , CT
Hobbies: Painting, photography, genealogy, antiquing
Occupation/Education: Masters plus
Age: 55
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Friend who attend a performance
Review: I found the show a wonderful musical and visual experience. The vocal performances were masterful. I could feel the power of the words as each song was performed. The costume design was whimsical and very entertaining, especially the use of utilitarian items as theatrical dress. The show was as uplifting and left me wanting more. My night was climaxed by one of the best Broadway performances I've ever attended. Bravo to all and I plan to see it again!
Name: Susan, Rachel & Lauren
From: Marlboro, New Jersey
Hobbies: Cooking, Theatre,
Occupation/Education: Substitute Teacher
Age: 42
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Read about it on playbill.com
Review: Well the kids were off from school. I was looking for another show to take the girls to. We recently saw Wicked & Hairspray. I read an article about Brooklyn on Playbill.com and thought it sounded like a potential winner. I knew Eden Espinosa was understudy for Elphaba. We were a group of 10, 4 moms and 6 kids. We had awesome orchestra seats. My daughter Rachel was sitting in front of me and when Brooklyn sang" Once upon a time" she looked back at me and we both gave each other thumps up! I had the chills, she sings right to your heart. Both Lauren and Rachel loved this show and are asking to go back to see it again. I think we will over winter break. The entire cast is extremely talented. The street singer reminded me of Ben Vereen ,he was CHARMINGLY talented.After the show the girls both got autographs and Eden posed for a picture with the gang. She was chatting with us and so down to earth. I bought a T-shirt and when I am finished writing this will order the CD. Can't wait to get it. I highly recommend this show especially before the Tony awards because tickets will become scarce. Susan
Name: Paula Lane
From: Los Angeles
Hobbies: golf
Occupation/Education: movie producer
Age: 46
Where they found out about Brooklyn : my daughter, who lives in NY
Review: I was visiting my daughter in NY. She is an actress. She recimmended that I see the preview of Brooklyn . I went alone and enjoyed it immensely. The people in my area of the orchestra enjoyed it together. The music was sensational and the sets and costumes were fabulous. Eden was amazing, as was the whole cast. She and my daughter arrived in NY at the same time, almost 2 years ago. They are very similar and see each other often on auditions. Well ironically, my daughter, Michelle auditioned for Eden 's role last week. I hope to get to see it again when Michelle stands in for Eden .
Name: Katie
From: Pittsburgh , Pa
Hobbies: dancing, singing, acting
Occupation/Education: student
Age: 17
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Bryant Park
Review: I first saw Brooklyn perform at Bryant Park. I didn't know what to expect because I had never heard anything about what this musical was about. After they performed their first song, which happened to be 'Once Upon A Time,' i was simply in awe and an immediate fan of the show. My mom was with me at Bryant Park and instantly agreed to buy tickets as soon as we got back to Pittsburgh . We bought tickets to the October 22 show, which happened to be the day after opening night. Waiting for that day to come seemed like forever, so while I waited I watched my Bryant Park video that I took over and over again. The music was so mesmerizing. Anyone could imagine how excited I was when October 22 came. The theatre was packed with as much anticipation as I was. From the singing to the costumes to the scenery... everything was breathtaking and took me to an alternate reality and made me feel like I was actually on the streets of Brooklyn . The storyline was what actually appealed to me. Halfway through the show my mom turns to me in tears and says, "Grandpap died 7 years ago today". My mom was extremely close to her dad and the whole story of Brooklyn 's search for her dad and his love touched my mine and my mom's heart. We knew exactly how Brooklyn was feeling. It was nice to sense how you can relate to certain characters onstage and know that many other people go through tough times. The story truly touched my heart and actually made me a more determined person to believe in my dreams and conquer them.
Name: lee
From: ga
Hobbies: singing acting dancing
Occupation/Education: school
Age: 15
Where they found out about Brooklyn : school
Review: it was teh best and the graest musical ive ever seeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnn in my life ! teh way they used the set as it was it made me liek i was right there it was great!!!!!!!!!!!l loved it and so did my schoool we r cccepa ( cobb county center for exlences in the perforing arts ) we loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Name: Stefanie
From: Nashville , TN
Hobbies: Broadway
Occupation/Education: High School
Age: 18
Where they found out about Brooklyn : From Eden Espinosa when she was in Wicked
Review: After seeing Eden Espinosa in Wicked, I knew that I had to see her knew show. I saw Brooklyn on September 25th while it was still in previews. I was so excited. From the opeing number I had chills! The set changes and costumes were genious, and the talent was amazing. I was absolutely floored. The cast had me in tears throughout the entire show. The show is filled with so much emotion and power. I left the theatre in awe of what I had just witnessed! I was lucky enough to get to meet the cast after the show. They are all so kind and generous. It's so obvious that they love what they do and that they appreciate all of their fans. I can't wait to see BKLYN again!
Name: MaryAnne
From: Long Island
Hobbies: gardening,hiking,reading......
Occupation/Education: TA/ Garden teacher/ Queens College
Age: 50
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Rich Labitta, he knows the cast!!!!!!!!
Review: It was truly amazing and creative! It made me laugh, cry and touched my heart!!!! Bravo!!!!!! We are going to have a 5th grade school play.......The Return of the Glass Slipper and we got many ideas.......thanks..........come and visit our school!!!!!!!!!!!!
Name: Jason
From: South Salem , NY
Hobbies: Music, surfing the net
Occupation/Education: Junior
Age: 17
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Playbill.com
Review: The first time I heard about this new musical called " Brooklyn ," I didn't think it would capture my interest. All of a sudden, I get sent a promotional CD that featured the songs "Once Upon a Time," "Heart Behind These Hands," "Raven" and "Streetsinger." So I listened to it in bed trying to force myself to stay awake to listen to it. I thought the music kind of sounded like music from "Rent." The next morning, I told Mom that and she said that an article in the news said the same thing. So I really wanted to see it. So we ended up going with Mom and Dad's college roommates, the Iuppas. Now, in the beginning of the show, I thought it was pretty corny, I mean the acting and all of that. But by the end, I almost felt like crying. I especially loved Eden Espinosa's performance as the title character. I've never seen her in "Wicked" but I heard that she was just as good an Elphaba as Idina Menzel was. She practically soared every time she sang "Once Upon a Time." I also liked Ramona Keller's killer and humorous performance as Paradice. I think her lines were the funniest in all of theatre history. She gave a bad-ass performance on the song "Raven." Of course, I also liked the great Mr. Cleavant Derricks as the Streetsinger. He practically dominated the stage as the story's narrator. All of the cast was good, but what I *really* loved was the music. Every single song sounded very, very spectacular. I actually got to meet one of the composers, Mark Schoenfeld, and I got him to autograph my Playbill. And by the way, is that a Tony that I smell? Kudos also goes to the sets and costumes. They were very trashy (lol) but they were creative. I think those are also Tony award worthy.
Name: Jesse
From: Fuquay Varina
Hobbies: Acting, writing, reading
Occupation/Education: Senior in college
Age: 21
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Broadway.com
Review: I had only heard a couple of the songs from the website before my Brooklyn experience. A group of friends and I were all traveling to New York for our fall break from school and many of them were going to see Brooklyn, so I decided to hop on the wagon, having been impressed with the music I'd heard. Needless to say, the show began--and I was completely floored. The ensemble was phenominal; they worked together so cohesively and perfectly, weaving the story of Brooklyn, creating such amazingly unforgettable characters that I still think about them regularly, a month after having seen the show. I was so completely impressed with the show--I can't wait to see it again! One of the many fine points of the show is the way trash is used to create beauty; the way the show weaves in street items to create the props and the backdrop for the tale. And the performances-- Eden Espinosa is unparalleled--a true star! I can't wait to see how she blossoms as a performer. Having been previously impressed with Cleavante in Dreamgirls (based solely on the cast recording, of course) I was thrilled to see him live, playing such a beautiful storyteller. Romana, what can really be said? An amazing talent and a true beauty. Karen and Kevin are wonderful, as well, though not featured as much as they should be, I feel. However, the five work together seamlessly to create a fierce piece of musical theatre that I cannot wait to see again; and the message is so clear and meaningful: Discover who you are, Remember where you're from. A job well done.