READ MyBKLYN REVIEWS
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Name: Robert Sniffin
From: Danbury , CT
Hobbies: Theatre, Tae Kwon Do
Occupation/Education: Student - High School Senior, Class of 2005
Age: 17
Where they found out about Brooklyn : whispers and murmurs various places, and then my friend's Preview Cd
Review: To the Producers, Writers, Cast and Anyone involved bringing "Bklyn" to st Age: Thank you! Several weeks ago I had the privilege to attend one of the final preview performances of your fantastic show. I have seen a fair amount of shows, not as many as I would like, but a decent number. I have also been to many local performances of theatre, as well as participating onstage in several. Never have I left a show with the feeling of power that your show left me with. I found myself looking at the heart behind people's hands, the soul beneath their clothes, and seeking out the story behind their less-than-empty eyes. Even extending out into the realms of literature and the screen, I can think of few stories so powerful and moving. I hope that "Bklyn" runs for years, and hopefully the mass appeal that it carries will allow just that to happen. The show has music and a message that the younger crowd who enjoyed "Rent" will connect with, and a new perspective and a story that ties with the lives of the last generation. The sets were intricate, clever and beautiful in their resourcefulness and the manner with which they confront the audience. As Brooklyn sang in about once upon a time in "Carnegie Hall" I could see that grand stage. It was a tangible truth that the trash managed to reveal. The act of creation is never an easy one, but it must be doubly hard to not only create a story night after night, but to create another layer of that creation in the process by sheer innovation. The music was something delightful. Within the first few bars of "Not a Sound", I was weeping openly. Although I am well in touch with my emotions, I don't easily shed tears. Yet fifteen minutes later I was made so delightedly happy by "Once Upon a Time" that laughter poured out of me, completely irrepressibly. There was not one song that disappointed in its lyricism or its musical punch. To have a show where not one, but at least four of the songs are absolute showstoppers, and every song is memorable is something only dreamed about in my experience. The lullaby will captivate for weeks (I'm still singing it) and songs like "Magic Man", "Love Me Where I Live", and "Truth" provide the punch and catch songs. Meanwhile, songs like "Raven", "Christmas Makes Me Cry", and "Love Was A Song" will haunt with their quieter, less flashy power. They all move the story along fabulously, and not one has a bit of the patchwork feel that almost all musicals fall victim to. And of course, what would fabulous music be without fabulous singers? The five powerhouses in "Bklyn" answer the call, and answer loud and proud. Cleavant Derricks as Streetsinger made me feel like I had another father, and brought a sense of paternalism that was magic. Streetsinger also underlies the fairy tale of Brooklyn 's life in a subtle and beautiful fashion. Taylor Collins is painfully real, and Kevin Anderson fits the bill exactly. His voice was almost like someone trying desperately to be laidback and carefree when they feel on edge, which is almost exactly the character he portrays. The Delicious with a capital 'D' Paradice was so layered between attitude and pain (the song "Raven" is indescribable) that not much else needs be said, except that Ramona Keller's vocal performance was entirely felt, the full impact on the audience reverberating well after the final notes sound. Eden Espinosa, the darling Brooklyn , has a voice like a shower of stars, varying from a soaring brilliance to the mournful sound of an angel who "is flying much to close to the ground", and will likely be the most talked about voice in the show. But perhaps my personal favorite performance was Karen Olivo as Faith. Something about the way she moved and emoted and captured the essence of so many different characters was absolutely beautiful. Furthermore, the roles she played were the glue that pieced the show together. All being said, the ensemble cast was wonderful. My favorite part of the show however, is and will remain the story. It is so simple and complex and beautiful. It makes life matter again, in a way even my optimistic self can't quite understand or fathom. It made me question my basic values, and want to give so much of myself. I am of the firm belief, as an amateur performer, that if I have touched one person in the audience in a way that changes them for the better, than I have done my job. I don't know if anyone involved in this production feels that way at all, but if you do, you've done your job in me. Your show has all the glory of a weed sprouting through a wall, and I only hope it endures as long. Everyone should see this show! I can't imagine someone leaving without their life changing for the better. Words cannot express my gratitude, nor my wish for your continued success. You are all beautiful, and gifts just by your existence and creation. Thank you.
Name: Francisco
From: Middletown , New York
Hobbies: Music
Occupation/Education: Facilities Manager/BS Mgmt
Age: 43
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Email from Telecharge
Review: I saw Brooklyn, November 13 with my wife and our good friends from Brooklyn . Both my wife and I were born, raised and educated in Brooklyn ...so we had to go. I purchased the tickets 2 months prior to the 13th and to my surprise I was completely taken to another level in this Universe. I felt chills down my spine with every song. I've never experienced such a HIGH from a show. I have the demo and have been playing it every day at home, work and even in the car. My wife and I will be going again with my cousin and her family in December and with friends in January. The cast was superb. Look out Tony Awards BROOKLYN is in town. Remember Love is what we all need in this world.
Name: Spiro G
From: Colts Neck NJ
Hobbies: theater
Occupation/Education: Wagner College
Age: 18
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Broadway in the park
Review: Brooklyn was definately one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen. The music was AMAZING and the script was poetic. I loved being lost in the story and not knowing what is real and what is just part of the fairy tale. It was a great experience for me and I have told all my friends about it. I am crazy about Brooklyn . I just wish i had more money so I could see it as many times as I want!
Name: Lani
From: Brooklyn and Hawaii
Hobbies: dancing , surf sports and swiming with dolphins
Occupation/Education: writer and counselor(M.S.)
Age: 35
Where they found out about Brooklyn : discount mailing
Review: Brooklyn is one of the best musicals I've seen in years. It combines a great broadway-style rock and soul music experience with off-broadway innovations. Not only great production value, but the story within a story has a lot of heart fueled by excellent performances.
Name: Annette Solow
From: Demarest , NJ
Hobbies: drum corps, horse-back riding
Occupation/Education: Dental Hygienist
Age: 55
Where they found out about Brooklyn : web-site
Review: My husband and I saw Eden Espinosa in Wicked and were amazed at her talent. When we read that she was going to perform in Brooklyn , we waited for tickets to go on sale and immediately bought them----3rd row, center! The critics weren't overly kind and I had second thoughts before going. Well, after seeing the show, all of those thoughts disappeared----it was incredible! The voices, the personalities, the costumes, the sets---the TALENT! Each and every one of the performers was perfect in their role-----We left the theater feeling elated and very happy that we made the decision to see this great show!
Name: JOY
From: Long Island
Hobbies: playing tennis, skating, writing
Occupation/Education: I am a professional singer and private vocal coach/teacher
Age: 39
Where they found out about Brooklyn : telecharge
Review: When I first heard the song downloads of the upcoming musical BKLYN, ("Once Upon A Time" first) I had to purchase tickets immediately because of the outstanding quality of the songs and vocal performances I heard. I was blown away by the talent of the cast, and the beautiful music and lyrics performed on the tracks. Being a professional singer myself, with excellent pitch, I can't help but listen to all singing performances with a very sensitive, critical ear. I felt these singers were flawless and incredible when listening to them sing the songs BEFORE going to show, and it was my hope that the live experience would match the recorded ones. To me a live performance is the most telling about the true quality. I saw Brooklyn on Saturday, November 13th 2004 (8th row center) and was completely impressed and BLOWN away by the performances, as well as the costumes, band etc. The entire experience as a whole was FABULOUS! The ensemble cast was outstanding in both their acting ability ,as well as their AMAZING and moving singing talents. Each in his/her own right is unique and lends their own style, power, and incredible vocal range to the success of the production. These will certainly be BIG shoes to fill if the cast is changed sometime in the future! I have not stopped talking about the show since seeing it and will recommend it to all the people I can. BRAVO cast, crew, band, costume designers(very creative!), and all associated with producing Brooklyn ! You more than exceeded my expectations and enhanced my theatrical experience. I hope the show will run for a long, long time!!!!
Name: Joe
From: Long Island
Hobbies: Theatre, Acting, Singing!
Occupation/Education: Piano Lounge Manager
Age: 23
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Direct mailing of sampler cd
Review: I saw BROOKLYN with standing room tickets and I must say that even if I had a seat, it would have been no use to me. The whole audience was out of their seats with standing ovasions. The adrenaline rushing through my body was so intense as I anticipated the actors hitting the high notes that are yet to come and they surpassed what I knew of the melody from the sampler cd. I need to see this show at least 100 more times. A++++
Name: Rachel
From: Pittsburgh
Hobbies: singing acting dancing hockey boys
Occupation/Education: student
Age: 14
Where they found out about Brooklyn : my friend
Review: i heard some songs and they were wonderful
Name: Evelyn Albino
From: Sayreville , NJ
Hobbies: music, theatre, reading
Occupation/Education: Executive Secretary
Age: 50
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Broadway boards
Review: After having seen Eden Espinosa in Wicked, I HAD to get tickets to see Brooklyn . Her voice is so amazing I wanted to see & hear more of her. Well I was blown away when the cast sang its first song. The harmony they made sounded so beautiful it made me cry. And two songs after that I was crying again. The show could have ended right there and my ticket price would have been worth it! Please go see it. It has fantastic songs, beautiful sets, a heart wrenching story and performances that should earn a Tony!
Name:
Name: Rick Weaver
From: Forest Hills , NY
Hobbies: Website developing, traveling to France , C&W dancing, reading and romance.
Occupation/Education: Motivational Speaker
Age: 44
Where they found out about Brooklyn : From a promo CD I got in the mail
Review: I got a promo CD in the mail for " Brooklyn " and popped it into my PC and "Once Upon A Time" started. I was BLOWN AWAY! I could not believe what I was hearing - I kept asking myself, who is this woman? When I say I listened to that song over and over that day a hundred times (and many days since), it would be an understatement. I went to see the show here in NYC about a month ago and I can't remember when I had such a good time. Clearly, there has not been such a collection of truly amazing voices on a Broadway stage in years. I have seen almost every musical on Broadway since moving to NYC 2 years ago and " Brooklyn " stands head & shoulders above the rest. Eden and Ramona are brilliant! I am a romantic at heart so I really wanted Eden to take it all - but I have to say that Ramona stole the show. The heart and soul of each of the members of the cast comes through so clearly - you walk away being transformed by the talent, by the message and by the music. I cannot wait to go see it again and again - and I am already dragging my friends to go see it with me. Who cares what the critics say - I am the customer and THIS customer is always RIGHT!
Name: Ann Bove
From: Brooklyn , NY
Hobbies: skiing, cycling, shopping
Occupation/Education: Advertising
Age: 40
Where they found out about Brooklyn : through a friend
Review: Me and my girlfriend Carolyn went this past Sunday and we loved it!!!!! The music and singing was terrific. The entire show was entertaining, I didn't want it to end.
Name: Donna
From: Bayonne , NJ
Hobbies: Painting, writing, theatre
Occupation/Education: Limo dispatcher
Age: 36
Where they found out about Brooklyn : John McDaniel 's website
Review: I saw Brooklyn on October 23rd with friends. I go to Broadway whenever possible & have been fortunate to see some great shows but seeing Brooklyn was like experiencing theatre for the first time. It was intimate and personal and yet larger than life. Eden & Ramona sent chills up my spine with their solos. Cleavant, Kevin, & Karen touched me with their performances in much deeper ways. The story was beautifully written & executed flawlessly by the cast. The music- perfection! Jazz, gospel, pop, rock- all blended to send spirits soaring. It was heartbreaking & uplifting all at once. I was crying & laughing at the same time at some points. I've bought tickets for friends as Christmas gifts and in February I'm bringing my kids, ages 10 & 8. It will be their 1st Broadway show & it is the best way for me to show them what theatre should be. It is the best show I've seen in 25 years of theatre-going. Go see it!!
Name: Ken
From: Brooklyn!
Hobbies: Politics, Theater, and Music
Occupation/Education: College Student at Hunter College
Age: 19
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Broadway on Broadway
Review: After checking out Broadway on Broadway and hearing Eden belt out the last lyrics (and getting goosebumps) in "Once Upon a Time", I knew for a fact that the golden voice behind the former green witch standby would be remembered for a long time. What better way to experience her voice and the story she tells along with four other very talented actors, then to march over to the Plymouth and enjoy " Brooklyn " for myself. I took a Saturday off of work and saw a matinee performance and was not at all disappointed - the voices, the costumes, the set, just magnificent. The musical score is one that I will remember for a long time and can't wait to pick up when it comes out. Musical theatre is headed in a new direction with musicals such as this, and I'm very glad that I got to experience " Brooklyn ," as it opens up a new chapter in American musicals. I can't wait to bring "Brooklyn" back to my home in Brooklyn !
Name: Mark
From: Toronto Canada
Hobbies: Dogs(I have 5) and attending musicals
Occupation/Education: City Mananger
Age: 44
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Playbill
Review: I thought I knew what to expect after reading the reviews and seeing the cast perform on the Today Show. However, NOTHING prepared me for November 13, 2004 . From the first note to the last I was mesmerized by the words, the voices, and the pure energy. I cried and cried. And after thinking about Once Upon a Time, My Fairy Tale came true when I got to me both Eden and Karen and have my picture taken with them. God Bless Mark and Barri for such poignant words and a blessedly beautiful score. I have truly been touched. And thinking of Eden 's previous role may I just say that "I have been changed for good". My deepest and sincerest thanks to all of you. Mark Caroline
Name: Ally
From: New Jersey
Hobbies: music, guitar, writing, performing
Occupation/Education: High School
Age: 16
Where they found out about Brooklyn : In Eden Espinosa's bio in the Wicked playbill
Review: Finally seeing this show after waiting for months with nothing but a demo cd and Bryant park to hold me over was a dream. Every aspect of this show, even the tiniest details, was a magical experience. It truly is amazing where this show came from, and even more amazing is the show itself. What a rush! The 5 cast members are unbelieveable talents that bring so much reality to their characters, as well as incredible, powerful voices. The words they sing are touching and soul-driven - they are so meaningful and beautiful. The costumes are so creative, original and FUNKY! The sets, the cast, Mark and Barri, and everything...This show's a winner!
Name: Samantha
From: New Jersey
Hobbies: Broadway, Music, Computers
Occupation/Education: Student
Age: 17
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Eden Espinosa at Wicked
Review: I saw the show from third row on the side and I can not describe how happy I was. This show was an amazing experience. The music is so deep and wonderful, and just makes you believe in the show as well as yourself. I was captivated the moment the first song was sung, and the story is was so touching. It made me laugh, cry, and most importantly feel for the characters. I suggest to everyone to go to BKLYN and see the incredible show for what it truly is, an Experience.
Name: barry
From: new jersey
Hobbies: sports, theater
Occupation/Education: guidance counselor
Age: 60
Where they found out about Brooklyn : publicity
Review: I ordered eight tickets for myself and family and friends for the november 11 performance. I can tell you that we all enjoyed the show immensely. I for one loved the cast and the music and was thoroughly entertained. Perhaps the show is for younger people but I am still young. All I can say to critics (as is usually the case)...what are you looking for? I go to the theater looking for entertainment and Brooklyn , the Musical certainly does that. Maybe I should be a critic when I retire from my counselor position. The show moved briskly, the performers were great, the show had charisma and humor and compassion.....and I think I will see it again. I will definitely recommend Brookly, the Musical to others.
Name: Jason
From: Richmond , VA
Hobbies: Musical arrangements, dining out, good movies
Occupation/Education: Professional singer and actor
Age: 23
Where they found out about Brooklyn : When I saw it in NYC
Review: In a world where Disney has taken over a good portion of Times Square, and commercialism has no shame in reaching out and taking the money out of your purse, it is occasionally nice to find the small, meaningful things in a junkyard of overpriced and sometimes worthless knickknacks. " Brooklyn ", the new musical still in previews at the Plymouth Theatre, is just one of these small, meaningful things. The story is relatively simple. We are met by a band of street singers on the streets of Brooklyn , who are doing all they can to survive on the street. Their means of making a living is sharing their story with the people who pass by - we, the audience, are those people, and we are here to hear their "sidewalk fairy tale". They launch into a story of a dancer from Paris , who gives birth to a child, whom she names " Brooklyn ", after her father's hometown. After the father abandons his wife, she commits suicide, and Brooklyn begins a long, strange journey to find herself, and her father in the United States . Sounds a bit like "Miss Saigon", right? Well, no helicopters here, folks. At the heart of this show is just that - heart, and heart alone. To understand the story, you must first understand the background of composer Mark Schoenfeld, a composer who lost everything he had and ended up homeless on the streets of Brooklyn . 10 years after having originally met fellow composer Barri McPherson, she found him on the streets, and took him in to live with her family. Thus, his story laid out into a loosely autobiographical musical that took form over the course of several months. The music is a true blend of pop, rock, and soul. Orchestrations, by John McDaniel , most well known for being musical director of "The Rosie O'Donnell Show", are clean, upbeat, and well put together. The orchestra is truly top-notch. With the exception of one or two standout, radio-ready songs, none of the music is highly memorable. That being said, you will remember the performances, and how the emotion of those songs makes you feel. With an ensemble of 5 of the greatest voices ever assembled on one stage, "Brooklyn" provides enough punch to knock you out of your seat, and be all the more happier for it. Leading this multi-talented cast is Eden Espinosa, who plays Brooklyn . One should be so lucky to experience the power, clarity, and unbelievable range Espinosa possesses. Her song "Once Upon A Time" is nothing short of brilliant, and began the waterworks of tears that followed thereafter. Cleavant Derricks as the Streetsinger, acts as the narrator. Also a talented singer and performer, he brings uniqueness to the ensemble, of almost Ben Vereen-ish quality. Karen Olivo, as Faith, Brooklyn 's mother, breaks our hearts with her story, and her song. Her voice is like finely polished silver - glistening, and radiant for anyone to see. Kevin Anderson, as Taylor Collins, Brooklyn 's long lost and terribly troubled father, also hits a home run with a powerhouse voice, and emotionally charged performance. But winning the title of "true diva of the night" is Ramona Keller, as Paradice. With a vocal range that even rivals Espinosa's, her golden tones are equal to that of the great Patti LaBelle. Her big song, "Raven", is like watching the sun rise - beautiful, breathtaking, emotional - and you never want it to end. The technical aspect of the show is simple and effective. Set design by Ray Klausen truly conveys a small, dark alley under the Brooklyn Bridge . Marvelous lighting design, mixed with excellent sound make you feel as though you're in a rock concert at times. Costumes by Tobin Ost are fun and unique, using actual items from the street to make costumes - bubble wrap, "police crossing" yellow tape, and garbage bags. Versaci? No - but again - effective in their design and simplicity. Jeff Calhoun , Drama Desk nominee for his recent work on " Big River ", directs the production with heart and cleverness. This is a show about storytelling. It's a show about discovering your place in the world. And Calhoun has achieved his goal. Sadly, in the end, " Brooklyn " will probably not last terribly long. It will play to packed houses for awhile, and then the customers will stop coming to place their money in the streetsinger's violin case. It will have a devout cult following of people who believe in it - and at the end of the day, that is what truly matters. If you're looking for flash, glitter, and a cheesy story, "Phantom of the Opera", or "Hairspray", which both are excellent in their own right, are down the street. But if you wish to have a unique, emotional experience with your night at the theatre, " Brooklyn " may just be the borough you wish to visit.
Name: Michael
From: Staten Island NY
Hobbies: Music -Shows
Occupation/Education: High School
Age: 19
Where they found out about Brooklyn : TDF
Review: Loved the show, loved Eden , saw her in Wicked, she is beautiful, sings wonderful, you get chills everytime she sings. My sister Lauren who is 16 also loved the show, we saw it together for my 19th birthday. We both want to go see it again and again. This time in the front row! Enjoy it, and love it as much as we did. We were both born in Brooklyn which made us love the show even more.
Name: Krista Buccellato
From: New York
Hobbies: singing, acting, musical theatre
Occupation/Education: student
Age: 16
Where they found out about Brooklyn : a friend
Review: As an aspiring broadway performer, I make it a point to attend a wide variety of shows and to find something to learn from and enjoy in each. I attended the show with my parents when it was still in previews, and I was amazed at what I experienced. The show was uplifting and fun, and drew me in like no other. The costumes were phenomenal and creative. I never knew that garbage could look so elegant, or that a simple costume could add so much to the story line and scene. I loved that the cast controlled the set, and did it so seamlessly that it didn't take away from the performance. The performers themselves were also fantastic. As a huge Eden Espinosa fan, it was a thrill to get to see her in a more substantial part. (The last I saw of her was Nessa in "Wicked".) Her stage presence is not to be believed. Through her voice and her incredible acting skills she really had me feeling all that she was. Ramona Keller was a show-stopper. She made the transition from "dangerous diva" to "simply soft-hearted" so perfectly. I love the song "Raven", simply because we get to catch a glimpse into her heart. Cleavent Derricks was so moving and mystical, his soothing voice and pleasurable attitude kept the show moving and set the mood just right. Both Kevin Anderson and Karen Olivo were great performers and made the most of their roles. The music was different and fun, which is something we need desperately amidst all the revivals in theatre today. The story line is beautiful and touching. It left nothing to be desired and had such a profound moral impact. I love the show, and I want desperately to see it again. The confidence and energy the performers showed made the show just that much more lovable. I can only hope to someday be a part of something as amazing as " Brooklyn ".
Name: Curtis Johnson
From: Davidsonville , Maryland
Hobbies: Music, Plays,Running
Occupation/Education: College - Bachelor Degree
Age: 44
Where they found out about Brooklyn: Reviews in Denver
Review: Brooklyn the Musical is my blood and on me physically. I have recently had a tattoo artist to draw and ink a PERMANENT Tattoo with the the Heart Logo with the words BKLYN The Musical. I have a photo of the tattoo inked on me. This play has made a positive impact on me. I have seen the play 3 times and will see it again in early December. I guess you can tell I love it. I had tickets to see the play in Denver but bad weather cancelled my flight and I was not able to reschedule due to health issues. One can imagine how estactic I was to hear that the show was making it to the Great White Way ---Broadway. The music is fantastic: it has heart and it has soul. You can feel the passion from each of the performers. My favorite song is Heart Behind These Hands. It changed how I look at homeless and what I can do to help -- giving clothes, leftovers, etc. I was fortuante to attend the opening cast party and had the opportunity to meet Mark Schoenfeld, the co-creator, he is a warm and genuine guy. His personality is warm gracious and sincere. Upon meeting Barri McPherson, the co-creator, there is sweetness and caring in her personality.They wrote the story and songs with depth and feeling. In my office suite, I have proudly hanging the Brooklyn window card with various signatures - cast and others. When individuals come into the suite, they ask about the play and tell them of the wonderful and rewarding experinece of the play and then I give them a flyer. My last comment to them is, I guarantee that you will love this play and I jokingly back it up with a money back guarantee. Four indiviudas have went to see the play and they loved it. So far....... So good........ I amin the Black :) Again, the play has changed me for the better.
Name: Marie LaBrosse
From: Port Charlotte , FL
Hobbies: sweepstaking
Occupation/Education: co-owner water well Drilling
Age: 54
Where they found out about Brooklyn : 2002 at Joe's Pub where I saw Eden Espinosa for the first time
Review: Bklyn is by far one of the most creative, soul touching pieces of work I have yet seen on Broadway. It's story pieced together by 5 street people pulsating the humanization and vulnerability of each of our frailities. But by the grace of God, go I. Even though the "fairy tale" is about a girl named Brooklyn ...look past that to the true tale being told here. The music is gospel, rock, soul, pop...that stirs something deep within you. How often do you go to a broadway show where tears flow freely down your face. When you leave...you, too, will say WOW!!!....I have to come back and see that again. A beautiful, beatiful show....out of the ruins of trash...