READ MyBKLYN REVIEWS
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Name: Maria
From: NJ
Hobbies: Cheer and Dance MOM
Occupation/Education:
Age:
Where they found out about Brooklyn : on the internet
Review: My daughter's best friend decided to take my daughter and I to Brooklyn for her birthday. We just went last week. It was wonderful. And this is coming from someone who goes to plays all the time. We just saw Hairsrpay 2 weeks ago. We saw Fame, 42nd street , cats Beauty and the Beast, I could keep going on and on and Brooklyn beat it all. It's not only a musical but it is full of drama. Just loved it. The girls were at the edge of their seat. Wicked was pretty much the only play that gave Brooklyn a run for it's money. That is where we first saw Edin Espinosa playing Elpheba. She is unbelievable. What a voice. Everyone in the play has a great voice but Eden takes my breath away. Great Play! Would love to go back!
Name: Karen G.
Email:
From: Long Island
Hobbies: Reading , Sewing
Occupation/Education: Bookkeepper
Age: 42
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Friends
Review: I loved the show! I loved the music! I laughed! I cried! I cheered!I I loved the set! I loved the costumes The acting is great! The characters wonderful! I went to be entertained and I was! I've read the reviews....GET OVER IT PEOPLE!
Name: Rocco
From: Massapequa Park , NY
Hobbies: Football
Occupation/Education: Mortgage Banker
Age: 43
Where they found out about Brooklyn : From a friend
Review: I thought that Bklyn was a fantastic show that held my attention the entire show. The music was awesome and the cast was second to none! Bravo Brklyn, the only real critics you should worry about are your audience, who leave loving what they saw!
Name: Cindy
From: Massachusetts
Hobbies:
Occupation/Education: Office work
Age: 53
Where they found out about Brooklyn : from Barri
Review: Barri is a very good friend of mine so myself and 5 other friends went to see Brooklyn .. It was wonderful, amazing, awesome, spellbinding, etc etc... I could go on and on.. It was an incredible show.. I've sent other friends to see the play and they came home with rave reviews also.. We all think its "a must see"... My love to Mark & Barri.. Cindy
Name: John Cameron
From: NY NY
Hobbies: Theatre
Occupation/Education: Media Consultant
Age: 31
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Variety
Review: Love the show. Seen it 3 times. But the critics do have some points. As someone in the entertainment business, may I offer the following observations. 1) Brooklyn as a little girl should be as short as possible...not comfortable with this grownup acting like a little girl for so long maybe street singer should take more of role in the growing up stuff. 2) Tears making roses grow....very goofy, very uncomfortable to sit in the audience and hear that.....people don't talk like that and neither should actors...it should be changed to something realistic. You should go through the play with a fine tooth comb for similiar lines that just don't work. 3) Why is Brooklyn 's dad playing with her at the battle of the singers? Never explained. Is he suppose to play guitar in the background? Maybe they should practice together a song and when he doesn't show up later, she either sings the same song or has to move onto something else more dynamic...more angry which causes her to lose. 4) If paradice is raven she should be wearing a long black robe for better effect. 5) Vietnam segment too long....maybe it should be gulf war....to more relate to today. Truth goes on too long. 6) Christmas makes me cry is wonderfully produced....but maybe you have something better in your song of songs. Not sure it works, its kind of like that "tears growing roses" line. 7) Entire cast should have more than a chorus to close the show, it should be longer. Cool Don't understand this magic man thing. Why isn't it just the street singer she's talking to...why does he have to be the magic man...isn't she suppose to continually build a relationship with him throughout the play. 9) MOST OF ALL, Hire a writer to fix whats wrong....a disney type writer. You have all the makings of a hit no matter what the critics say....but I get this feeling that everyone backstage is looking at this play through "rose colored glasses."...bring an independent voice to fix the holes. 10) Have the guts to realize it does have holes and fix them. You should promote yourself as the "The Big little musical" on Broadway. One site had the play as not good for families...I don't agree, but maybe you should change a line or two in Superlover for the matinees so you can be considered family friendly or make it a point in your promotion of the play that the matinees are family friendly.
From: Bethlehem , PA
Hobbies: Theater. books, Stained Glass, Travel,
Occupation/Education: Retired Teacher
Age: 60
Where they found out about Brooklyn : NY Times long before it opened
Review: Have followed the progress of the show from the first Web Page months ago. Ordered tickets before it opened. Enjoyed the build-up and excitement you caused on the Web site. Looked forward eagerly to seeing the show on Nov. 6. I was outraged when i read the opening reviews and thought once again, "Those damn critics seem more interested in killing Broadway than in encouraging it." We went on the 6th a little apprehensively, I must admit. Two minutes into the show and we KNEW that this was a show that would excite and thrill....and it did. The music knocked us out of our seats...what voices, what passion! The cast is perfecton personified! The production values are mind-bogglling. All those intricate ropes and panels, and the spray paint scene identifications reflect a real sense of innovation and originaity. And the costumes!! Wow! If they don't get a Tony nomination, there is no justice. The plastic bag gown and the duct tape dressd alone deserve admiration. In short, we were blown away by the show, and we disagree with those who claim the book is slight. Slight? It tells a moving, poignant, and involving, and often funny tale. I do hope you can keep it going, as word of mouth should do wonders in spreading the news that " Brooklyn " is indeed a very special, very entertaining, and highly creative production. it deserves to run as long the borough of Brooklyn has lasted!
Name: Michael Gioia
From: New Jersey
Hobbies: acting, singing and dancing
Occupation/Education: junior in high school
Age: 16
Where they found out about Brooklyn : on playbill.com
Review: The new musical hit of the Broadway season has landed at the Plymouth theatre in the heart of New York City . Brooklyn The Musical has the heart and soul that will brighten up Broadway opening October 21st. Set on a street corner in the midst of Brooklyn live five street urchins, also known as the "city weeds." These five people each have a heart the size of the big city they live in, but must sing for their supper, having no money and no home. As they sing their songs they begin to set up a fairy tale that centers around a little girl by the name of Brooklyn . Brooklyn, played by Eden Espinosa, is born in Paris , with her father living in Brooklyn , New York . As Brooklyn grows up, she longs to meet her father and discover who she is, also discovering fame on the way. Her powerful voice leads her to play at famous places in New York , while always singing the lullaby that only her father knows at every performance, hoping to hear it sung back to her. There's only one problem in her way- singing sensation Paradice. Without giving everything away, Brooklyn discovers who she is with different obstacles to overcome on the way. This musical is definitely a crowd pleaser. Normally, the cast receives a standing ovation at the end of the show, but the crowd roared and stood up in the middle of the performance after the show stopping number "Once Upon A Time," sung by Eden Espinosa ( Brooklyn ). The cast includes Eden Espinosa, Cleavant Derricks, Ramona Keller, Kevin Anderson and Karen Olivo, each having fresh and rare talent. Espinosa brings down the house with her powerful ballads, as does Ramona Keller with her voice and her dead on comedic timing. Tony winner Cleavant Derricks puts a soulful twist on a streetsinger living on the streets of Brooklyn . Kevin Anderson and Karen Olivo are also essential to the musical adding spunk and melodic harmonization with their great voices. Focused on the Brooklyn streets, all the costumes are made out of garbage bags and other objects that would likely be found at a garbage dump. The scenic design makes the audience feel like they are actually watching this as if they were outside on the street. Performed with no intermission, Brooklyn has the comedy, drama, love, and music that one looks for in an entertaining night in the city.
Name: John Newmark
From: Miami
Hobbies: too many to mention
Occupation/Education: Psychotherapist
Age: 39
Where they found out about Brooklyn : online....
Review: I saw Brooklyn in previews...one week before it opened and was BLOWN AWAY!! It was so unique in every way. The music, story, actors....all of it was so exceptional. I walked out in tears...I was so emotionally touched and so filled with spirit and feeling. I am spreading the word to all my New York friends.....I hope this show lasts a long time. DO NOT LISTEN TO ANY NEGATIVE CRITIQUES....anyone who criticizes this show simply did not get it. THIS SHOW WILL WIN A TONY !!!!!
Name: Grant Melton
From: Brookville , OH
Hobbies: Acting, Singing and Kate
Occupation/Education: School
Age: 16
Where they found out about Brooklyn : on Broadway.com
Review: OMG! I love Brooklyn ! There are few things I like better than Brooklyn ! Wait, I know whats better than Brooklyn ....Eden Espinosa! I fell in love with her at the Sunday matinee of Wicked (if you ever have a chance see that show to...but, see Brooklyn first) anyway, she had the most amazing voice! I loved Idina Menzel, I was so dissappointed she wasn't there but, then I heard Eden sing. It was like I had gone to heaven. Then fallen from heaven and went to OZ! She is great can't wait to see it again!
Name: Tess
From: Connecticut
Hobbies: swimming, music
Occupation/Education: (currently) Roger Williams University , Psychology
Age: 18
Where they found out about Brooklyn : friends
Review: I was invited by my boyfriend's family to see a new play one weekend that I was home from college. I had not previously heard of it prior to my trip to New York . I had only heard that Eden Espinosa was playing a lead and was extremely excited because I had heard of her work in Wicked (along with Idena Menzel). It was more amazing then I could have imagined. Each new scene literally gave me goosebumps. The story was moving and the songs were fierce. If I could of, I would have seen it a million times more just to take it in that much more. After the show, I was privledged enough to be able to meet most of the cast, and get autographs, which made the whole expirence. I'll never forget it and I can't wait for the soundtrack to hit stores!!
Name: Kory Geller
From: Yardley , PA
Hobbies: Dancing, Singing, Acting
Occupation/Education: Student
Age: 13
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Broadway On Broadway
Review: Being the theatre maniac that I am, I have just about seen every show on Broadway that I wished to. So, when watching the Broadway On Broadway telecast and witnessing the amazing "Once Upon A Time" led by the extraordinary, unbelievable powerhouse known as Eden Espinosa, my family immediately decided that this was the show for us. When in New York taking class with jazz master Luigi, my dad and I went over to the Plymouth Box Office to seal our fate. After purchasing front-row mezzanine tickets, I was overly content. Just two weeks until the experience of a lifetime. Unfortunately, the show did not receive such heartfelt reviews. My mom and I decided to keep this a secret from my dad and sister, so as not to spoil it for them. Still, we kept with our instincts and decided to go through with seeing the show. The big day finally came. When walking into the theatre, it didn't take long to notice that the reviews didn't affect anyone. The house was literally packed. As I slipped into my seat, I opened the Playbill cautiously. There is nothing worse than seeing that little white slip that informs you that the star will not be there. Luckily, Eden and Co. were scheduled to appear. I was officially ready. As the lights dimmed and the show began, I was immediately drawn to the edge of my seat. The cast really grabbed my attention and held on tight, with powerful storytelling and amazing vocal performances. After Brooklyn 's big number, "Once Upon A Time," I could hardly contain myself. Never in my life have I been so uplifted and moved by a single song, let alone a single voice! As the show came to a close and the final chords were played, I shot to my feet, along with the rest of the audience, filled with immense adulation. I felt like I knew the five performers. Even after leaving the theatre, I was still filled with the awe. Even now, it hasn't left me. I still think constantly about the amazing performances, the inventive sets, and the awesome costumes. I even just break out in song or begin to hum that little melody. Whatever the case, Brooklyn is in me. Come Tony time, I'm expecting a sweep, but if this does not happen, the producers, performers, and everyone else still have a lot to be proud of. They have captured the hearts of many people, or at least this satisfied theatergoer.
Name: Carolyn Sodini
From: Long Branch NJ
Hobbies: Travel, Theater, Opera, Reading
Occupation/Education: Retired MBA and RN
Age: 66
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Internet
Review: This is the review I wrote to our theater going friends after seeing Brooklyn on October 8th. Friday night, we saw Brooklyn , The Musical, which is still in previews at the Plymouth Theater in NYC, and is scheduled to open October 21st. We've been disappointed many times with shows in previews, including some with big names. But this was different. We think this show is a Wow - and I doubt that we are alone. The audience was lifted to it's feet more than once by the performances and music of an incredibly talented crew. They stood in line after the show to buy advance CD's and somehow didn't want to leave the theater. What makes this so special? The music and cast and story line are wonderful - and the song "Once Upon A Time" is just destined to be a hit. It's been a long time since we could sing and recall a song after leaving a new musical, but this one is still in my head. Brooklyn is billed as an "urban fairy tale." It's the story of a girl from Paris looking for the father she never knew on the streets of New York in the city that bears her name - -- - Brooklyn . The story is told by a group of New York street performers - and the setting is under an on ramp in Brooklyn . There are no intermissions - it is an open stage with all the changes done by the cast with props and costuming "from the streets." The music is a mix of pop and soul. The script carries some periodic "issues" but it never preaches and is well balanced with humor, so that it never gets too heavy and stays "entertainment." Eden Espinosa plays Brooklyn and this is a young woman who you know will go on to even bigger and better things. It's a name not to forget. She moved us to tears with her Once Upon A Time rendition. It is interesting to note that this is her first big Broadway role - she came to NYC from Disneyland and Universal Studios performances in LA - not a bad start for portraying an urban fairy tale. The entire cast is fabulous. There are only five of them and they carry the show with great ease and talent. Ramona Keller, who plays the black diva, Paradice, is fabulous, too. She has a great voice - sang one of the show's "show stoppers" - and has the ability to make you laugh and cry. In addition to a wonderful voice, she has great comedic style. She got to wear the best of all the costumes, which are all deliciously and creatively "street fashioned." This one was made out of black trash bags and silver duct tape with yellow caution strips. The stole was pure bubble wrap. The other performers were outstanding - what is remarkable is how they worked as a team, singing back up for each other when they weren't doing a featured number. There is no list of "stars" on the playbill, only featured actors. This is really a creative creation - Brooklyn is destined, we think, to a long long run. Some of the music can be downloaded at www.brooklynthemusical.com. The show previewed for six weeks a year ago in Denver and has had some workshop sessions off Broadway before this run began. It is the only new musical to open on Broadway this fall and it eclipses anything else around. If the critics don't love this show, we know for certain that they are impaired visually, emotionally and certainly with hearing.
Name: Elli
From: Brooklyn
Hobbies: Theater/Singing/Music
Occupation/Education: Entertainer
Age: 49
Where they found out about Brooklyn: from Eden at marty Thomas's Cabaret Show
Review: I had seen the three songs performed this summer at Broadway in the Park in Bryant Park and was NOT impressed. I had decided that Brooklyn would probably not be on my short list of shows to see this Fall/Winter. Then one night a friend called up and said he had an extra ticket, would I like to go.... well, I didnt have to be asked twice - A free show is a Free show! Turned out I was GLAD to be wrong. What a GREAT performance it was!My friend had box seats stage left, and that night turned out to be the last night of previews. I was amazed at the energy. The story caught my attention, the songs grabbed me and held me in awe for the enitre show. which I gladly would have stayed to see again (if it were a movie!) lol The enitre cast now holds a special place in my theater experiences and will be seeing me from time to time as I come back again and again. -elli-
Name: Zack
From: New York
Hobbies: Musicals,broadway
Occupation/Education: musical theater student
Age: 16
Where they found out about Brooklyn: denver
Review: I have my ticket already to see brooklyn on december 28, and i cant wait. I have been following brooklyn since the very beginning and well eden too cause shes amazing (saw her in wicked) and well once i heard the music i went nuts lol. I saw ramona keller in caroline or change where she was amazing , met her, and have a pic with her(same with eden) but i am very excited and many of my freinds have seen it and said it was amazing (i dont believe the critics, i dun like them) so see everyone there when i come, and then again i will write a review bye
Name: cleo sheehan
From: newyork city
Hobbies: dancing and swimming
Occupation/Education: i am in 7th grade
Age: 13
Where they found out about Brooklyn : my mom works as a theater rep for the village voice
Review: i have seen it twice and i thought that both times it was inspiring and funny and touching. its the best broadway show ive ever been to and i have been to quite a few. i would reccomend seeing it to anybody! brooklyn rocks!
Name: David Lee
From: San Jose , CA
Hobbies: running
Occupation/Education: Go Bears
Age: 26
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Broadway On Broadway
Review: When I saw Wicked, Idina Menzel was sick so her understudy filled in. At first I was disappointed but after seeing Eden Espinosa perform, I was amazed. I've been a fan ever since. I was not surprised at all when I found out she was staring in another show. Even so, I was blown away by her brilliant performance in Brooklyn . In fact, the entire cast of five is wonderful in what may be the most talented cast on Broadway. The audience is treated as each performer gets to showcase their talents in various solos as well as group numbers. An average story is overshadowed by a heartwarming twist at the end. As much as I loved the singing, maybe the best thing was the costumes. One of the most creative things I've ever seen on Broadway, and really gives you that NYC feeling. I can't say enough good things about Brooklyn and can't wait to go back and see it. Not your traditional musical sound, it has today's rock/pop edge to it. But I have a feeling others will love it too in a musical I can only describe as "Rent meets American Idol".
Name: Mariel Monteagudo
From: Staten Island , NY
Hobbies: Acting, Singing, College
Occupation/Education: Student, SUNY Albany
Age: 20
Where they found out about Brooklyn : I passed the theatre on the way to Avenue Q and went "Whoa..Awesome."
Review: I saw Brooklyn on September 24th, 2004 . It was amazing. The voices of all the actors and actresses were so different and yet, they're voices all blended together so beautifully. I was there with my parents and sister and we just sat in awe watchng every day objects become "Carnegie Hall" or wings and such. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever encountered. I had heard about it after walking by the theatre and at Broadway at Bryant Park. My first response for wanting to see it was because I had intitially heard Eden Espinosa as Elphaba at Broadway at Bryant Park and then I heard her again when Brooklyn was performed. After I saw it, I immediately listened to the 4 sample songs I had downloaded off the internet (and put on my ipod because I knew I had to wait to hear them for them to make any sort of sense). I'm yet to stop listening to it, and i'm going again. After the show, the cast and writers were so nice, they all came outside and even answered questions, they didn't run off after taking 6 pictures as I've grown accustomed to by some stage doors by the most prominant actor/tresses. I went home happier than I have in a long time. Hooray for Brooklyn !
Name: Bunny
From: Wheat Ridge , Colorado
Hobbies: Bicycling, Swimming, Yoga, Snowshoeing, Lighthouses, Bagpipes
Occupation/Education: Cost Accountant
Age:
Where they found out about Brooklyn: Opened in Denver
Review: I was among the privileged to see Brooklyn in it's "test" performance here in Denver . Live theatre has been part of my budget, even when I was too poor to have a budget. Brooklyn hit me like my first "Les Miz". It is that powerful, that much of who I am, that much of what I can relate to, with a libretto!!! I think what put me over the edge is the staging. For me, minimal equals imagination and symbolism. I could SMELL the street. I grew up in Boston in the 60s, and you sucked me right back there.
Name: Diana Davidson
From: Greenwich , CT
Hobbies: Horseback Riding, Singing, Running Cross Country, Skiing, Acting
Occupation/Education: High School, 11th Grade
Age: 17
Where they found out about Brooklyn : Playbill.com/ News about Wicked and its Cast Members (Eden Espinosa)
Review: I've been a fan of Eden Espinosa's for a little while now. I was a frequent visitor of various online forums related to the musical WICKED, and kept hearing about this amazing new rising star with a powerhouse voice. So one day I came upon an Eden Espinosa fan site, where I listened to an audio clip of her rendition of Defying Gravity... I was absolutely blown away and had officially become a fan. So back in September I read somewhere that she had left the cast of Wicked to star in the new musical, BKLYN!!! Living close to NYC, I convinced my parents that we should go see it. So we went on October 28th, within a week of the musical's opening. It was absolutely amazing! It was fresh, unique and entirely captivating: one of the most exciting hour and 45 minutes of my life. It takes Broadway, and strips it of the bells and whistles, and what you're left with is true quality theatre. There are no special effects, yet the production is as pleasing to the eye as any play on the Great White Way , if not more. The costumes, though made of trash (literally), are some of the best I've seen: a true work of art. The set is so convincing and extremely intricate. The music moved me to tears multiple times throughout the course of the musical. The plot is thick and ever-changing. I'm not going to disclose any plot points or secrets here, but basically the story line takes turns down unexpected paths that one never would have expected to exist, as if to say "follow if you dare!" Yet there is still a fairy tale feel to it that taps into the youthfulness and bliss in all of us. And, finally, the actors were exceptionally talented and their performances were awesome. I spent a considerable amount of time after the play was over contemplating and coming to terms with the notion that 5 people (well. 8 if you count the backstage people/ swings) could create such an amazing product. The numbers where the entire cast was singing sounded like they were backed by a full chorus (. and yes the 3 backstage people were singing but it still sounded like a lot more than 8 people were lending their voice). There is more talent on that stage than I thought even existed. Each and every one of the principals: Kevin, Cleavant, Eden , Ramona, and Karen, has a different, yet special gift to bring to the stage, and they each get their own time to shine. Eden was better than I had ever imagined her to be and even though I went into the play because I wanted to see her perform, I came out of the theatre completely enthralled by BKLYN as a whole. So basically, in a nutshell, the entire experience was profoundly moving. On a more realistic level, I'm not saying in any way that it was perfect, but it was pretty darn good. For those who enjoy art for art's sake, you'll love BKLYN. The epitome of the play is summed up in the lyrics of the opening (and closing) song: "There's a heart behind these hands, there's a soul beneath these clothes..".
Name: Linda Rubel
From: Owings Mills , MD
Hobbies: Reading , Broadway
Occupation/Education: part-time clerical/some college
Age: 63
Where they found out about Brooklyn : I saw it on a billboard in NYC
Review: My husband and I saw BROOKLYN together. I aboslutely loved it. The story line was a bit different, but the talent and costumes made up for anything negative. Eden and Ramona were so AMAZING!! The cast members were all wondeful! The audience, including my husband and myself were up and screaming at the end. I dragged my husband to the stage door to meet the "Stars." Eden, Ramona, and Karen came out and signed my book. They are so beautiful and talented. I would see it again if the opportunity arose. What a multitude of talent from the creators to the stars and the set and costume designer. This is just what Boardway needs -- some creativity.