A Change of Heart- Brooklyn

[Mobstar]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 11:44am

Dear Brooklyn,
OK I surrender. In the past I have been occassionally critical of the play, still I think for good reasons. There are some holes in the story, I wasn't crazy about "tears watering roses"(twr) and I still hate the Mommy, Mommy part.

But I must say, I saw the play once again on Saturday, Jan 29th 2PM and I have a change of heart. It really is such an uplifting, fun and different play that it must last on Broadway. "There's just nothing like it around"...and I know when you write a line like that it only opens you up for jabs....but on Saturday, the crowd just seemed to LOVE the play. I think I spent more time looking around at the crowd as I did on stage and I saw lots of smiling faces and lots of applause throughout. It just seemed to click on Saturday and people loved it. At the end everyone in the theatre stood up and applauded, no one pulled them out of their seats and made them do it.

I didn't hear any growns as I have before when the near end line of TWR ...because Julie, Eden's understudy said it with a smile and bit of jest in her voice. In my few times seeing Brooklyn it's the first time I've heard it said that way or maybe it was the first time I was listening....but that line now worked, because it wasn't trying to make a dramatic point, it was a cute line between a daughter and her father. It was a way to wrap up the play from the TWR line in the begining. I don't know if Eden says it the same way and I would love to hear from people who have heard Eden recently and know if she does.......but it just worked that time.

Brooklyn, I must tell you, the "Mommy, Mommy" thing still bugs me and from looking around the audience and speaking to the many people I was with that day, that part was uncomfortable for them. Without being pushed, each person I was with mentioned that as being the only thing they didn't like about the play...it made them feel awkward and uncomfortable. Even when I looked around the theatre at that part, I saw more people rubbing their heads. Although some of that part is sweetened with humor to take away the bad taste....Too bad you can't at least shorten it and maybe not jump up and down on the bed so much...Oh yeah, a couple Less "Mommy" words would be nice too. If a producer reads this I do hope you will give it some thought. Just an opinion but I do believe shortening it will only strengthen your play.

Thanks Brooklyn, to the many people who write on this site. They gave me insight to look at different aspects of the show, or how things connect from one scene to the next. I think all those things helped me to reexamine and connect with the play more.

The stage direction, the movement of the sets is just candy for the eyes.
The Music becomes more and more pronounced and fulfilling everytime you hear it. Kevin's "Stay in the Shadows, or in the light" never sounded more beautiful, and really I think has become a defining song for the play. Superlover is great if you just let yourself have fun with it and the variety of music from gospel to pop is just a unique way to hear new music.

For those who doubt, I only suggest you see it again...yes of course get RUSH tickets and go to a matinee so you don't have to pay so much, but see it again and maybe you'll see it in a different light....but maybe not....it's hard to change peoples opinion, and I know that many have their own ideas of what not only Broadway should be but must be. And yes I know, you think Brooklyn won't last and you hate "Mommy, Mommy" as much as me.

So I'll keep praying that Brooklyn keeps going. For those who disagree,
God Bless You, I'll come see the plays you like too....for those who love Brooklyn, pray for it to keep going, not just because we love it, but because it's just adds another dimension, a different kind of show to Broadway.

Oh yeah, and if you agree, maybe you could pray about shortening that
"Mommy" thing too or start a campaign! Thanks for reading.

Brooklyn Believer

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 11:48am

Good for you for sharing such an honest opinion and putting yourself out there... Truly.
I think Brooklyn has redeeming qualities too.

[La Vie Boheme]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 11:51am

Yeah i can see why people don't like it but I think the cast is made up by some strong vocalists...especially the femailes of the cast. Probably one reason why i like the show is because I like the cast and even though the story is weak, the cast makes up for it in places.

also: Pay no attention to Theatreguy2...ill bet he'll be on here any minute just bashing Eden

~Peace Out~

[RumTumTugger22]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 1:26pm

the story line is ehh dare i say awful? But the cast is amazing there's no doubt about that.

[mallardo]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 1:38pm

If the story line was awful people wouldn't respond to it the way they do. To me the story line works for the concept and for the songs. It's a terrific show, period.

[Phantom Chicken]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 1:41pm

I have to admit - I have been VERY against the show from the beginning.

I am planning on seeing it over the weekend to finally form my own opinion, so I went to the BKLYN site to hear the music. I must say, I was quite impressed. I mean, it isn't the best - but it was good - better than most people say.

I will def. post a review after I see it....

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 2:03pm

I was pleasantly surprised by the show considering all the negative things I had heard about it. All the actors were terrific, and I loved the music. The storyline may be a little weak, but overall I thought it wasn't a bad show. I've definitely seen worse.

[lna]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 5:33pm

Phantom Chicken, why were you against the show from the beginning if you hadn't seen it or heard the music?

I decided I wasn't interested because I did hear the sample CD, and the songs did not appeal to me. Nothing I've heard since (about the music or the story) has changed my mind. But whenever I hear about an original musical going to Broadway, I usually give it the benefit of the doubt, at least until I've heard some of the music.

What biased you against it from the start?

Just curious.

[sports620]

Posted: 1/31/05 at 11:05am

on the subject...does anyone know how in demand the rush tickets are for brooklyn. I’m sure not at all, but do you think I can just go get them at 5pm for that night instead of when the BO opens at 10?