Saw Brooklyn this afternoon and I have to say it was totally worth my trip to the Bushnell just to see Diana DeGarmo in this role. She was fabulous. We all know she is an incredible singer, but who knew she could act??? I loved her in Hairspray and she proved in Brooklyn that she can carry a show.
The show itself? Well, Brooklyn has a very weak book and only a few of the songs are standouts. Upon second viewing (saw it on 8/23/04 in NY), I realize that it is not a very good show. I did enjoy the performances, some of the costumes (the one with the black garbage bags, the "do not cross" police lines and the bubble wrap shawl is awesome) and some of the songs. I would say, if you're in the area, that it is worth seeing just for Diana's performance.
Cleavant Derricks was great as usual, in the role he originated and Lee Morgan and Julie Reiber were fine in their respective roles. I must have seen Melba Moore on a good day becuase I thought she was fine. I had heard a bunch of horrible things about her performance, but I thought she did a good job. I only noticed two flubbed lines on her part (which she caught and fixed immediately) and "Raven" was excellent. The Hartford audience seemed to enjoy the show as a whole.
At the stage door, there were tons of teenage girls from the Diana DeGarmo fan club there. Diana was extremely nice to all her fans, signing autographs and taking pictures. I also got to meet Cleavant Derricks and Melba Moore, both were very gracious as well. I must say that Melba looks great for age 60!
Overall, a fun day for a road trip and time well spent.
Updated On: 6/24/06 at 09:11 PM