I was at the Sunday matinee and the show was fantastic.
Cleavant was born to play the part of Streetsinger. He is defiantly “The Magic Man”
Lee was terrific. His voice just gets you into his character of a tragic nam vet.
Julie is wonderful. I just wish that she had more of a singing role. I love her voice.
Melba I really enjoyed her performance. I thought she did a great job as Paradice. There no question that she still can sing and she had no problem with the difficult lyrics of “Superlover” and “Love Me Where I Live”. Melba’s rendition of “Raven” was outstanding.
Now, I’ve saved the best for last.
Diana’s voice is unbelievable. Her version of “Once Upon A Time” is breathtaking. Diana and Cleavant where fantastic in “Streetsinger”. There was a real connection between them. Diana has received some criticism about her lower register but I believe she has put these criticisms to rest once and for all with her beautiful heartfelt interpretation of “I Never Knew His Name”. Diana’s acting abilities has made her a credible theatrical actress and, I’m sure, would have a long career in legitimate theater is she so chooses.
I missed my chance to see Diana after the show but I did get to meet her when she was in “Hairspray”. Diana is very charming with an infectious laugh. I did get a chance to see Cleavant, Lee, and Julie at the stage door. They are also very pleasant and very easy to talk to. I hope that the people that will see the show in Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, and San Jose will be able to feel the magic of these wonderful performers.
"The secret of life is to appreciate the pleasure of being terribly, terribly deceived".
Oscar Wilde, A Woman of No Importance, Act 3