BROOKLYN in St. Paul... — Page 2

Looks like the Pioneer Press loved the show!

The touring production of "Brooklyn" boasts some star power in its five-person cast. Former "American Idol" runner-up Diana DeGarmo plays the father-seeking singer named Brooklyn, while a pair of Tony winners — Cleavant Derricks and Melba Moore — lend splendid voice to their roles as the street-singer narrator and Brooklyn's villainous rival.

But Lee Morgan also deserves mention for a strong performance as the only character who really undergoes a transformation over the course of the show's intermission-free 105 minutes, Brooklyn's folkie father.

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While there's not much to the story, there's enough energy onstage to make a trip to "Brooklyn" a rewarding journey. And a plethora of clever staging ideas culminates in the "Salvation Armani" dresses fashioned from plastic bags and duct tape that are worn in the divas' final face-off.

http://tinyurl.com/fy4ve

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"I can detect small differences in the tone than what I'm used to."

I'm sorry?

I really wanna hear Diana sing Once Upon A Time.

Here is an incredibly positive review (mostly of the cast rather than the entire show). Regarding Diana: [Quote[The cast members are all blessed with amazing talent—vocals that will leave you breathless. More than once during the night, I could hear audience members speculate why actress Diana DeGarmo, Brooklyn and “American Idol” runner-up, didn’t win the title of America’s best new vocalist.
I don’t have words to describe how amazing DeGarmo’s voice was. I could not believe what was coming out of her tiny body. I would recommend the play solely for this reason. I’ve seen musicals with better plots and costumes, but I have never been so taken aback by anyone’s voice.[/Quote]
Regarding the overall show: [Quote]The costumes were hilarious, made out of “street props,” like caution tape, plastic bags, and duct tape. The City Weeds commented on them as well, making fun of themselves and giving the audience a laugh.
Despite the humor and marvelous voices, the plot line left me a bit disappointed. I was expecting that the play within a play would stop and the real story would take place. It’s an interesting concept to have characters acting as other characters, but it can be a bit confusing to the audience when roles aren’t clearly stated.[/Quote]
Rest of the review is


linked here

Great Pictures!
Looks like Brooklyn is getting very good reviews in MN (esp. for the cast!).

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Well, well, well. This is the third time Diana DeGarmo has "surprised" people in a musical theater role. Granted Brooklyn isn't Sondheim, but this young woman seems to be working very hard and making smart choices. Good for her.

My hope for Diana's next theatre venture is to see her open a new or revival show on Broadway (I think she was once linked to a Paint Your Wagon revival but I don't think that would be the type of show to really showcase her) so she can be eligible for a Tony nomination. I wouldn't have even considered putting her name in the same sentence with "Tony" one year ago but given her track record of success in West Side Story, Hairspray, and promising Brooklyn reviews, I'm starting to think the producers of any late 2007 or early 2008 Broadway shows need to think seriously about pursuing her for roles she'd fit. I can certainly see her as "Belle" in BATB, I could see her in Wicked, and I could see her in a couple other current shows but I think she needs to take the next step of opening a show and going for a nomination.

Here's a review on idolforums
6/15/06:
http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=437215

So last night I saw Brooklyn in St. Paul, the first stop on the national tour. I've seen over a dozen Broadway musicals on tour and in NYC. I am a HUGE idol fan. In season 3 Diana DeGarmo was one of my favorite performers. I always thought she was good singer but a bit rough around the edges. So I went with my brother and bought student rush tickets at the door ($23) and landed in the 6th row. Going into the show I had read some mixed reviews about the original broadway version so I wasnt sure what to expect. I knew the singing would be good, but I was still a bit hesitant.

Then the show started. The story is about a bunch of street singers who act out their own fairy tail. All of the costumes and sets are made of garbage, which was REALLY cool. Melba Moore wore a dress made out of caution tape and Diana wore a dress made of plastic bags. They were really awesome. While the story itself was a little sappy for my taste, it was undeniably entertaining. Melba Moore was delightful and hit notes I have never heard sung live.

Then came time for Diana's big solo "Once Upon a Time (pt 2)". From reading up on the show I knew that this was the big number but I still wasnt sure. It is about half way through the show and it is Brooklyn singing her first show at Madison Square Garden. I knew Diana was a good singer, but she has had the best vocal training I have ever seen since Idol. She was without question the best live vocalist I have ever heard. She was beyond breathtaking. I was in shock at how absolutely spectacular she was... and the rest of the audience took notice as well. Before she could even finish the song the audience was uproariously applauding as Diana hit the final power note of the song.

While Brooklyn itself is a decent show, the voices are top notch. The vocal abilitlies of the cast, spearheaded by Diana are extremely moving. Any American Idol fan should see this show.


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