Brooklyn Tour - 7/27/06

Hmm...where should I start? This show has more flaws in it than when I saw it in NYC, which I didn't think was possible. I suppose it was worth the $20 I spent on a ticket, but sheesh. I guess I'll just go over each actor individually.

Diana DeGarmo - The ONLY good thing about this show. Her singing is incredible. It's hard to believe she's only 18. She's gonna have a huge future ahead of her, if not in the recording industry then in the theatre world. She's the only thing I liked about this show.

Cleavant Derricks - He's too good for this show. Literally. His talents could be used on a much more meaningful show. His "Magic Man" is good. I don't understand why he would continue to do a piece of crap show, though. First in NYC and now here.

Melba Moore - Absolutely horrific. Her "Raven" made me want to shoot myself. What was that pathetic high note she tried to hold for a long time at the end? I wasn't expecting a Ramona Keller, but damn. I was at least expecting a little bit of talent. Her singing was atrocious, and her acting is not even worth mentioning.

Lee Morgan - Nice lower register, but when he tries to hit the higher notes, he doesn't quite make it. He has a nice presence on stage though. And a very sweet guy.

Julie Reiber - Her part is so terribly written that she doesn't even get to show off what she can really do. Not Julie's fault.

This show needs to get off the road NOW and stop boring audiences. Everyone around me was trying to figure out what the hell they were watching. The theatre wasn't even halfway full. It was pathetic.

Don't waste your time and money on this show like I did. Save yourself.

She's 19. And you're an idiot.

Finally, someone got it right. This show sucks.

It's good to know we have intellectual people on here like Zachary. That's reassuring.

She just turned 19 (June 17th I believe, as I just looked it up).

I stage doored and met everybody.

Oh! And here's a little tid bit for you guys. According to the stage door attendant, at the stage door the night before last, somebody pushed Melba down causing her to have a limp. I noticed it during the show, but wasn't sure if it really was that bad. But it is. I didn't know people in Dallas were so vicious.

Have fun Parks. Maybe Melba will be out tonight?

Hmmm...maybe the stage door guy just assummed it was because of the fall?

The guy was also saying that he's been doing the stage door for 19 years, and has never had to put up barricades before. However, Melba's management insisted upon them.

Here knees were bad in Minneapolis too. It has to be a persistent medical thing. And in MN we didn't have barricades at the stage door, so that is new.

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Saw it tonight--everyone was in. Great show. Went to the stagedoor--got pictures with Melba, Julie and Diana...my friend's hair got in the way of Diana's and my face. Melba and Diana seemed to be in a hurry to get out. I'm glad I finally got to meet Diana. I want to go back and bring her something--she really is amazing.

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[Quote]I'm glad I finally got to meet Diana. I want to go back and bring her something--she really is amazing.[/Quote].


Awww, Parks. You sound like you've got a crush.
Just teasing -I'm glad you got to meet Diana and she met your expectations.

no intermission. I was wondering what concert was going on at Smirnoff. I figured it was Kelly Clarkson after I got home. Should have hung around and listened...I thought somebody was just blasting music from their car at first.

And yes, I have a HUGE crush on Diana :-P

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Awww Parks, she's going to be in Dallas for another week. You've got time to make your move.
If she was in a rush at the stage door (which is unusual for her) I wonder if she was heading out to catch the last part of the Kelly Clarkson concert? It would make sense that two American Idol alum might want to meet up.

Hm, that would make sense, Marie.

and I really want to bring flowers. Now...do I put my phone number on the card?

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Saw the show tonight. I think that the biggest problem facing the production is the material itself. "Once Upon a Time" really stood out to me, as it was the strongest number in the score. The basic story is good, and I really liked the framing device used, by having the "city weeds" tell the story. However, when they randomly stopped the show to thank someone for giving money, I felt as though the show just...stopped. The set really impressed me, as did the creative costumes. While not the best I've seen in my life, they served their purposes very well. I particularly liked Paradice's hat of chip bags!
As for the cast, DeGarmo was the star. Her vocals were stunning, and her acting was great. Clevant Derricks was very talented, but I don't feel this was the role for his abilities. I'd love to see him in something else where he can shine even more. Melba more was alright. While she did the comedy very well, her vocals were just alright. Her "Raven" was very iffy. While some passages were wonderful, others were not pleasant to hear. Julie Reiber was excellent, despite her small role. I don't have much of an opinion on Lee Morgan. I had a tricky time hearing him(and everyone else, for that matter), partly due to poor diction, and partly due to the Music Hall's horrible acoustics.
I'm glad I got to see it, but will not be rushing back to this borough any time soon.

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