Brooklyn is what it is. I thoroughly enjoyed the show. It's not in my Top 100 Musicals of all time, but I definitely enjoyed it. It doesn't deserve to be pre- judged. Many people hate it with a passion, because they find it to be mindless. This is a valid opinion. I personally happen to think that Brooklyn is a touching, simple story comparable to The Fantasticks in storytelling style with hints of other musical inspirations as well. While the lyrics are insipid at times, this is the intention... The form adheres to the story! It is street people telling a story, and in order to make that pretense realistic, the story/ lyrics must be a bit cliched/ obvious. I found every performance wonderful, especially Cleavant Derricks. The cast was extremely committed to the material, which I think is wonderful, considering the beating it has gotten.
The student tickets are great- always right in front, which is especially excellent at the Plymouth, where the side views are a 10. Brooklyn is definitely worth seeing, if only to form your OWN opinion. I'm glad I did, instead of judging the show simply by the score. A show CANNOT be judged by only a score. And in this case, I think the score has at least SOME merit, which is easier to see upon actually viewing the show.
[title of show] on Broadway. it's time. believe.