Streaming 22 March – 4 April – book via www.stream.theatre/season/51
4****
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
A face-meltingly talented cast and classy design make BKLYN a must-see production.
Mark Schoenfeld and Barri McPherson’s urban fairytale is told by a group of street performers. Together they share the story of Brooklyn (Emma Kingston), a young musician who travels from Paris to New York to find out what she can about the father she never met and the place she’s named after. The tragic story of her parents guides her and as she becomes famous in the States, she always sings her parents’ unfinished lullaby in the hope that her father will one day join her on stage to sing together. But there is already one diva in Brooklyn, and Paradice (Marisha Wallace) is never going to step out of the spotlight for the young newcomer.
It’s a simple story, and you can see exactly where it’s heading, but Dean Johnson’s slick direction makes you forget the plot’s shortcomings. The derelict feel of the room the characters gather in, full of crumpled paper and rickety chairs is perfect for the downbeat beginning as the street performers and band appear. This contrasts beautifully with the warmer lit sections portraying Brooklyn’s story.
The music is what the show is all about, and there are some barnstorming numbers from the brilliant divas Marisha Wallace and Emma Kingston. Sejal Keshwala and Jamie Muscato’s duet is beautiful, and Muscato singing Sometimes will give you goosebumps. Newtion Matthews is smooth and soulful as Street Singer, but when the five vocalists are singing together the uplifting harmonies are sublime. This is a cast you will want to listen to all day.