Brooklyn uses a play within a play structure having five street performers present the story of an eponymous Parisian entertainer, coming to New York and becoming caught up in a rivalry with Paradice, a local singer. She is simultaneously searching for her American father whom she has never met. The story is billed as "a sidewalk fairytale" but there is also a more challenging side with commentary about the various social problems that are faced in American society. Paradice is the villain of the piece but she is very much a product of her environment and, in fact, is seeking love as much as the heroine. The fairytale confirms love can grow and be found in even the harsh streets of New York. The production has a strong cast with Hiba Elchikhe as Brooklyn and Emily-Mae as Paradice belting out some powerful songs and also crooning some touching lyrics. John Addison was very credible as Taylor Collins, the absent father and another victim of the social ills of America. Sabrina Aloueche did a fine job as Collins' lost Faith, his Parisian girlfriend. Andrew Patrick-Walker as the narrator had a lot of edge but seemed lacking in empathy for the characters that he had apparently created for his street theatre. Since Brooklyn is supposedly French the soul-infused rock/pop score might have been enriched by a nod to the French musical tradition, perhaps an echo of Edith Piaf. Nevertheless, this is a show with lots of energy and positivity and the audience responds to it in kind.
Reviewed by J.C.
Our Score: ☆☆☆☆
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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until October 19, 2019
Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm, Sat: 2:30 pm
The Greenwich Theatre
Nearest station: Cutty Sark (DLR)
