Take the G train down to Fulton Street where you’ll find the BAM Harvey Theater showing Brooklyn Omnibus. Songs written and orchestrated by Stew and Heidi Rodewald present a musical mimesis of Brooklyn’s culture and its people. The song and lyrics provide a humorous interpretation of life in the borough that brings joy to the audience. The music is covered by a consortium of different instruments that set the mood for each of the songs. The vocals are covered by Stew himself and three backup vocalists, who give the music a harmonious feeling.
Brooklyn Omnibus was in fact an enjoyable experience, with its catchy tunes and funny poems. Poetry segments added structure to the performance while the songs added meaning to the writer’s message. The writer’s intention for the song track and poems was to pay homage to the borough and its unique set of cultures and neighborhoods. From Fort Green to Bushwick, the show describes and contrasts the diverse neighborhoods within Brooklyn.
The location of Brooklyn Omnibus, however, is rather peculiar. BAM Harvey Theater’s interior is old and decrepit with paint coming off the walls. When entering the theatre you receive a sense of decay, which can be distracting while viewing the show. While watching there is the constant fear of the entire theater crumbling and falling apart all over the audience.
After seeing Brooklyn Omnibus, my favorite songs were on repeat over and over again in my head for a week. A song that especially stayed in my head was “When the Bridges Disappear.” I was heavily enticed by the wonderful lyrics, which left me with a strong desire for a soundtrack. The hilarious poems and catchy songs by Stew made Brooklyn seem like a character within the show.
In general, the show represents Brooklyn as if it is its own country with its own unique culture and customs like the artistic land of Williamsburg and the health nut inhabitants of Park Slope, all being a reason why Brooklyn Omnibus should not be missed.
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Very nice article,,,,congrats
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