Diana Ross @ The Kings Theater Opened Last Night

[milven]

..................
Diana Ross takes the stage with the 'glamour of the Gods' at re-opening of Kings Theater in Brooklyn


It takes a star of regal-bearing to re-christen a venue like the Kings Theater in Brooklyn. For Tuesday's re-opening of this historic hall, the promoters found just the right imperial presence.

Diana Ross wafted onto the stage of the storied theater on Tuesday with the glamour of the Gods. Her still elegant figure, fussed-over locks, and sparkling procession of gowns offered the perfect reflection of a venue designed to stoke fantasy and escape.

Only towards the end of the show did the star acknowledge the parallel power of her surroundings. “Take a look around,” Ross instructed the crowd. “This place is so beautiful.”
In fact, the theater couldn't help but upstage the star. While Ross' set-list hasn't been updated since the '80s, the surroundings have the freshest possible gleam.

The Kings theater - built in 1929, just before the Depression hit - represents one of five New York "wonder theaters," created by the Lowe’s Theater Chain. The one-time movie palaces, located around the city, are currently in various stages of refurbishment. Over the last two years, Kings has received a $95 million renovation, a move that dovetails with an upgrade of its entire, surrounding Flatbush business district.

The Kings’ newly configured 3,676 seats offer ample room, while widened aisles allow for easy flow. Though the venue's design - fashioned in the French Renaissance style - embraces the rococo, it's not nearly as wacked-out as a sister venue, Inwood’s United Palace Theater, which was revived as performing arts center 8 years ago.

The lobby of Kings soars to a height of 70 feet, while lustrous walnut panels enrich its walls. Imposing Corinthian columns punctuate the walls, lit by Art Deco chandeliers above. Nearly 4000 feet of gold and scarlet carpet shield the floors, leading to towering stairways bordered by rich red marble. Together, it sets a scene glowing with history.

Miss Ross' performance drew on its own storied luster. The show reveled in the '70s and '80s, disco-era solo hits we've all heard thousands of times before - songs which are loved for just that reason. Of course, Ross also included many of her standards with The Supremes, a catalogue which, at this stage, tests the limits of familiarity - both hers and ours.

For most of the 90 minute performance, Ross barreled through her hits - and a few by others - as quickly, and efficiently, as possible. Throughout, she exuded the cheerful disengagement of classic Las Vegas extravaganzas. Only in her number from “Lady Sings The Blues” - the jazz-blues ballad “Don’t Explain” - did she snap entirely into the present. At that point, her vocals, which were otherwise fine enough, bumped up to show real feeling.

Then again, shows of this order surf on comfort and nostalgia, not challenge or contemporary connection. Future bookings for the hall also promise to push those elements. The coming line-up will feature artists like Gladys Knight, Crosby, Stills and Nash and the touring company of the play “Annie.” All plow straight down the middle of the road, offering nothing in the way of surprises or present-day relevance. Luckily, the theater itself provides all the special qualities a memorable night out needs.




http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/diana-ross-performs-hits-re-opening-kings-theater-article-1.2102592

[marv2]

"While Ross' set-list hasn't been updated since the '80s, the surroundings have the freshest possible gleam....."


As I have said.

[Roberta75]

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/diana-ross-shines-as-a-1920s-new-york-theater-reopens-its-doors/

http://nypost.com/2015/02/04/diana-ross-shines-at-kings-theatre-grand-re-opening/

Well done Diane. Real nice reviews.

Roberta

[sansradio]

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/diana-ross-shines-as-a-1920s-new-york-theater-reopens-its-doors/

http://nypost.com/2015/02/04/diana-ross-shines-at-kings-theatre-grand-re-opening/

Well done Diane. Real nice reviews.

Roberta

Thanks for links, Roberta! "The Beyonce of disco and Motown," though? Hmmm...not sure how I feel about that. :D

[marv2]

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/diana-ross-shines-as-a-1920s-new-york-theater-reopens-its-doors/

http://nypost.com/2015/02/04/diana-ross-shines-at-kings-theatre-grand-re-opening/

Well done Diane. Real nice reviews.

Roberta


" On Tuesday night, Diana Ross, the Beyonce of disco and Motown, made her entrance from the rear of the Loews Kings Theater, belting "I'm Coming Out," a catchy hit by the Supremes that climbed the charts only a few years before the grand venue closed down."

She needs to update her show. People are starting to forget.......

[Roberta75]

" On Tuesday night, Diana Ross, the Beyonce of disco and Motown, made her entrance from the rear of the Loews Kings Theater, belting "I'm Coming Out," a catchy hit by the Supremes that climbed the charts only a few years before the grand venue closed down."

She needs to update her show. People are starting to forget.......

But that the good Lord Diane has you to catalog her every movements.

Roberta

[carole cucumber]

"While Ross' set-list hasn't been updated since the '80s, the surroundings have the freshest possible gleam....."


As I have said.

Here's some other performers whose acts this hard to please reviewer is sure not to like :

Future bookings for the hall also promise to push those elements. The coming line-up will feature artists like Gladys Knight, Crosby, Stills and Nash and the touring company of the play “Annie.” All plow straight down the middle of the road, offering nothing in the way of surprises or present-day relevance.

Poor Gladys....

[Roberta75]

Here's some other performers whose acts this hard to please reviewer is sure not to like :

Future bookings for the hall also promise to push those elements. The coming line-up will feature artists like Gladys Knight, Crosby, Stills and Nash and the touring company of the play “Annie.” All plow straight down the middle of the road, offering nothing in the way of surprises or present-day relevance.

Poor Gladys....

LOL Gladys Knight and Bubba Knight has been doing the same dated comedy schtick since 1990 but it still work so why change it.

Ive seen the Tops and the Temps may times and the act rarely if ever change. Barry Minilows act is the same for decades but its still a real good show. The First Lady Of Motown Dr Martha Reeves adds jazz to hers and holiday music which the audience loves.

Roberta

[marv2]

Here's some other performers whose acts this hard to please reviewer is sure not to like :

Future bookings for the hall also promise to push those elements. The coming line-up will feature artists like Gladys Knight, Crosby, Stills and Nash and the touring company of the play “Annie.” All plow straight down the middle of the road, offering nothing in the way of surprises or present-day relevance.

Poor Gladys....

Sorry for any confusion Carole, but this thread and it's review is about Diane.

[RobertZ]

LOL Gladys Knight and Bubba Knight has been doing the same dated comedy schtick since 1990 but it still work so why change it.

Ive seen the Tops and the Temps may times and the act rarely if ever change. Barry Minilows act is the same for decades but its still a real good show. The First Lady Of Motown Dr Martha Reeves adds jazz to hers and holiday music which the audience loves.

Roberta

Let's hope they book our Dr. Reeves! [[It's ironic, isn't it, that someone here always says the same thing about someone else always doing the same act, but I digress ...)

[jobeterob]

Did somebody post this review yet?


February 4, 2015 | 4:25am

Diana Ross shines at Kings Theatre grand reopening
Diana Ross performing at the historic Kings Theatre in Flatbush, Brooklyn on February 3.
Photo: Sharon Beason


The shirts were buttoned up, the fox pieces were out in force, and the new-carpet smell was overpowering. But for the grand reopening of Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre on Tuesday night, it was Diana Ross who brought the real glamour factor.

Although Flatbush legend Barbra Streisand would have been the popular pick, it was Ross who was asked to be the first act to play inside the ornate venue, which has finally been restored to its former glory after being abandoned for decades.

“Tonight, the Kings Theatre is as much of a star as Diana Ross,” former Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz told The Post enthusiastically before the show. Ross must have heard him, because for the duration of her 90-minute set, the Motown star made sure that no building — no matter how lusciously decorated — would steal her spotlight.

She made her entrance from the back of the room, running through the aisles while breathlessly singing “I’m Coming Out” and trying to keep her billowing blue dress together, before launching into a blitz of Supremes songs including “Baby Love” and “You Can’t Hurry Love.” Despite the odd audible crack, her voice is in good shape after January’s Japanese tour, and any shortcomings were papered over by her infectious energy and beaming smile.


Modal Trigger

A police officer stands guard at the reopening of the Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre Tuesday night.
Photo: AP

The 70-year-old may have a reputation as a diva, but Ross seemed more up for a party than some of the crowd. During a funky mid-show medley that included a striding version of her 1980 disco smash “Upside Down,” she pulled an enthusiastic crowd member up onto the stage to dance. With a couple of security guards smelling blood, she waved them away and allowed her super-fan to shake a major tail-feather, before embracing him with genuine warmth.

Her desire to put on a show is still admirable, but there were brief moments when the enjoyable, Vegas-style kitsch crossed over to unpleasant, dinner-show schmaltz. “Theme From Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You’re Going To)” in particular remains unbearably sappy 40 years on, and Ross herself seemed to have little time for it, singing a shortened version clumsily and quickly, as if to get it over with.

Ross saved enough energy to power through a version of Gloria Gayner’s “I Will Survive” not once, but twice. The second time was extrapolated into a family sing-a-long, as Ross invited her daughter Rhonda [[also a gifted vocalist) and actor son Evan onto the stage. Evan was accompanied by new spouse Ashlee Simpson and her 5-year-old son Bronx, who looked amusingly reluctant to join in the fun. Maybe he’s more of a Donna Summer kind of dude.

[carole cucumber]

Please note that the portion that I quoted and to which marv2 objected is part of the first review posted and accordingly open to comment. It reveals an inherent bias present in the mindset of said reviewer.

[RobertZ]

Please note that the portion that I quoted and to which marv2 objected is part of the review and accordingly open to comment. It reveals an inherent bias present in the mindset of said reviewer.

Indeed! Because the review mentioned the theatre itself along with Ms. Ross, your mention of upcoming performers at the theater was logical; I for one understood. Did you get to see the show, CC?

[marv2]

Please note that the portion that I quoted and to which marv2 objected is part of the first review posted and accordingly open to comment. It reveals an inherent bias present in the mindset of said reviewer.


I did not object to anything in that article. In fact, I thought they were right on! What they were essentially saying is that that old theater was now fresher than Diana Ross' act!

[Roberta75]

Let's hope they book our Dr. Reeves! [[It's ironic, isn't it, that someone here always says the same thing about someone else always doing the same act, but I digress ...)

it would be great to see the First Lady Of Motown Dr Martha Reeves booked at this venue. Ive wrote the Hollywood Bowl 3 times asking them to book Dr Reeves so Im hoping they do book her this year.

IMO the said person has protection in this here forum and thats not gonna change anytime soon. Hes the one that called Diane Ross almost morbidly obese lol and has claim that Miss Diane Ross is broke and lost all her money investing with Bernie Madof but cant provide proof or links because it isnt true. Its real funny his obsessions with Diane Ross.

Fondly,

Roberta

[marv2]

IMO the said person has protection in this here forum and thats not gonna change anytime soon. Hes the one that called Diane Ross almost morbidly obese lol and has claim that Miss Diane Ross is broke and lost all her money investing with Bernie Madof but cant provide proof or links because it isnt true. Its real funny his obsessions with Diane Ross.

Fondly,

Roberta

Don't you worry about that. Diana Ross is an old woman, wearing old dresses, singing old. old songs, the same old songs she's used in concert for the past 35 years in a old newly renvovated theater in a bad part of Brooklyn. The theater appears to have been the real attraction based on the writers review.......!

[dba]

Why when some people post to this Forum does a nasty smell enter a thread?

[carole cucumber]

I did not object to anything in that article. In fact, I thought they were right on! What they were essentially saying is that that old theater was now fresher than Diana Ross' act!

"Then again, shows of this order surf on comfort and nostalgia, not challenge or contemporary connection. Future bookings for the hall also promise to push those elements. The coming line-up will feature artists like Gladys Knight, Crosby, Stills and Nash and the touring company of the play “Annie.” All plow straight down the middle of the road, offering nothing in the way of surprises or present-day relevance. Luckily, the theater itself provides all the special qualities a memorable night out needs."

Since you do not object to ANYTHING in this article, you must agree with Mr. Farber, concerning artists that offer 'comfort' and 'nostalgia' [[such as former Motown artists who perform either their own hits or those of others, from Gloria Gaynor to Lena Horne) will pale in comparison to the surroundings in which they shall perform, if invited.

[skooldem1]

First Nighter: Diana Ross, 70 Going on 22, Glamorously Re-Opens Brooklyn's King's Theatre

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-finkle/first-nighter-diana-ross_b_6616200.html?utm_hp_ref=entertainment&ir=Entertainment

[jobeterob]

This is one heck of a review! Thanks Skooldem1!

David Finkle Become a fan
Writer, Drama Critic


First Nighter: Diana Ross, 70 Going on 22, Glamorously Re-Opens Brooklyn's King's Theatre


Posted: 02/04/2015 4:32 pm EST Updated: 22 minutes ago

Diana Ross -- Miss Ross to you, Diane to family and [[Motown) friends -- heart-stoppingly opened Brooklyn's restored King's Theatre last night [[Feb. 3) by entering from the back of the vast, spectacularly refurbished auditorium.

On the way to the stage, very appropriately singing "I'm Coming Out," she passed me within five feet. She was wrapped in a ruffled and fluffy celadon robe and looking very much like a Floating Island dessert, looking like Bali H'ai sailing by. For a woman now 70, she also looked as she has for the couple of decades since she's sported the signature flying coiffeur.

She also sounded as she has ever since the earliest Supremes days. The barely altered voice is bright, strong, slightly nasal and filled with jubilation. I contend now -- and have since I was reviewing her singles and albums for Record World, the now defunct trade magazine -- that the smile was the major impetus for Ross's enormous appeal. It's the source of her charisma and is lodged in the Great Silver Screen Smile Pantheon with the smiles of Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn, Julie Christie and Julia Roberts.

Once Ross reached the stage, she beamed throughout and certainly through the four -- count 'em 4 -- costume changes. Those who were present expressly to see the wardrobe will have noted that the celadon robe and glittery green body-hugging gown [[everything she wore hugged the still thin and supple form) was followed by a red outfit, a silver outfit, a yellow outfit and a black outfit -- "my going home clothes" is how she described the final frock.

[[Who's behind the meant-to-dazzle ensembles? Since no word on a designer has arrived by press time, this bedazzled spectacle spectator can only guess at Bob Mackie or maybe the lady herself, who once thought about designing fashions.)

What did she sing? What do you think she sang? The first segment of the tireless 70-minute show was devoted to the Top 40 [[usually chart-topping) Supremes singles. Walking back and forth across the wide stage and frequently raising her arms to embrace the sold-out house, she delivered trimmed versions of the hits. They were mostly reduced to repeated hooks, as if she'd had them arranged to reflect contemporary songs that simply repeat one or two declarative phrases until they finally stop.

Was that bothersome? Was it bothersome when glaring, blaring lights above the proscenium hit the crowd every time she sang "Stop!" during her bow to "Stop! In the Name of Love." No, it wasn't bothersome. It might have been if she'd skipped the modulation in "Baby Love" that ranks with the most enthralling modulations in the history or arrangements. But, thank providence, she didn't exclude it.

[[In place of Supremes Mary Wilson, Brenda Ballard and Cindy Birdsong, she had Valerie Pinkston, Lamont Van Hook and Fred White behind her. She referred to them not as "back-up singers" but as her "voices.")

For her second section, she covered the post Supremes years. For the third, she included the movie songs -- "Ease on Down the Road" and "Don't Explain," and for the fourth, "I Will Survive," which she'd covered after Gloria Gaynor had declared herself the original survivor. For most of the familiar material [[a sizable hunk of it now 50 years old) she flashed the famous wide, rectangular smile and sauntered elegantly. The only time she stopped moving was when she sang Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain."

And if you ask me, the "Don't Explain" rendition, recalled from her Lady Sings the Blues triumph, was the high point. For the only time in the set, she acted the lyrics, proving she's an accomplished jazz stylist as well as the actress we all know her to be. She never impersonated Holiday, as, for instance Audra McDonald recently did sublimely on stage in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill. Instead, she brought herself to the role--and still is bringing herself to it.

Needless to say, it wasn't the sensational Motown house band playing for Ross but a nine-man combo that helped her raise the stunningly gaudy King's Theatre roof off its renovated hinges. They were George Svetich, Michael Sechrest, Gerald Brown, Cecil Thomas, Mark Miller, John Isley, John Scarpulla, Carl Fischer and Ronald Powell.

They handily recreated the unique Motown sound, and it's unlikely that any of the Motown men could or would have done what percussionist Powell did: roll a tambourine up one arm, around the back of his neck and down the other arm. That was only one of the devices used to cover the minutes Miss Ross was in the wings changing.

In all, you have to say that while appearing to be enjoying herself completely--adored while not begging to be adored, as too many divas do--she gave the audience exactly what they paid to see.

She also had the good grace to praise the theater where she'd been tapped to break revived ground. She encouraged the crowd to look around, which is just what they should have made sure to do in appreciation of what $95 million has done to reopen a 1929 edifice, designed by Rapp & Rapp. As part of its history, It was shuttered In 1993 and left to fall in on itself for too long.

Now revitalized by Johnson + Martinez Architecture, it's intended by the money spent [[$50 from the City, $45 from private donors like Goldman Sachs) not only as the reintroduction of a neighborhood pleasure palace but also as the fulcrum of a Flatbush revival. Which makes especially cogent its arrival the same week Mayor Bill de Blasio begins plugging for citywide rezoning.

How quickly King's Theatre will fulfill that part of its mission remains to be seen. [[A proposed new and nearby hotel isn't promised imminently.) Nothing, however, can gainsay Diana Ross's five-star inaugural appearance in the hallowed space, making it not one but two comings out.

[blackguy69]

This is one heck of a review! Thanks Skooldem1!

David Finkle Become a fan
Writer, Drama Critic


First Nighter: Diana Ross, 70 Going on 22, Glamorously Re-Opens Brooklyn's King's Theatre


Posted: 02/04/2015 4:32 pm EST Updated: 22 minutes ago

Diana Ross -- Miss Ross to you, Diane to family and [[Motown) friends -- heart-stoppingly opened Brooklyn's restored King's Theatre last night [[Feb. 3) by entering from the back of the vast, spectacularly refurbished auditorium.

On the way to the stage, very appropriately singing "I'm Coming Out," she passed me within five feet. She was wrapped in a ruffled and fluffy celadon robe and looking very much like a Floating Island dessert, looking like Bali H'ai sailing by. For a woman now 70, she also looked as she has for the couple of decades since she's sported the signature flying coiffeur.

She also sounded as she has ever since the earliest Supremes days. The barely altered voice is bright, strong, slightly nasal and filled with jubilation. I contend now -- and have since I was reviewing her singles and albums for Record World, the now defunct trade magazine -- that the smile was the major impetus for Ross's enormous appeal. It's the source of her charisma and is lodged in the Great Silver Screen Smile Pantheon with the smiles of Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn, Julie Christie and Julia Roberts.

Once Ross reached the stage, she beamed throughout and certainly through the four -- count 'em 4 -- costume changes. Those who were present expressly to see the wardrobe will have noted that the celadon robe and glittery green body-hugging gown [[everything she wore hugged the still thin and supple form) was followed by a red outfit, a silver outfit, a yellow outfit and a black outfit -- "my going home clothes" is how she described the final frock.

[[Who's behind the meant-to-dazzle ensembles? Since no word on a designer has arrived by press time, this bedazzled spectacle spectator can only guess at Bob Mackie or maybe the lady herself, who once thought about designing fashions.)

What did she sing? What do you think she sang? The first segment of the tireless 70-minute show was devoted to the Top 40 [[usually chart-topping) Supremes singles. Walking back and forth across the wide stage and frequently raising her arms to embrace the sold-out house, she delivered trimmed versions of the hits. They were mostly reduced to repeated hooks, as if she'd had them arranged to reflect contemporary songs that simply repeat one or two declarative phrases until they finally stop.

Was that bothersome? Was it bothersome when glaring, blaring lights above the proscenium hit the crowd every time she sang "Stop!" during her bow to "Stop! In the Name of Love." No, it wasn't bothersome. It might have been if she'd skipped the modulation in "Baby Love" that ranks with the most enthralling modulations in the history or arrangements. But, thank providence, she didn't exclude it.

[[In place of Supremes Mary Wilson, Brenda Ballard and Cindy Birdsong, she had Valerie Pinkston, Lamont Van Hook and Fred White behind her. She referred to them not as "back-up singers" but as her "voices.")

For her second section, she covered the post Supremes years. For the third, she included the movie songs -- "Ease on Down the Road" and "Don't Explain," and for the fourth, "I Will Survive," which she'd covered after Gloria Gaynor had declared herself the original survivor. For most of the familiar material [[a sizable hunk of it now 50 years old) she flashed the famous wide, rectangular smile and sauntered elegantly. The only time she stopped moving was when she sang Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain."

And if you ask me, the "Don't Explain" rendition, recalled from her Lady Sings the Blues triumph, was the high point. For the only time in the set, she acted the lyrics, proving she's an accomplished jazz stylist as well as the actress we all know her to be. She never impersonated Holiday, as, for instance Audra McDonald recently did sublimely on stage in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill. Instead, she brought herself to the role--and still is bringing herself to it.

Needless to say, it wasn't the sensational Motown house band playing for Ross but a nine-man combo that helped her raise the stunningly gaudy King's Theatre roof off its renovated hinges. They were George Svetich, Michael Sechrest, Gerald Brown, Cecil Thomas, Mark Miller, John Isley, John Scarpulla, Carl Fischer and Ronald Powell.

They handily recreated the unique Motown sound, and it's unlikely that any of the Motown men could or would have done what percussionist Powell did: roll a tambourine up one arm, around the back of his neck and down the other arm. That was only one of the devices used to cover the minutes Miss Ross was in the wings changing.

In all, you have to say that while appearing to be enjoying herself completely--adored while not begging to be adored, as too many divas do--she gave the audience exactly what they paid to see.

She also had the good grace to praise the theater where she'd been tapped to break revived ground. She encouraged the crowd to look around, which is just what they should have made sure to do in appreciation of what $95 million has done to reopen a 1929 edifice, designed by Rapp & Rapp. As part of its history, It was shuttered In 1993 and left to fall in on itself for too long.

Now revitalized by Johnson + Martinez Architecture, it's intended by the money spent [[$50 from the City, $45 from private donors like Goldman Sachs) not only as the reintroduction of a neighborhood pleasure palace but also as the fulcrum of a Flatbush revival. Which makes especially cogent its arrival the same week Mayor Bill de Blasio begins plugging for citywide rezoning.

How quickly King's Theatre will fulfill that part of its mission remains to be seen. [[A proposed new and nearby hotel isn't promised imminently.) Nothing, however, can gainsay Diana Ross's five-star inaugural appearance in the hallowed space, making it not one but two comings out.
Brenda Ballard? I wasn't aware Flo had a 15th sibiling? Lol or is it her 16?

[Bokiluis]

I hope she read this fair review. Heaven knows I love the woman dearly. But I can recite the setlist in my sleep. When she had new material in the 90s, the show's were very fulfilling. Because since "The Boss", most often when she was promoting a new album, she dug deep into that album and gave us new material. [[At one date when "Take Me Higher" was released, she did 7-8 songs....same for "The Force Behind the Power").
Now she just plays to the masses, not trusting that there are songs like "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me", "Love is Here and Now You're Gone", how about a medley of "Love Child w/I'm Living in Shame" that ardent fans along with casual fans would enjoy.
When she ressurrected "Reach Out I'll Be There" it was wonderful.
How about a section saluting "Chic/diana". Don't know if it ever was true that she added "Have Fun [[Again)"" a few years back.
I have always believed she can do "When You Tell Me That You Love Me", a hit internationally, but, not here...because it sounds like a Diana Ross song. The engaging "Change of Heart" with its instantly contagious hand choreography is another example.
That said, as long as I have the ability, I will always attend any dates that are near me. [[But I miss those days like "Here and Now/"The Force Behind the Power Tour" when I literally saw her around the world. The surprise to be in Budapest where she did songs from the Great American Songbook was great).
She has given me so many nights of pleasure that it feels wrong to complain, but, with a repertoire like hers.....it could still be so much more.
Thankfully, she still sells out the majority of her dates. And I love it!!!!

[dba]

and the Times weighs in . . . with slide show. From my tenth row center seat, I had a blast.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/05/arts/music/diana-ross-reopens-the-kings-theater-in-brooklyn.html?hpw&rref=arts&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0

[daviddesper]

I am seeing her in Charlottesville, VA in less than 24 hours [[Thursday the 5th.) I am not a professional writer by any stretch, but I will try to give at least some kind of report as to how it went.

[TheMotownManiac]

I did not object to anything in that article. In fact, I thought they were right on! What they were essentially saying is that that old theater was now fresher than Diana Ross' act!

As a first hand account will verify, that is a true statement. My favorite song of the night, the ebullient "Come See About Me" and eerie "Don't Explain" were worth the two day trek. I miss going to several shows in a row, but jut cannot justify the expense for a set list that is so committed to memory, I not only sing a long, but breathe in e same spots Dana does, and recite her few spoken words with her. I'm glad she removed "My World is Empty Without You" I'm sick of it. She doesn't care. Her fans stood and partied and loved her he entire show. Sports stars, politicos, entertainers all cheering Dana on. Natalie Cole knew every word to Take Me Higher, Do You Know and sang along with the rest of us. Diana has no reason to change the set list to sell out and bring joy to all. Except one thing most of the die-hard fans I know were missing.

[dba]

9025 As always looked and sounded amazing

[milven]

Don't you worry about that. Diana Ross is an old woman, wearing old dresses, singing old. old songs, the same old songs she's used in concert for the past 35 years in a old newly renvovated theater in a bad part of Brooklyn. The theater appears to have been the real attraction based on the writers review.......!

What is it about Brooklyn that attracts these seventy year old women to go there in old dresses and sing decades old songs that they have used in converts for the last 35 years? Don't they know that they leave themselves open for criticism by some? :rolleyes: Poor Diana and Mary. When will they learn? :rolleyes:;)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uciZTl9hUB4

[dba]

A great review from Billboard magazine: http://www.billboard.com/articles/6458459/diana-ross-brooklyn-kings-theatre-concert-review

9026

[RobertZ]

Here's a link to a terrific review in today's NY Times, along with some great pictures. I wish I could have been there; looks like another blast provided by the ever-wonderful Ms. Ross!

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/05/arts/music/diana-ross-reopens-the-kings-theater-in-brooklyn.html?ref=arts#

[milven]

This is the second time that Diana opened a brand new [[or in this case, newly refurbished) theatre. In 1975. she was the premier act at the brand new Westchester Premier Theater in Tarrytown, NY. We had to wear tuxedos to sit in the audience. It was a beautiful 3500 seat theatre. Diana and the theatre were both appreciated by the audience. Sadly, the theatre did not survive [[rumors of mafia control and other scandals led to its bankruptcy) and was torn down to make way for an office building.

The new Kings is beautiful. There are still a few of these beautiful old regal movie palaces left. How great it is that they refurbished this theatre and we will be able to see some of the great legends there in the future. I am a theatre freak and love to look at old theatres. I had a ball when they refurbished all the theatres on 42d Street and enjoyed taking tours in the theatres .

This weeks audience must have had a ball seeing two legends at once, The KIngs and Diana.

[RobertZ]

This is the second time that Diana opened a brand new [[or in this case, newly refurbished) theatre. In 1975. she was the premier act at the brand new Westchester Premier Theater in Tarrytown, NY. We had to wear tuxedos to sit in the audience. It was a beautiful 3500 seat theatre. Diana and the theatre were both appreciated by the audience. Sadly, the theatre did not survive [[rumors of mafia control and other scandals led to its bankruptcy) and was torn down to make way for an office building.

The new Kings is beautiful. There are still a few of these beautiful old regal movie palaces left. How great it is that they refurbished this theatre and we will be able to see some of the great legends there in the future. I am a theatre freak and love to look at old theatres. I had a ball when they refurbished all the theatres on 42d Street and enjoyed taking tours in the theatres .

This weeks audience must have had a ball seeing two legends at once, The KIngs and Diana.
I, too, saw Ms. Ross at the Westchester Premier Theater opening week, though not on opening night. Sandy Baron [[the comedian) was her supporting act. WPT was a great place to see concerts; I saw Gladys Knight & the Pips, The Spinners, Lola Falana, Aretha Franklin, Sonny & Cher, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, and probably a few more there. It was indeed one of the places where Jimmy Hoffa was said to be buried, as well as the location of a famous photo of Sinatra in the dressing room with well-known mob guys.

[jobeterob]

The particular concert has been a huge high point for Diana Ross. EVERYONE is reviewing it. It is relatively rare to get Billboard Reviews, so this is a BIGGIE!

[RobertZ]

The particular concert has been a huge high point for Diana Ross. EVERYONE is reviewing it. It is relatively rare to get Billboard Reviews, so this is a BIGGIE!
Absolutely, and it's great to see and well-deserved. Here in the NYC area it's been a nice month's time for Motown, between Ms. Ross' Brooklyn success, Stevie Wonder's MSG blowout, and the excellent Temps [[and good Tops) reviews at the Palace. Mr. Gordy sure hath wrought for the ages!

[RobertZ]

9025 As always looked and sounded amazing

That is a perfect picture; thanks for posting!

[skooldem1]

This concert has received tons of media coverage. The NY Times, Billboard Magazine, the Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, NY Post, Daily News, CBS news, etc. Diana also received major coverage by all media outlets regarding the announcement of her mini residency in Las Vegas. Career wise she is in a great place.

[captainjames]

Diana really did it....................She found a way to reconnect with the fans as she promised a while back !!! Spreading LOVE !!!!!

[jobeterob]

I saw that Vanity Fair has also reviewed it.