My overall impression
Elaine took the stage with a contagious smile and effervescent glow, instantly winning over the audience and maintaining that charm the whole show through. Her tale of growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn is filled with equal parts tears and laughter, and Del Valle’s lovely, open-hearted acting swiftly transitioned between both with ease. Her unending optimism, despite poverty, violence, loss of loved ones and personal innocence, never lingers in somber melodrama too long, and gives great insight to being raised Puerto Rican in predominantly black projects.
The piece would have seemed like yet-another one person show turned confessional if it weren’t for Del Valle’s presence and humor. She definitely has the chops to engage an audience, and a perspective unique enough to be worthly sharing, en masse, with LA audiences.
