BROWNSVILLE BRED

Elaine's writing and acting are both at the highest level. There are no caveats here: Brownsville Bred presents heart-full, bright, intelligent, universal truths, all delivered by a captivating and skillful actress. Dip into her world--you'll never forget it, and you'll always treasure it.... full review

Elaine is a joy to watch on stage as she shares her story of growing up in Brownsville. The power of this tale sneaks up on you as you becoming transfixed by the twinkle in Ms Del Valle eye as she tranforms from character to character. ... full review

Elaine Del Valle and a charming, charismatic and optimistic woman. Her infectious smile and Brooklyn accent will capture you instantly as she takes us on a journey through her childhood neighborhood in the Brownsville projects. The writing is strong and her seamless transitions between characters are even stronger. Director Paul J Michael has masterfully guided a stunning performance from Del Valle. She'll have you laughing and crying and leave you wanting more. Open, honest and heartfelt - this is a definitely must see. ... full review

Theater of Note is such a great Space. I had heard of it many times before I had ever performed here recently and am glad to be a part of its history. The show opens with good use of the theaters projection screen. After a blackout we hear a beautiful voice and a woman sitting on a trash can appears, setting the tone. Its quite lovely. The set is minimal so you know props are "as needed" and the rest lay in the hands of the actress. The opening lines I took note of were "She lives in brownsville and she wanted to be black" Also that she didnt know her brothers and sisters had different parents until she got to school and found out they all had different last names. But shes not complaining. Welcome to Brownsville! Del Valle uses her spac... full review

Brownsville Bred presents a personal story of growing up in the projects and ultimately moving out and up in a quest for the American Dream. Elaine Del Valle is an extremely captivating performer who takes the viewer on an emotional journey with poignance and humor. However, the resolution of the piece was thematically unclear. It is truly a success story but it leaves the audience to wonder: what is the responsibility of this artist to the community which inspired this piece? As an advocate for autism fundraising, her efforts are inspiring but how can the performer and this production spur the same interest in supporting the numerous low income communities in our country that desperately need financial attention? Nevertheless, as a st... full review

Elaine De Vall is a very charismatic performer with a terrific gift for humor that enables her to tackle some very dark themes in both an enlightening and uplifting way. This show is a terrific journey, I enjoyed the ride! ... full review

Elaine Del Valle's open-hearted performance and genuine smile will win you over, but it's her ability to find humor in a very personal story about a difficult upbringing in Brownsville that makes this show great. Well worth it! ... full review

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, an... full review

I'm always in awe of performers who can write their own material and perform it in the way Elaine did with her maevelous story about her upbringing in Brownsville New York. It is a poigniant humerous tale of her trials and tribulations in this getto area and her ultimate triumph in the face of many pitfalls during her life. She comes across as a beautiful, likable and genuine character and I must admit I was mesmerised by her performance. I wish her every sucess with it in future!!... full review

Despite some technical difficulties, this piece of theater was superb! Pre-show video set the stage for the story of Elaine del Valle, a Puerto Rican child growing up in the black projects of Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York. Despite the backdrop, the story was powerful and well acted. Elaine made a believer out of me. This was a true story of overcoming adversity and becoming much more. I was on my feet by the end of the piece. Well done!... full review