Barbara (and Kenneth) Reviews
Edinburgh Fringe 2024
★★★★★ North West End UK
“Giulietti is utterly captivating from the moment she struts onto the stage.”
”Combining warmth, kindness, and a surprising amount of humour, her performance as Barbara makes you truly understand how she can do anything she puts her mind to — and helps you believe you can do the same.
As for how she performs Laws & Leavitt’s charming musical numbers? My word, can this woman sing! Every song is pitch-perfect, whether she’s singing a rousing anthem about embracing the “boob revolution” or showing a more tender side in a slower number about being unapologetic in who she is. I could have listened to her all day, and would love to see her on a West End stage soon. Meanwhile, Jack Shapiro is a joy to watch as her doting beau, and his one solo song about confirming the fact he’s definitely heterosexual is a crowd pleaser.” Read more
“...Stunning, moving, and powerful.”
★★★★★
CurleySue Blog
★★★★★ Theatre Weekly
“This show is hard-hitting in all the right ways while also being clever, witty, effortlessly charming, and humorous.”
”The songs in this production were meaningful, impactful, entertaining, and were performed exceptionally well.”
“A show not to be missed with so much heart and positivity”
★★★★ Broadway Baby
"When you think you’ve seen it all, Lauren Laws surprises us with a brilliantly original show.
The humorous lyrics, paired with a lively and engaging score by Johnny C. Leavitt, have a vibrant, upbeat, musical theatre vibe that kept us thoroughly entertained. The music is well developed and shows great promise.
The performers’ interaction with the audience, at times, felt like watching a solo stand-up comedy show. An interesting and effective approach in a musical setting. Perhaps this is the direction musical theatre should head towards?
Giulietti’s vocals were exceptional, as was her acting, with little tricks woven into the choreography that showcased her multi-talented nature.”
“The best thing I saw at the 2024 Fringe.”
-More than one person
★★★★ Lost in TheatreLand
“Deánna Giulietti as Barbara is everything you could hope for, providing showstopping vocals, cheeky in her interactions with the audience, confident, charismatic, and bubbly. Her accessory Kenneth (Jack Shapiro) is also talented and delights with one solo number, which thankfully isn’t as long as Ken’s in the movie – as that would detract from the show’s message. Lauren Laws’ script is empowering whilst remaining light and fun; Johnny C. Leavitt’s songs are catchy and varied….This is a very fun hour of theatre, I was in awe of Giulietti’s talent throughout, she’s a true star and I can’t wait to see where this show goes next. It’s fantastic!” Read more
★★★★ Wee Review
“If the Magenta pink outfits, historical references and in-jokes weren’t enough then you must hear Giuletti sing. Her voice could easily compete with those found on Broadway.”
”With self-aware original songs paired with Giuletti’s soulful voice this show is sure to be a hit with Barbara lovers and musical fans.” Read more
★★★ The Scotsman
“Deanna Giulietti is a barnstorming Barbie with the pipes to lift the roof off this theatre, while Jack Shapiro makes the most of his camp cameos as Ken...Really not too much pink before lunchtime.” Read more