Posted: 3/1/08 at 9:53pm
So thanks to Jaystarr I was able to see In the Heights today. I was sitting in row F of the rear mezzanine, which actually was a pretty decent seat. The people around me were complaining about being so high up, but there was a perfect view of the stage so it really didn’t affect me at all. (It wasn’t like the seats at the City Center for Applause where the seats were terribly high up, and hat various bars, obstructing my view.)The crowd was among the most diverse I have ever seen for a Broadway show which I thought was great. (Perhaps a little rowdier than most, but very enthusiastic which was good!)
Now to the actual show. The set, first and foremost, was fantastic. I felt like I was in the middle of a neighborhood. The opening song really sets the pace that this is not going to be your average musical. Yes, there is some rap done by the main character and show writer Lin-Manuel Miranda, but that shouldn’t shy anyone away from the show. (He does a stellar job with it!) If anything I feel that this could help the show reach an even broader audience as it pleases both parties. The music itself is great, easily the star of the show. The pit has a little more brass than most Broadway shows and I really appreciated that. Another thing that immediately stood out to me was the lighting. I haven’t seen it used that effectively in a show on Broadway since Spring Awakening.
Song-wise my favorite of the show was “It Won’t Be Long Now.” Just from listening to the demos online that one immediately stood out. Karen Olivo has a great voice and that really showcased it! There is some impressive dancing thourghout the show and is really shown off in “The Club/Fireworks.” This is visually the most amazing part of the show. The second act contains the show’s only dud, a song called “Enough” that is not only dull, but doesn’t seem to suit Priscilla Lopez’s voice. I would hope that they would take that out before the show opens next week.
Overall, I loved this show and was ready to see it again the instant it finished. It feels alive like very few shows do. I feel next week when it opens we will be seeing reviews using the words “hot” and “sizzling” and I definitely think they apply. The bottom line here: Go see in the heights! Thanks again Jaytstarr!(hope you do eventually see this!)
I waited at the stage door, but wasn’t very successful. I got a handful of signatures, but most of the cast wasn’t signing. I can understand that on a two-show day they really need a break.
