David Goes to In the Heights thanks to Jaystarr!....and loves it!

[dave1606]

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.

[dave1606]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 9:54pm

Updated On: 3/2/08 at 09:54 PM

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 10:03pm

Glad you enjoyed the show! I was there today as well, up in the last row.

Your second picture didn't work.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 10:26pm

Dave-

Youre welcome and I am glad you enjoyed the show! Great review and reading it made me feel that I was there with you. I dont know if I will the see show, most likely not. I only have three shows left this season- N2N, South Pacific & Gypsy and I will take a long break on Broadway after that.

I love "It Wont Be Long" too.. that's actually my favorite song in the show. I agree with you about the band that's very brassy...ala Celia Cruz.. that's one thing I love about the production when I saw it on 37 Arts.

I am glad you love the show..its probably one of the most original show that I saw on Broadway.. this one & Passing Strange...

J*



Updated On: 3/1/08 at 10:26 PM

[antiandrewx]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 11:04pm

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

What time did the show let out?

[george95]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 11:08pm

I'm curious about how the In the Heights audience was rowdy---was it like a cellphones-and-conversation rowdy or was it a cheering-and-clapping type of rowdy?

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 11:30pm

I know you didn't ask me, but the show let out at 4:30.

I was in row H in the mezz, and apparently people seemed to think if you sit up there, you can talk. They did not shut up.

[Cape Twirl of Doom]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 11:54pm

I'm curious about how the In the Heights audience was rowdy---was it like a cellphones-and-conversation rowdy or was it a cheering-and-clapping type of rowdy?

I was at the evening performance tonight, not the matinee (LOVED it btw!) and the crowd seemed to be very whistle-y. Like when you see two people kiss and the audience starts whistling. Also, I was in the front row and the group behind me, right before the show started, were talking about how they were planning on taking pictures of the show and how it's allowed because no one told them not to. *rolleyes* I didn't see a flash but right at the beginning of the show during Grafitti Pete's entrance, I heard an usher sternly tell them "Put that camera away right now," so I guess they were just about to start taking photos. I mean who does that!? And from the second row!?

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 11:54pm

Dave, glad you enjoyed the show. When I saw the show last weekend, the audience was very responsive and enthusiastic.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 11:56pm

The audience was very responsive, in a funny way. You would hear everyone whistle, or "Oohhhhh!". It's nice to see everyone getting so into it.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 12:00am

Was at the matinee today as well - LOVE THIS SHOW !!!

5th time SO FAR --- question for anyone that might have seen the show more than one time since the previews started on 2/14.

There definitely seemed to be some little dialogue changes, but I couldnt put my finger on them !!! Anyone?

As far as the audience. I was in Row H, towards the right side, and while I heard a little talking here and there, it was ok.

I think the crowd just really gets into this show (sometimes a little "whistle-ly", but I love the enthusiam !!!) People seem to love the Benny/Nina storyline.

Matinee was totally sold out today. So good to see !!!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 12:01am

There was a school group there last weekend. They made comments like that, but I thought they were very well behaved. I loved seeing them at the stage door getting excited when someone from the show exited. They all wanted their pictures taken with them.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 12:02am

I was in Row H, towards the right side, and while I heard a little talking here and there, it was ok.


That would be funny if you were sitting next to us.

Some of the dialogue did sound different, but I could figure what it was either.

EDIT: One thing I did think of- Sonny's big "speech" in "96,000" sounded different to me.

Updated On: 3/2/08 at 12:02 AM

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 1:35pm

There were definitely changes, and its really annoying me that I dont know specially what they were ! I also dont remember the dance sequence during "Paciencia y Fe", but that could just be me not watching closely enough !

[jaystarr]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 2:30pm

Wow! I did not realize that you posted the playbill too. That's nice! Its like my Report.. I love it!
Anyone interested in seeing GYPSY & SOUTH PACIFIC with me? (free ticket but need to write the 10 Things I like & I Did not like parts )

J*


Updated On: 3/3/08 at 02:30 PM

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 2:35pm

Thanks for your review! I'm glad you had a great time. I'm seeing this show in a few weeks, and looking so forward to it!

Thanks for sharing what time it was over dancingthrulife04! It is very helpful!

[RyToast1]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 2:36pm

JAY!! CAN I GO TO GYPSY WITH YOU?!?!?!??!

[jaystarr]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 2:39pm

Updated On: 3/3/08 at 02:39 PM

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 2:40pm

I also dont remember the dance sequence during "Paciencia y Fe",

That was there last weekend.

[RyToast1]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 2:43pm

Oh Jaystarr....haha! You're so right!

[dave1606]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 3:30pm

i need a better way to post pictures though...its clunky to just make separate posts. but yes, jay i tried to make it as much like your reports as possible!

[dave1606]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 3:48pm

I would so help you write your review/do stagedoor Jay. just to put in my plug for south pacific!

[jaystarr]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 6:37pm

Updated On: 3/3/08 at 06:37 PM

[dave1606]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 6:54pm

Well you let me know if he changes his mind on south pacific. Thankfully gypsy has a rush so i will probably be able to see that.