Has Anyone Seen The Understudy for Lin Manuel Miranda in In The Heights? — Page 2

I saw Javier Munoz the Wednesday night after they won the Tony for best musical. I honestly think that this show would be fine without Lin playing Usnavi. I half jokingly call it the Bob Martin factor. There were people on here who were saying that there is no way Drowsy could continue when Martin was leaving to do the show inLondon because no one could replace him etc. However, the show did more then fine after he left and he had some replacements who did a good enough job to keep it going.

I feel the same thing for Lin. Yes, he created the part but it can be done by other people. I remember hearing a story from him at the stage door about how he originally never intended to do the role of Usnavi. He said that he was doing a work shop where the actors only had 20 hours to learn their parts. And, they were having trouble finding an actor who could handle the rap so he did the role in the workshop and sort of just took it from there. I don't think that by not having Lin in the role that the show suffers at all. The music is stil the same. The story is still the same and the message is still the same.

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I saw an understudy on Wednesday night
he was really good and had a really nice voice, but, as expected he jus did not have Lin's presence. I personally felt that he fell into the background and really did not become the "star" of the show...
but for having such big shoes to fill, he did well!

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I disagree about Lin being Usnavi. I think people felt the same way about Bob Martin in Drowsy. That no one else could be the role. Yet, when he left do do the show in London people who said that were proven wrong and the repalcements did a wonderful job.

I am sure the same will happen for In The Heights if and when Lin leaves.

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To parrot everyone else, I saw Javier Munoz as well and thought he was wonderful. I hope he becomes the replacement.

And I don't mean to brag but I did perform in two shows with him... when he was my counselor at Camp Broadway.

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Were there a lot of people at the lottery?

Isn't this the first time that Shaun has been on in the role of Usnavi since the show opened on Broadway?

I take it that Javier is still out of the show. Anyone hear how he's doing?

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Last night was Shaun's first time on, I believe. He's also going on both shows today.

Updated On: 7/30/08 at 10:28 AM

Does anyone know if Lin Manuel Miranda is back from vacation? Thanks.

I usually don't write on the boards, I'm more the reading type :) But I have to share that I saw Javier Munoz last night go as on Usnavi and I was beyond impressed. I thought he was perfect in the role and was so charmed with his charisma. I'm crossing my fingers that he takes over as the replacement, he is perfect for the role!

Updated On: 12/10/08 at 11:22 AM

I just got back from seeing the show via lottery and have to say Javier was phenomenal as Usnavi.

Tonight's understudies were: Javier as Usnavi, Eliseo as Kevin, and Tony C. as Piragua Guy

This was my sixth time seeing the show, and I have to say it was revitalized compeltely by Javier and Eliseo. Around the 4th time, I found scenes with Carlos Gomez (especially the book scenes)to drag and although I've seen Eliseo as Kevin before, I really didnt appreciate him until tonight. His lower range is good, but he really shines in the higher notes and it really makes his moments and his songs special. I especially love his "NINA!" at the dinner scene right before "The Club". Carlos' "Nina!" has always been really lackluster and lacking effort. Eliseo screams it to perfection (think: Nessa in Wicked after Wicked Witch of the East, when she says "Elphaba!") It's just one line but really powerful if done correctly. Javier really annunicated the part, more so than Shaun or Lin have ever done it - which I liked - and he played it with a lot of emotion and heart (unlike Shaun Taylor-Corbett who I saw a few weeks ago, and I felt he completely phoned in the performance). I have to say I found Javier's Usnavi more likeable than Lin's. Javier played it with a bit more innocence that really made you care about his character and his journey. If you can make it, I'd definitely try and see him in his last show tomorrow night - Lin is back on Saturday. I'd also like to add, Marcy's Vanessa is getting much stronger. The last half of "Champagne" was absolute perfection - she played the combination of desperation (for Usnavi to stay) and anger (at herself for possibly being too late) phenomenally.

And yes, Javier is seXxxy

I agree with every word that dshnookie has said. I saw the same cast at the Wednesday matinee and absolutely loved it. I liked LMM a bit better vocally, but not being an English native speaker, I appreciated the fact that Javier Munoz was easier to understand than LMM when singing.

I believe he's out the whole week

ohh
thanks! I think we'll be seeing something else :/