I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#1

Posted: 2/18/09 at 12:38am

and I decided to put everyone I heard about it aside because the last time I went into a show *coughspringawakeningcough* with high expectations I was completely let down and wound up loathing the show.

Around 5:30 I walked into the box office and I saw the understudy board, 4 understudies.
Elise Santora was on for Abuela Claudia
Krysta Rodriguez was on for Carla
Doreen Montalvo was on for Daniela
Janet Dacal was on for Vanessa

I had an excellent seat, orchestra row H, seat 109. The people behind were a little talkative during the show but not so bad, still it would have been nice if they were completely silent.
The audience as a whole was very lively and very appreciative, which is always nice.

On to the show...
It was beyond amazing. I loved the score but I was nervous because I knew some of the songs have Spanish in them and I don't speak Spanish but I was able to infer what was going on and had no trouble following the show. I also loved the book and don't know where to start with the choreography. The set was very nice and served it's purpose, I would have liked if they had a set that was actually indoors for Abuela's house and Nina's parents house but it wasn't a big deal.

The performances...

Javier Munoz was phenomenal. His acting and singing was amazing and his resemblance to Lin was uncanny! I was listening to the recording and he does sound similar to Lin, his voice isn't higher but more gentle... if that makes sense.

Elise Santora did a great job and played a very layered Abuela, I would love to see her take the role full time one day.

Doreen Montalvo was on for Daniela stole the show for me, her comedic timing was perfect and she was just phenomenal, she's another one I would love to see take over full time.

Krysta Rodriguez as Carla had me cracking up the whole show, she definitely stuck out when on stage and was one of my favorite performances of the show.

Rick Negron and Priscilla Lopez were great and played there roles very well.

Robin De Jesus also had me cracking up the whole show and was one of the highlights of the evening.

Janet Dacal was a wonderful Vanessa. She has such a stunning voice and is so fun to watch, I would love to see her take over the role one day.

Christopher Jackson played an excellent Benny, I felt he displayed many different emotions which I liked.

Mandy Gonzalez was great she has a beautiful voice and her songs were just so enjoyable to listen to.

The rest of the cast did an excellent job and gave a very enjoyable performance!

The stage door was a very nice experience, all the leads signed except for Priscilla Lopez and Rick Negron who didn't come out. They all posed for pictures and were very nice and friendly, especially Javier, Krysta, and Mandy!


Why I waited so long to see this, I don't know. But, I don't regret it because this was an amazing performance and I'm happy my first experience was a great one, I plan to return.

2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5 May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot

Updated On: 2/18/09 at 12:38 AM

[ljay889]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#2

Posted: 2/18/09 at 12:49am

Does Janer keep her curly red hair for Vanessa, or does she have a wig?

[TimeSquare3]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#2

Posted: 2/18/09 at 12:55am

I would think that if Marcy didn't have to have to wear a wig, Janet wouldn't either.

<<-- Help save Terminator: SCC
"The gay one?" -- Marissa Jaret Winokur on the Jonas Brothers.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#3

Posted: 2/18/09 at 12:57am

It was her real hair, no wig.

2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5 May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot

[mormonophobic]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#4

Posted: 2/18/09 at 1:17am

I'm glad you enjoyed it. In my opinion you were quite lucky to get Krysta as Carla. Why I love Janet in the role (she kind of makes it for me), Krysta is a fabulous actress and just seeing her as a background dancer is honestly a crime. NO OFFENSE whatsoever to her normal role in the show, as I would give my firstborn and left eye to do anything with this show. But my first experience with ITH she was on as Nina. And even though when I saw it on Sunday Mandy was on for her original part and was beyond superb, Rodriguez brings a little something special to everything she does. So yay.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#5

Posted: 2/18/09 at 1:23am

Why so many understudies? I really think it's pretty annoying to go into a show and see that four of the principals are out.
Seems like you have to go back to see Andrea Burns' scene-stealing turn as Daniela, she is simply wonderful in the part. I can't imagine seeing the show without Lin and without Karen Olivo. I'm sure it's still great though, I'd love to see it again once there is a completely new cast in.
Glad you enjoyed it, it really is a wonderful show with a beautiful, fun score, and a really neat cast.

"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#6

Posted: 2/18/09 at 1:36am

You're post reminded me to give my thoughts on Doreen, who actually was my favorite of the night! I don't know how I forgot her.


I was also wondering why so many were out, the only thing I could think of was maybe they were to run down from doing a show on Monday. I overheard Doreen say she found out at 5:30 she was going on tonight.

2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5 May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot

[CSonBroadway]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#7

Posted: 2/18/09 at 6:51am

How much was your ticket?

I'm a professional. Whenever something goes wrong on stage, I know how to handle it so no one ever remembers. I flash my %#$&. "Jayne just sat there while Gina flailed around the stage like an idiot."

[Drunk Chita Rivera]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#8

Posted: 2/18/09 at 7:08am

"Why so many understudies? I really think it's pretty annoying to go into a show and see that four of the principals are out."

Well there was only actually three out. Janet was technically not out she was just in a different part.

Marcy is on vacation for three weeks
Janet is playing Vanessa for three weeks
Krysta is playing Carla for three weeks (but she might end up playing Vanessa sometime during the three weeks Marcy is out.)
Olga is in Brazil on vacation (her birthday was on Sunday)


And did Janet straighten her hair? She looks amazing with straight her (with curly hair too) Updated On: 2/18/09 at 07:08 AM

[wonkit]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#9

Posted: 2/18/09 at 10:31am

I had four understudies when I saw it a few weeks ago. It didn't bother me, even though one of the people out was Miranda.

I have to say that I really enjoyed the show and thought all of the performers were giving 110%. On the other hand, I don't find myself listening to the cast album or having any desire to see it again.

Not being critical - just my reaction.

[sgv123]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#10

Posted: 2/18/09 at 11:12am

Thanks alot for the review. I got to see Krysta as Carla a couple of weeks ago, and I agree with what you said. She is amazing in that role. She is amazing on stage and it is nice to see her in a part rather then in the ensemble.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#11

Posted: 2/18/09 at 3:41pm

CS, My ticket was $60, I used the BroadwayBox.com discount code.

DrunkChita, she had curly hair and I finally get your user name!

2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5 May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot

[CSonBroadway]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#12

Posted: 2/18/09 at 4:36pm

Sorry to keep asking you questions Wishing, however, when you go up to buy tickets...do you just ask for the full price and then they take off half of it with the discount?

I'm looking into buying tickets at the box office for a future date, not for the day I buy them.

I'm a professional. Whenever something goes wrong on stage, I know how to handle it so no one ever remembers. I flash my %#$&. "Jayne just sat there while Gina flailed around the stage like an idiot."

[sgv123]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#13

Posted: 2/18/09 at 4:45pm

You use the code on broadwaybox, and it directs you to broadwayoffers or ticketmaster to buy the tickets online.
Updated On: 2/18/09 at 04:45 PM

[CSonBroadway]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#14

Posted: 2/18/09 at 4:46pm

Can you use the code at the box office...I don't use credit cards to get tickets.

I'm a professional. Whenever something goes wrong on stage, I know how to handle it so no one ever remembers. I flash my %#$&. "Jayne just sat there while Gina flailed around the stage like an idiot."

[DottieD'Luscia]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#15

Posted: 2/18/09 at 4:49pm

The discount can be used at the box office. You just have to bring the printout from Broadwaybox, or whatever discount site you're using.

Hey Dottie! Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany

[yankees1253]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#16

Posted: 2/18/09 at 8:09pm

nice to read the understudies did very well. i am glad that krysta is out of the ensemble for three weeks and janet is the lead for three weeks. its great javier had a wonderful first show as full time usavani.

during the no me diga janet, mandy, andrea, and kryta have great chemistry together.

[steven22]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#17

Posted: 2/18/09 at 8:46pm

how was Elise Santora as Abuela Claudia ?

[DottieD'Luscia]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#18

Posted: 2/18/09 at 9:16pm

When did Blanca Camacho leave?

Hey Dottie! Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany

[Testing1232]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#19

Posted: 2/18/09 at 9:49pm

Does anyone know how long Olga is going to remain with the show?

Love her to death !! Just thinking of possible replacements--
I could see Natalie Toro playing Abuela Claudia

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#20

Posted: 2/18/09 at 11:24pm

Steven, Elise was great! Although, I felt she looked a little to young for the role and you could easily tell the gray hair was a wig, it just didn't fit her.

2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5 May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot

[dancingthrulife04]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#21

Posted: 2/18/09 at 11:26pm

Dottie - I don't remember exactly when, but Blanca left late November/early December.

http://www.beintheheights.com/katnicole1 (Please click and help me win!) I chose, and my world was shaken- So what?
The choice may have been mistaken, The choosing was not... "Every day has the potential to be the greatest day of your life." - Lin-Manuel Miranda "And when Idina Menzel is singing, I'm always slightly worried that her teeth are going to jump out of her mouth and chase me." - Schmerg_the_Impaler

[broadwayfan7]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#22

Posted: 2/19/09 at 8:08am

I love when Krysta plays Carla. She is terrific! Glad you enjoyed the show!

"Everytime you step on that stage it is somebody's first Broadway show and somebody's last Broadway show. Make it count."

[steven22]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#23

Posted: 2/19/09 at 8:36am

I've "heard" Blanca as Abuela and she sounds great!

[NGeorgiaBwayFan]

re: I just saw 'In The Heights' for the first time...#24

Posted: 2/19/09 at 12:07pm

I saw Janet as Vanessa in October. She was fabulous! We were disappointed that Karen had left the show by the time we went, but Janet was wonderful.

I guess Marcy must be really great, because otherwise I would have thought that Janet would have been a front runner to be Vanessa.

"Like the good Lord says . . . Ya gotta take the rough with the smooth, Baby!" Madame Rose