In The Heights Current Cast

[Miss Elphaba]

Posted: 8/1/09 at 11:25am

Hey guys :) I'm coming to New York on the 10th of August (and insanely excited about it, of course). I'm going to see In The Heights during the trip, can anyon who's seen it recentley comment on the state of the show/cast?

[AwesomeDanny]

Posted: 8/1/09 at 11:40am

I saw In the Heights back in March. I can't comment on the cast because I saw 3 understudies and 3 swings. I really hope you don't see Shaun-Taylor Corbett as Usnavi. He was terrible. But Robin de Jesus as Sonny was amazing. There is a temporary replacement for the role of Daniela. I've heard good things about her. The current Vanessa was, IMO, forgettable. I don't remember anything about her performance. Where is your seat? I sat in the second to last row of the mezzanine. The view was fine, but I felt a little distanced from the performers, like they were only playing to the front mezzanine because somewhere else in the rear mezzanine was an annoying school group. I hope you have a better experience with the show than I did.

[esparza 333]

Posted: 8/1/09 at 11:52am

I saw it a couple months ago and enjoyed it very much. Robin De Jesus steals the show! He is hilarious. Olga Merediz is excellent as Abuela Claudia and blows the roof off the theatre with Patiencia Y Fay. The show is in in great shape with energy and such a phenomenal score. My only problem with the cast was Marcy Harriel as Vanessa. On the recording Vanessa has one of the best song and Harriel's voice didn't do it for me and her acting was awkward. I kept wishing I had Karen Olivo singing those songs with her phenomenal voice.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 8/1/09 at 11:55am

I thought it was really good when I saw it for the second time in June. As mentioned, Marcy Harriell as Vanessa was not very good, but that was it.

[legally_popular]

Posted: 8/1/09 at 2:17pm

I have to agree about Marcy. She was the only person I found weak. I tried to justify it that maybe it was just the character or something else I didn't like, but then I listened to Karen on the OBCR (and "watched" her too) and preferred Karen much more. I love the character of Vanessa, just not Marcy in the role.

Aside from the that, the rest of the cast is amazing and the show is great! I have not seen it since Lin's last day to be honest, but I can comment on the cast members that are still there. I saw an u/s for Benny (can't think of his name at the moment) and he did a terrific job. Robin De Jesus as Sonny is truly a highlight, as are the girls from the salon (I am not sure if Andrea Burns will be back when you see it or if Janet will be gone, but those two are incredible). Mandy Gonzalez was probably my favorite of the girls and I really related to Nina the most.

I know I'm just rambing on and on, but my praises for this show and cast are endless. I can't stop thinking about what a wonderful show this is and need to see it again soon. I hope you have an amazing time!

[Coraline]

Posted: 8/1/09 at 2:20pm

I saw Janet Dacal on as Nina and thought that she was GREAT. Truly a youthful sound to her voice and an innocence that I think the role really requires - has anyone else seen her go on?

Aside from her, I think the rest of the cast is quite strong. I enjoyed Marcy's performance, granted I never saw Karen, but even compared to the OBCR I don't think Marcy did as bad as everyone is saying.

[obsessedjb]

Posted: 8/1/09 at 2:23pm

The last time I saw the show back in May, Janet was on as Nina and I loved her performance!

[Anakela]

Posted: 8/1/09 at 2:38pm

I saw Janet Dacal on as Nina and thought that she was GREAT. Truly a youthful sound to her voice and an innocence that I think the role really requires - has anyone else seen her go on?

Easily my favorite understudy/role combo in Heights.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 8/1/09 at 3:55pm

Patiencia Y Fay

"Paciencia y Fe"

[Coraline]

Posted: 8/1/09 at 4:18pm

"It Won't Be Long Now" just came up on shuffle, and I still think Karen isn't THAT much better than Marcy. Karen lets it rip, but I also liked Marcy's softer portrayal.

Ooh, and now "Just Another Day" came on - my iTunes is loving the Broadway right now!

[Gobstopper]

Posted: 8/1/09 at 7:25pm

I've seen the show twice: once about a month after it opened with the full OBC and once this past May. I found that I actually enjoyed the cast more in May, in large part due to how much more I liked Marcy Harriell than Karen Olivo. I know that's unpopular, but Karen's Vanessa always seemed like such a bitch.

[JP2]

Posted: 8/1/09 at 7:31pm

I. Love. Marcy. Harriell's. Vanessa.

So much better than Karen, sorry.

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 8/1/09 at 8:05pm

I have nothing to compare it to, but I really liked Marcy when I saw the show in February.

[AwesomeDanny]

Posted: 8/1/09 at 8:15pm

I thought that Marcy Harriell was just boring. If I didn't have the cast recording, I probably would have completely forgotten about her character. My favorite song from the show it "It Won't Be Long, Now", but the only thing I remember from that song was the annoying school group in the mezzanine laughing when Usnavi said "Don't touch me, I'm too hot" and when the all said "oooooooooooh" when Vanessa decided to go out with Usnavi.

[i am the one]

Posted: 8/2/09 at 10:16am

Marcy Harriell does nothing for the role. She isn't even that stunningly gorgeous. I'm sorry, but Vanessa needs to be the beauty of the Heights, who everyone covets and wants. I highly doubt any boys on the way would whistle at Marcy.

However, she does a 'fine' job, and says the lines and sings the notes. But unfortunately there is no quality about her that makes the part sizzle.

[broadway_show_fan]

Posted: 8/2/09 at 12:40pm

"In the Heights" is one of my all-time favorite shows. I've seen cast changes, having followed the show from 37 Arts and seen it multiple times during its Broadway run.

I loved Javi as Usnavi because he was so sweet and so cute. His singing voice is fantastic. I don't think he had all the same energy that Lin-Manuel Miranda did (LMM's quirks and mannerisms, his hip-hop and rap), but then again I don't think LMM's singing voice is as good as Javi's. It's just a difference of their personalities and mannerisms, and the fact that Lin created the role for himself and Javi is able to approach it as an actor to a role.

I've seen Janet perform as Nina once, but I definitely still prefer Mandy's Nina. I love Mandy's belting and I love Janet's Carla, and I feel like each is perfect in her original part. Another perfect casting choice - Chris Jackson's Benny! Granted, I've never seen any others, but I think he nails it.

I love Robin and Olga in their characters as well. I've seen Doreen portray Abuela at 37 Arts and she did a great job, but I think Olga has put such passion into that role that I really love. Seeing her in live performance doesn't match the song on the CD for me. Doreen is great in any of her understudied roles - fresh and a wonderful voice.

I like Rick a lot more than Carlos - his voice is so much better and I find his portrayal more believable - but I still miss John Herrera, for those of you who remember him from the 37 Arts version.

Justina Machado is Daniela until 3 weeks from today. I saw her July 3, and thought she was excellent. I love Andrea - what perfect casting! - but Justina is just as great and would see her again in a heartbeat.

I've been a fan of Karen Olivo's since she was in "Brooklyn the Musical" several years ago, and so I'm a little partial to her portrayal of Vanessa. I loved Marcy Harriell in "Lennon," though and she's got such a huge, gorgeous voice (you almost can't believe such a big voice comes from such a small person!). I think Marcy's Vanessa is just very different, with different choices. Her Vanessa seems more reserved, guarded and hurt by others. I saw Karen and Lin paired many times, Marcy with Lin, and Marcy with Javi, and I think that Karen/Lin and Marcy/Javi work well (Marcy/Lin less so) - each person in each pair acts/reacts well with the other.

The cast and the show are just so tight and "on" that I think you'll be pleased with anyone on for that performance. Enjoy!

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 8/2/09 at 7:48pm

Justina Machado is Daniela until 3 weeks from today. I saw her July 3, and thought she was excellent. I love Andrea - what perfect casting! - but Justina is just as great and would see her again in a heartbeat.

She was FABULOUS, bu ther last performance was actually on Sunday. Doreen has been on all week. I got to see her as Daniela last night and I thought she was fantastic.


I am in the extreme minority but I'm not overly fond of Robin de Jesus. He's funny, but plays Sonny way too over the top.

[Drunk Chita Rivera]

Posted: 8/2/09 at 10:09pm

The cast is great but the shows stands on it's own pretty well. So no matter what you will get fabulous dancing, lights, and sets and a great score.

I feel like the role of Usnavi falls to a featured role more when Lin isn't playing it. It seems like when Lin is playing it it is the hardest role and he is always onstage but when other Usnavis perform you don't feel like they are the leads. But regardless they are all good.

All the Understudies for many of the roles are fantastic! Janet is a goddess!

[Miss Elphaba]

Posted: 8/3/09 at 11:45am

All you guys are great, thanks so much! I'm so excited now!! I mean, I was before obviously but knowing the show is in such great shape makes me even more excited.

Does anyone have advice as to how to get tickets? Or where the best places to sit are?

[Drunk Chita Rivera]

Posted: 8/3/09 at 11:56am

Best places are either Mezzanine or Mid Orchestra. I sat Row Q and had a great view! But don't try to go any farther back than that. Really every seat has a great view.

[AwesomeDanny]

Posted: 8/3/09 at 12:57pm

I think you might be able to get tickets at TKTS. Monday isn't the busiest day on Broadway. The website says they had tickets for the show last week. However, if you want tickets in advance, I think just googling "In the Heights discount" will bring up a few options if you don't want to pay the expensive full-price tickets.

EDIT: Okay, so I should tell you NOT to get the cheap(er) tickets for the rear mezzanine especially if you're afraid of heights because those seats are REALLY high... plus you might have to sit next to somebody experiencing theater for their first time, not knowing how to be an appropriate audience member. These people will want the cheapest tickets they can get, without realizing there are many discount codes.
Updated On: 8/3/09 at 12:57 PM

[jennamajig]

Posted: 8/3/09 at 1:03pm

Do NOT purchase the partial view seats. The overhang in the theater is one a worst ones I've ever experienced. I sat in the last row orchestra after loosing lotto ($51.50 for my ticket) and the entire top part of the stage is cut off. Yes, not as much occurs there, but you do miss things/a couple of scenes and it wasn't until I walked up to the mezz during intermission where I went "Oh, so that is what the whole set actually looks like!"