In the Heights Review

[Mactor327]

Posted: 6/15/09 at 8:56pm

First of all, can I just say, In The Heights was AMAZING! I loved every single minute of it. There was not one minute when I was bored. I felt every song had a purpose (you know sometimes when there is a number and you're like SHUT UP? not in this show).But what I liked most that it was genuinley a nice simple, innocent story. Yea There were a couple of suggestive themes, and a bad word or two, but thats like PG. There was nothing twisted about it, and people of all ages could relate and identify with the characters. And I mean for Lin Manuel Miranda, to write a show, and have it on broadway, and win a very well deserved tony is oustanding.
The Cast was great. The new Usnavi was really good. When I went in I was thinking I wish I saw Lin Manuel Miranda, but JAVIER MUÑOZ was oustanding. The two standouts for me were ANDRÉA BURNS, who had a great stage pressence, and stole the show everytime she was onstage. The Second was JANET DACAL, who was on for Nina, I thought she was fantastic, I think she looked the part, I believed she was qa freshman out of college, and I never would have thought she was an understudy. I could go on but, I won't bore you.
The Choreography was very well done, every dancer had it down, and it went with the music.

GO SEE IN THE HEIGHTS!

[alightinthedark23]

Posted: 6/15/09 at 9:00pm

I absolutely agree with you. Andrea Burns does steal the show when she is on stage. I remember thinking the same thing when i saw it my first time. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Updated On: 6/15/09 at 09:00 PM

[steven22]

Posted: 6/15/09 at 9:37pm

i agree with you! ITH is a great feel good show!

[madbrian]

Posted: 6/15/09 at 9:42pm

While I really, really liked In The Heights, I had one significant issue with the plot. ***SPOILER ALERT*** It bothered me that they 'telegraphed' Abuela's death. Everyone saw it coming. For me, the plot would have been stronger if we hadn't been given hints (they really were more than hints, right?) about her ill health.

[alightinthedark23]

Posted: 6/15/09 at 9:56pm

****Spoiler Alert****


I totally agree. Especially the line where Usnavi says something along the lines of "as long as your taking your medicine" after Abuela says she skipped her doctors appointment. Right after that line it was pretty obvious Abuela was going to die. Aside from some of the predictability of the book, I loved 'In the Heights'. It will always be my favorite musical and holds a special place in my heart as well.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 6/15/09 at 10:03pm

It was obvious she was gonna croak the minute she had a lotto ticket- you knew she would not only win the lottery, but die shortly thereafter.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 6/15/09 at 10:05pm

I actually didn't see the lotto win or the death coming. Maybe I'm just stupid.

But Kevin's line in "attencion" was the most visceral experience I've ever had as part of an audience. The collective, audible gasp that met the line made me truly believe that one of the best ways for people to come together is sitting in numbered seats in an auditorium, bonding with and then losing characters.

Updated On: 6/15/09 at 10:05 PM

[singtopher]

Posted: 6/15/09 at 10:07pm

I loved the first act. The second act felt too rushed, and I couldn't figure out what the heck was going on.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 6/15/09 at 10:09pm

Andrea was out when I went... I'm starting to feel sorry I didn't get to see her. I was also lucky enough to see Janet as Vanessa- amazing!


As for Abuela, I saw the lotto win coming, but not the death... not until the scene leading into. My memory is a little foggy... but when (I believe it was) Usnavi starting yelling Abuela's name outside her apartment trying to get her attention, I knew she had died.

[alightinthedark23]

Posted: 6/15/09 at 10:11pm

I did not expect her to win the lottery ticket. In fact, I thought Kevin was gonna win the lottery after hearing the line in 'In the Heights' about buying the lotto. Abuela was pretty obvious though with all the hints.

[yay_gerb]

Posted: 6/15/09 at 11:23pm

oh come on. old beloved woman who is a like a grandmother to the community? don't tell me you didn't foresee her dieing?