In the Heights @ The Kennedy Center Cast? — Page 2

A weekend I was grateful to be in DC, stellar and glad I got to see this cast performing this show. I also saw Chess at the Kennedy Center (same series, semi-staged production), and the cast sang the songs without a script, for the most part, but used a book throughout the show particularly for dialogue and it was noticeable. I knew it was semi-staged, so it didn't bother me per se, but that was what I expected coming into this production (a mix with some numbers danced). But the books were not used by the leads, and used by ensemble members primarily when they were in the background singing. I felt like I saw a full production.

Stand-outs for me (again, not having seen another production) was Abeula Claudia and the Piragua Guy. Abeula was a standout for those I went with too, as well as Eliseo Roman. Glad I got to see him in his role. I may not have seen a staged production before, but I've listened to the OBC numerous times. Carlos was a standout from the ensemble, with his dancing in particular.

Anthony was excellent as Usnavi, played the role with emotion and felt his connection to the other characters, and excellent diction. Ana was sick, in several songs she didn't hold out the last note but she was able to hit all the notes and I was still impressed with her performance. Vanessa, who I honestly wasn't jazzed about seeing, sang the role vocally very well. Eden was a crowd favorite. My favorite was J Quinton Johnson, loved him as Benny both his characterization and vocally.

Overall great production, but please Kennedy Center work on your sound production in the Eisenhower. I hope they invest in this, especially with my hope they will continue these broadway center stage series!

Vanessa was also great. They also did not mention 16 year old Mateo Ferro (Sonny) who made his equity debut. Keep an eye out for him because he has the acting and singing talent to make it on Broadway. I watched him tear up during the final show's final bow which showed me how much he loved what he had just done.