LimelightMike's Quick Thoughts on IN THE HEIGHTS

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 3:20pm

Caught the show last night, as many (if not all) of you guys know by now... C-107 for those still wondering how my view was. Utter perfection from where I sat.

BLOW MY MIND, why dontcha? The set (Anna Louizos) was breathtakingly beautiful, the lighting design (Howell Binkley) was very bold (especially during the 'black-out' sequence), and that ever-present orchestra (under the direction of conductor, Mr. Alex Lacamoire) was blaring 'n' booming, rocking 'n' rolling, bumping 'n' grinding the entire time! The action onstage was electric; leading, featured and bit and ensemble were all weaved together by poetry in motion, eye-catching choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler.

Special nods of recognition are most certainly due here for this stellar cast of characters. Karen Olivo (Vanessa) and Mandy Gonzalez (Nina) have some of the best vocals on Broadway right now. I could not stop smiling during their numbers. Christopher Jackson's 'Benny' was also extremely well-crafted, as he exercised his acting and vocal chops throughout. Carlos Gomez (Kevin) and Priscilla Lopez (Camilla) truly shined as Nina's parents. Their individual character numbers were very much appreciated by this fella (and the packed house) attending. Janet Dacal (Carla) and Andrea Burns (Daniela) were quite the forces, as well, really making the Unisex Salon a place I'd like to find myself frequenting every now-and-again for the laughter and good cheer ... and the gossip! Seth Stewart (Graffiti Pete) and Eliseo Roman (Piragua Guy) were nice additions. More specifically, Mr. Roman's untapped potential as a vocalist. Yet another stand-out performance came from the always uproarious Robin de Jesus' 'Sonny' - His delivery was spot-on the entire performance, and had us rolling. Great chemistry with the rest of the company, such a gem. Which brings me to Olga Meredez (Abuela Claudia) who was truly the diamond in this rough. Her acting was exceptional, and her rendition of "Paciencia y Fe (Patience and Faith" (on this night) brought the house down. Her presence was warmly-received throughout the performance, but her scenes with 'Usnavi', our hero, played masterfully by composer/lyricst/creator, one of my heroes, Mr. Lin-Manuel Miranda hit very close to home.

This production most definitely DESERVES to be here, playing ON BROADWAY for every-which-race, religion and creed to revel in. At a running time of 2 hours and 20 minutes, it really does seem to fly by. Why? It's simple, folks: You're HAVING FUN! You're actually 'feeling' for these characters, enjoying the goings-on, asking the questions, looking for the answers, forming the opinions, making due, paying bills, scratching tickets, drinking early morning coffee, cleaning house, getting educated, hoping, wishing, wanting, dreaming big ... and achieving - Sure, it may be exaggerated a bit from the realities that inspired a young Lin-Manuel Miranda to put pen to paper. Sure, it may be 'too bright and beaming' for some peoples' tastes.

That's fine and dandy with me...

Playing right here and now at the Richard Rodgers Theatre is a piece that deserves to be seen, a piece that deserves to be heard. For 140 minutes of your time there, you will be swept away into this place. Some may be all too familiar with it, others might be venturing there for their maiden voyage. All i know is that what surfaces turns out to be an electric mix of vibrancy and vigor, filled to the very brim with thrilling, moving, chilling, spilling, pulse-pounding, gut-wrenching, lively, happy-go-lucky, seat-of-your-pants, white-knukcles thrillride-enducing energy, and the score by Lin-Manuel Miranda that will willingly keep you bouncing your way home.

The heart and soul of this piece speaks - not with a whisper, but not with a scream either - but it names, claims and finds something 'just right' in between. Once its done, and the curtain comes down and the stagelights dim at the Rodgers, the houselights come up and the masses flood toward the exits, that's when it will hit you ... There's no place like home.

PS - Leonardo DiCaprio attended the performance, as well. I apparently had better seats than him, too! BROADWAY.com now had a feature on Leo posing with the cast that evening. More importantly, however, I stagedoored, met Lin, and thusly went home an EXTREMELY hap-hap-happy camper. Thank you kindly for reading.

Best,
- Mike



Updated On: 3/31/08 at 03:20 PM

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 3:24pm

Thank you for a Wonderful Review !!

[BroadwayEnthusiast2]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 3:41pm

"Quick thouhgts"? haha.

Great review. Since when does Olga Meredez sing "No Me Diga"? Are you thinking of "Paciencia Y Fe"?

[scaryclowns223]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 3:43pm

Glad to hear you enjoyed it Mike. I've got tickets for Thursday and I can't wait. It really looks like an incredible piece and a darn good time.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 3:57pm

Thanks Mikey!

J*

[singingbackup]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 5:01pm

That's pretty much how it was on Friday night as well. Crazy audience into it all. So, you forgot the comedy of Robin De Jesus as Sonny!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 5:50pm

I made a few revisions, for anyone who cares... LoL
Updated On: 3/30/08 at 05:50 PM

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 6:25pm

Glad you had such a great time! (Also glad I'm not the only one who really likes Eliseo Roman's voice.)

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 7:02pm

Mike,

Thanks for a great review, and so glad you loved it !!!

Singing--- my wife was at the show Friday night as well, and she said it was amazing !! Like one big party !!!

And must agree about Roman. Might actually have the best voice in the cast, and such a great guy !!! He was exceptionally friendly to everyone at the stagedoor the other day !

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 7:07pm

Thanks for the review, Mike. It only makes me more excited and impatient about seeing it in June.
I can't wait to listen to Olga Merendiz sing "Paciencia y Fe" live, her rendition from the demo is pure perfection.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 7:09pm

You're totally welcome, my friend!

I can't say enough about this show - I truly, truly spoiled myself. PASSING STRANGE 25 dys ago, now *this* piece of theatrical wonder!? Can't handle HOW AMAZING these new musicals are! All I need is to 'ADORE' A CATERED AFFAIR, and there we'll have it. The 3 'must-see' shows were hits with Mike!

We'll have to wait and see...

I'm kinda-sorta thankful that I'm taking-in MACBETH before my next musical. Can't say enough...
Updated On: 3/30/08 at 07:09 PM

[jaystarr]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 7:17pm

Mike- btw. I love your photo with Lin-Manuel Miranda. Looks like your about to hug him...lol



J*
Updated On: 3/30/08 at 07:17 PM

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 7:30pm

Updated On: 3/30/08 at 07:30 PM

[Mealz1042]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 10:07pm

wonderful review, i agree with it all 100%
keep em coming.

[once a month]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 10:14pm

Mike...thanks for that review. You put into words my exact thoughts and emotions about In the Heights. It was my favorite show for the past 3 years, and I loved it. Finally, a 2008 show that actually moved me, and I reveled in it. The tears in my eyes leaving the theatre were tears of joy, and gratitude. I can't wait to see it again.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 11:47pm

Thanks so, so much for reading, glad you enjoyed it!

[obsessedjb]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 11:54pm

Beautifully written and I agree whole-heartedly .

Thanks!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 3/31/08 at 1:12am

I'm humbled by all of this warmth towards my review... :) Updated On: 3/31/08 at 01:12 AM

[silversurfer2]

Posted: 3/31/08 at 9:19am

Great review Mike- I have seen this show twice so far and will be going back...I love it! And agree with every word in your review!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 3/31/08 at 5:35pm

Bumpin' for those who haven't read it yet.

[suicidalmickeymouse]

Posted: 3/31/08 at 5:42pm

Great review--I've got tickets for this Saturdays matinee during my NYC trip. Looking forward!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 3/31/08 at 8:13pm

... 96,000 ...
... 96,000 ...

Bumpin' to share the good word!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/1/08 at 4:15pm

BUMP