Mini Review-ish Things: In the Heights and [title of show] this weekend!

[heathurr2]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 6:07pm

I've been away from BWW for a while, because my classes are NUTS... but I took a weekend and flew to NYC to see In the Heights and the closing show of [tos].


IN THE HEIGHTS Saturday Oct 11th:
I was late getting to the box office, so I got seated in the very last row of the Orchestra in obstructed view seats. (row V, seat 28 ) The performance was sold out.
For the performance I saw, Eliseo Roman was playing Kevin Rosario and the role of the Piragua Guy was played by Shaun Taylor-Corbett. I was looking forward to seeing Eliseo's Piragua guy, but he is so amazing that I forgot all that - especially when he sang 'Inutil'. Heartbreaking and beautiful.
Speaking of which, 'Alabanza' had me bawling.
I love everything about ITH. The show has an unrivaled energy (96 000! WOW), and it is so very clear the cast is having the time of their lives. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Everyone in the world must see this show, if given the chance.
My only complaint was the balcony obstructing my view, which really was beyond my control anyway. I could only see Nina and Benny's feet during 'Sunrise' without bending down in my seat.
After the show I stage-doored and met most of the cast (save for Mandy Gonzalez and Christopher Jackson), who were so very sweet and humble. I got pictures with Andrea Burns and Eliseo Roman.

[TITLE OF SHOW] Sunday October 12:
I can't believe how lucky I was to have been there for the closing performance. Again, I was sitting at the back of the theatre (Mezz J 108 ). No complaints here though, as The Lyceum is a smaller which makes it easier to see from the crappier seats.
There was no doubt that the audience was made up of [tos]sers, the response and love was overwhelming (and it's safe to say that the cast felt the same). Cheering filled the theatre after EVERY joke and song, it was phenomenal.
Seeing the cast choke up after certain points in the show choked me up. I was full on crying by the end of 'A Way Back to Then', which has always been my favourite number in the show. Heidi kills it. I was in awe of her voice.
As I'm sure most of you have read, there were looong standing ovations after 'A Way Back to Then' and 'Nine People's Favourite Thing', it was like time stood still so that we could just show mass amounts of love on the cast. It was so powerful.
The sniffles/crying sounds in the audience from 'Nine People' all the way until the lights came up in the theatre were the loudest I've EVER heard anywhere, at anything.
The cast speeches were great, especially Michael Berresse's about never being afraid, no matter who you are.
After, the stage door was jam-packed and crazy. I did manage to say hi and give love to everyone except Courtney Balan and Michael.
It was an all-around inspirational night, from the show to the audience to the cast and the stage door. And I will never forget it.



Both the shows I saw were all about pressing through by believing, a VERY universal concept. I think this is what makes these shows so great for me (coupled with amazing casts, of course).

Updated On: 10/13/08 at 06:07 PM

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 6:12pm

Awwww...two of my favorite shows?

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 6:18pm

2 of my favorites too!

So glad you got to see the final performance!

[steven22]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 7:39pm

i want to see ITH again!

thanks for your mini-review