Add me to the list of people who thought he was great. Not only did he perfectly fit in the world of the show - he did not stand out like a sore thumb as some have suggested, either based on race or age - but from the minute he first started rapping, "Lights up on Washington Heights..." I thought he was positively electrifying. He carries the show on his shoulders with aplomb, and I could not believe that this was his first time; his work was effortless, confident, and quite smooth for a first time, and I can only imagine he will get better.
As we went into the second act Corbin's work was quite beautiful, pulling at my heartstrings with real grace and nuance. He is not simply impersonating Lin, he has made this character his own, finding new quirks and bits to play with. It's a surprisingly assured Broadway debut and I can't wait to see him again and again.
He was truly grateful and genuine at stage door, as he spent plenty of time signing and taking pictures, but also seemed touched by the praise of my friends and I who were fans of the show long before he came around, having seen it multiple times. He's a real class act and a terrific stage performer and I think you all need to go in with an open mind and enjoy his performance.
Updated On: 1/26/10 at 01:21 PM