The Official "In The Heights" Love Thread....- Page 4

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 7:29pm

Thank yo, Testing. You said that a lot better than I did.

And just because Evans blew YOU away, doesn't mean that his performance had the same effect on me or anyone else. I think he's brilliant as well, but it all boils down to opinion.

[FIERCEY516]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 7:34pm

alright, well let's get technical then.

Where was the Miranda's arc?

I clearly saw it with Daniel Evans. His disconnection, in "Painting The Hat", is brilliant. As a parrallel character in Act Two, the disconnection returns but evolves by the end of the act.

The last image of the show, a blank canvas, represents Evans final arrival to the end of his arc. I felt it following his heart-breaking duet with Dot. It was evident. When he turns around to see the white stage, he takes a deep breath and you see his face? it's him completing the arc.

Where were these beautiful genius moments in "ITH" ?? I must have missed them... or maybe it was the lack of Miranda's character development? true.

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 7:40pm

You can certainly make a case for Lin-Manuel winning the Tony over Evans. I adore SITPWG, and was smitten by Evan's performance. But you'll notice many people (most notably the hard core SITPWG fans) are torn about Evans. George is a very complex character, and many people disagree with Evans' choices. To some, he strikes them as being too childlike, not detached enough. I disagree (I thought he nails what makes George such a fascinating character - his vulnerability and passion, masking as cold hearted dettachment), but I can understand why they feel this way.

Lin-Manuel, on the other hand, seems to be getting nothing but very postitive word of mouth. Even negative reviews singled him out as a charming crowd pleaser. His challenge while playing Usnavi is nowhere near as great as taking on Sondheim, but that shouldn't diminish Lin-Manuel's accomplishment as a performer. He carries the weight of the entire show on his shoulders. He's understated, yet brimming with charisma. You can't keep your eyes off him when he's onstage, and that, to me, is the sign of a great performance.

Tony voters like to reward newcomers, as well as original roles in the acting categories. That, plus the polarizing nature of SITPWG (it didn't even win major Tony Awards during its original run, though I think the revival award is a lock this time around), puts Lin-Manuel as the front runner in this category.

And, frankly, I think both performers are deserving.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 7:43pm

<< Where were these beautiful genius moments in "ITH" ?? I must have missed them... or maybe it was the lack of Miranda's character development? true. >>

Obviously, (by looking at the number of threads you have posted on), you didnt like the show as much as others have.

Its just a matter of taste. But please... lets not turn this into a "Tony competition" thread, or a "the reasons why I dont like "ITH" thread.

The purpose of the thread (like the other "love" threads) is for people that do like that show/performer, etc. to share experiences and info.

Thanks !!!

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 7:55pm

So, yeah... how about that choreography?

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 7:57pm

<< So, yeah... how about that choreography? >>

Just...WOW !!!!

Thought about it again today during the show.. I REALLY hope they do 96,000 on the Tony Awards !!!

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 8:00pm

Ok, I'm going to respond to this, although I don't want to turn this into some heated discussion. This is a love thread, after all. But there are some things to address:

Where was the Miranda's arc?

I clearly saw it with Daniel Evans. His disconnection, in "Painting The Hat", is brilliant. As a parrallel character in Act Two, the disconnection returns but evolves by the end of the act.

First of all, it's FINISHING the Hat. I don't think it's fair to compare these 2 shows. ITH isn't Sondheim. It doesn't attempt to have any of the complexities of a show like SITPWG. That doesn't mean it's completely devoid of meaning, or its own complexity. Miranda's character does indeed have an arc, and it's one that I, as an immigrant myself, feels very connected to. He is the observer, the narrator, the one who can't quite engage himself, fully, to those around him. Why? Because he feels torn between the country and culture he left behind, and the one he's now a part of. He's in between the 2, not fully belonging to either. It's something everyone who has left their homeland feels strongly about. He continually talks about returning "home", to his Santo Domingo. But at the end he realizes he's already found his home, in this stretch of land in a forgotten corner of NYC. That's his arc. Whether it resonates with you or not (as it obviously didn't) is irrelevant. It IS an arc, and there IS character development.

The last image of the show, a blank canvas, represents Evans final arrival to the end of his arc. I felt it following his heart-breaking duet with Dot. It was evident. When he turns around to see the white stage, he takes a deep breath and you see his face? it's him completing the arc.

Where were these beautiful genius moments in "ITH" ?? I must have missed them... or maybe it was the lack of Miranda's character development? true.

Again, you're making an unfair comparison. Yes, SITPWG is genius. I don't think anyone here is debating that. I'm certainly not: I adore that show, and I agree that the blank canvas is a perfect metaphor. If you go to ITH expecting to see that kind of development, of COURSE you're going to be disappointed. ITH's genius is in its simplicity. The beauty of celebrating a culture that has been much maligned. Of celebrating your identity, your heritage, your family. For us who are part of that culture, it is stirring, beautiful, and very emotional to see our flags waved on a Broadway stage, to see Latino characters who aren't drug dealers and killers, to hear our music so accurately and beautifully depicted for all the world to hear. I think anyone, regardless of their background, can find something to identify with in this show. It's a celebration of who we are, what unites us, separates us, our love, friendships and families. It may be very simple, but it's also full of truths and beauty. In his own way, Usnavi's also struggling to finish the hat - THAT'S what SITPWG is, after all. Each person's personal struggles, not just an artist's. And I think ITH beautifully conveys the idea of what it means to simply be, and accept and celebrate who you are. Trying to find in this show what isn't there is only going to deny your ability to appreciate it for what it is.

ETA: And, yes, the choreography is kick ass, and it's just a really, really FUN, engaging show. It's a shot of energy so desperately needed on Broadway.
Updated On: 3/26/08 at 08:00 PM

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 8:01pm

Thought about it again today during the show.. I REALLY hope they do 96,000 on the Tony Awards !!!

Me too! The choreography is breathtaking.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 8:02pm

Chica,

VERY well said !!!

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 8:04pm

Chica, that was wonderful (again). Very well put and absolutely true, IMO.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/27/08 at 10:24am

https://www.broadwayworld.com/l.cfm?id=204728

Anyone going?

[Rentheadut]

Posted: 3/27/08 at 10:39am

God, listen to you two queens.

I love love loved ITH. Saw it twice in one week. I thought that SITPWG was pleasant, but wasn't able to emotionally connect to it. That being said, I can absolutely see Daniel Evans taking the Tony over Lin-Manuel. I'm completely inspired by Lin and thought that he did a great job. But I saw his understudy Javier last week and Lin last night...and wasn't able to tell THAT much of a difference. ITH Best Musical? Sure. Best Choreography? Yup. Lighting? Obviously. A nomination for Lin? Obviously. Will he win the Tony? Probably not. It felt like more of an ensemble piece for me--I don't really think that Usnavi carries the show that much. Sure he's the central plot character but it's not prominent enough of a performance to win the Tony.

[Mealz1042]

Posted: 3/27/08 at 11:08am

while ITH has my vote for choreography, you can never be too sure, i mean if spring awakening can win that award then...

haha no but i think it is great and that andy blackenbuhler did a fabulous job (there's a whole yahoo webisode about it, i cant find the link right now but you should definitely check it out.)

[obsessedjb]

Posted: 3/27/08 at 1:06pm

http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=562703

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/28/08 at 8:31pm

Love these cards !!!
Updated On: 3/28/08 at 08:31 PM

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 1:07pm

Card # 3



"Like a drunk Chita Rivera"- Sonny

[withoutlovewithoutU]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 2:01pm

I'm seeing the show from 3rd row center on the 12th and seriously cannot wait. I haven't been this excited about a show since the first time I saw Hairspray! Listening to the songs on the myspace page make me happier then anything in a long time!
I really hope this show sweeps the Tony's And I am loving the idea of Robin getting a nom. He seems so adorable!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 2:19pm

Robin is so incredibly nice !!! (and VERY humble!!)

I definitely see a Tony nom for him this year, and think the show has a great shot at Best Musical, as well as score (and think Lin will win as well, and Merediz has a very good chance.

Enjoy the show !! Dont blame you for being excited !

Oh, just a merchandise update- The messenger bag (its very nice! There is a pic on the official website) is on sale online for $30.00 (not too sure how much they charge for shipping), but I paid $45 for it at the theatre.

The concession stands are now selling a souvenier "glass" (its hard plastic) with a red lid (the coffee cup type, with the whole that can fit a straw) with the "In The Heights" logo on it. Its only $5, with the beverage included. (refills are $2)

Its really nice, (I have been using it for my iced coffee in the morning) With the price of merchandise at shows these days, its a great buy.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 2:25pm

Since I dont think this one was posted....

"Paciencia y Fe"

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 2:39pm

http://www.abclocal.go.com/wabc/channel?section=news&id=6006278

Part one of the video, from a bout 5:00 to the end is all about ITH (with a nice feature on the choreography).

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 3:19pm

I'll add that I really love those character cards :)

My parents are flying in from PR to see the show (well,among other things) this Saturday. I can't wait to see it with them.

[withoutlovewithoutU]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 3:35pm

BroadwayChica, that is so cool! I'm sure you'll have a great time!

[singingbackup]

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

That does sound great! It's such a great 'family' show, should be a wonderful time.

Alabanza!

[shh282]

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

I love the choreography - it's like nothing I've seen before for one, and also it's so diverse in the show it self

lovelovelove it.

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 5:55pm

How's the Lottery lately ? I'm gonna try it on Tuesday April 8 with my pal ! Will anyone be around the area and feels generous with their time ? I'd soooo appreciate it, if you could join us and do the lottery with us to increase our chances and we'll gladly return the favor on any other day !