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
And I am loving the idea of Robin getting a nom. He seems so adorable!
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