The Official "In The Heights" Love Thread....- Page 9

[Mealz1042]

Posted: 4/8/08 at 1:35pm

post 200, woohoo! okay, carry on...

[singingbackup]

Posted: 4/8/08 at 1:51pm

I can watch that video over and over. It's been a long time since a show has lifted me, moved me, touched me and inspired me. Say what you will about the book, I love the interwoven fabric of the various lives/families. It's not perfect, but who cares! And, since I have a few close friends who are struggling playwrights/musical writers, I will say this---YOU try to write a Broadway musical.

The music is so refreshing and joyous. For those who say it's not very memorable:
a) try Ginkegoloba
b) I found myself humming songs from "In The Heights" after seeing Passing Strange, Gypsy and Cry-Baby
c) As much as I love the show, it took me a few times to get the music right in my head, helped by the samples online and the commercials

That's one thing I don't quite get. The modern musical has veered away from the more classically structured musical form, where there can be one or two reprises of the more popular songs in a particular show. THAT's how people often left the theater humming a song from the show they just saw. Besides being thematic, it's a neat subliminal concept to perpetuate a musical. I have been blessed with good musicality and a trained ear and even I need a few sittings to get some of the music down. Thankfully OBCR's are available earlier than perhaps in the past.

If anything, the music leaves you wanting to go out dancing, and that's a great thing too.

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 4/8/08 at 3:31pm

Beautifully put, and, needless to say, I agree. As much as I respect each individual's opinion, I find it so odd when people say the score is not memorable. I found myself humming to the tunes as I walked away from the theater. And as I've said elsewhere in this forum, I was very disappointed by the way reviewers failed to mention the ways in which the music in this show is so deliciously complex and structured. Just the way music serves to identify the characters' nationality is impressive enough, but the way every Afro-Caribbean musical influence so seamlessly blends together with traditional showtunes, or pop music, hip hop, etc, is just...mindblowing. These are the sounds I grew up with, but they're also *current*. The way so much attention went into authenticity for those of us who know these musical styles, and yet is able to connect with people who aren't familiar with the latino cultures, is, simply put, an impressive feat.

I love the theatre. My family and I would always catch one or two Broadway shows when we came to visit NYC, and love for the musical theatre genre has grown stronger since then. I love Sondheim, and Rodgers and Hammerstein, and all the greats, and I truly feel that "In The Heights" perfectly fits into these traditions, while providing new ground for future artists in the field. Because, while its contribution to the prescient issue of latino identity and pride is undeniable, it's also, simply put, a very solid piece of musical theatre. The book's "problems" aren't nearly as bad as some claim, and the score is the best I've heard in years. I honestly believe that if this show weren't about latinos, complaints about its so-called "saccharine" nature would probably never have been addressed. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Anyone who leaves the theater thinking that this show has an unrealistically happy Disney-esque ending was clearly not paying attention.

Oh, one more thing: The only problem I have with the show is that it's too hard to have to just stay in my seat during some of these songs. I want to just get up and dance. When I saw the show with my folks, my dad started to enthusiastically clap along, and stopped when he realized no one else chimed in. I can't wait for the cd to come out, so that I can just play the songs, and dance, and holler without the constraints of having to behave on a Broadway theater

[obsessedjb]

Posted: 4/8/08 at 3:44pm

Well put both of you!

And BroadwayChica, I completely agree with your last paragraph. It took all the self-restraint I had not to get up and dance during a lot of the numbers but especially "Carnaval del Barrio" I, too, am really looking forward to the cast recording.

[singingbackup]

Posted: 4/8/08 at 6:00pm

I heart you Chica!

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 4/8/08 at 6:52pm

Right back at ya :)

[TooDarnHot]

Posted: 4/8/08 at 8:30pm

I really love the music.

can't relate to the show but the music is fantastic.

[singingbackup]

Posted: 4/8/08 at 8:56pm

We love any kind of love for ITH!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/8/08 at 9:08pm

I agree -- cant really understand how people can think the score is not memorable. Everyone that I have played any of the music for at work was dying to see the show right after they heard the music for the 1st time !

One they DID see the show, the couldnt stop talking about the score ! (and the choreography)

[Mealz1042]

Posted: 4/8/08 at 10:16pm

what i dont like is the critisism about it not being realistic because it doesn't bring up things like drugs etc.

Okay... first of all it's a MUSICAL so if you're getting into what is and isn't realistic then people shouldn't just burst into song, right? Second, the play doesn't claim to be about "every aspect ever possibly associated with washington heights" It's about people finding their home and love for their barrio (I mean it's about even more but on a simple plane) so I don't see why people find the absense of drug references as a BAD thing.

and *****SPOILER*****
is it just me or when sonny first tell graffiti pete that he came into a lot of money, is the audience supposed to think they're getting drugs, bc that's what i thought the first time i saw the show, off broadway. I could be completely dillusional though but I was just wondering.

[TooDarnHot]

Posted: 4/8/08 at 10:29pm

the grafitti dude is totally meant to be creepy and sketchy but I didn't get any implication that it was drugs.

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 4/8/08 at 10:42pm

Fact is, latino identity in the US has been linked to drug abuse and gang violence. That's the way we're normally depicted in the US, and even if someone isn't outwardly racist, that image and those preconceptions are ingrained in their minds. People expect to see latinos as poor, drug addicts, and gang members. A lot of the reviews betrayed that bias, and I think it's the main reason behind the criticisms of the show's book and story. How can there *not* be even one drug deal in a show set in Washington Heights? That's the place where all drug deals have taken place in cinema and pop culture! It's an image we've long struggled with. Not because it's 100% false - those things do exist - but because it's not the ultimate definition of who we are. People who think we're way past prejudice in this country are living in a bubble.

And to answer your question, I never got the impression that Sonny was engaging in a drug deal with Graffiti Pete. I don't know if that was the intention behind that scene, but if so, it's a clever way to play with the audience's expectations: A secret meeting in the middle of the night between 2 latinos = something shady. But, of course, it's the complete opposite. Again, I have no idea if that was the intention or not. I just know that the thought never crossed my mind.


Updated On: 4/8/08 at 10:42 PM

[Mealz1042]

Posted: 4/8/08 at 11:37pm

right, that was my point, its supposed to look sketchy (actually last time i saw it the person behind me said to her friend "that can't be good!") but actually turns out to be something wonderful.

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 4/9/08 at 4:45am

No, you're right. It just never occurred to me because Sonny was way too adorable to be engaging in any shady business.

Updated On: 4/9/08 at 04:45 AM

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 4/9/08 at 8:38am

The show is so full of positivity, that I was sure they were meeting for something good ! And graffiti guy was gorgeous !!! Joining in, to declare my LOVE for the show !!! What is also important is that, my friend, who is not as Broadway crazy as we all are, you can call him the average Theater-goer, thought it was one of the most amazing things he has seen !!! This show appeals to everyone !

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/9/08 at 12:23pm

<< The show is so full of positivity, that I was sure they were meeting for something good ! And graffiti guy was gorgeous !!! Joining in, to declare my LOVE for the show !!! What is also important is that, my friend, who is not as Broadway crazy as we all are, you can call him the average Theater-goer, thought it was one of the most amazing things he has seen !!! This show appeals to everyone ! >>

Love it !!! Totally agree ! The buzz around that theatre awaiting the show to start is something else.

Personally, as soon as I see Pete bring out that boombox, I am ready !!

[musicalmaster703]

Posted: 4/9/08 at 6:37pm

Love it going back on my Birthday 4th row center!


A few weeks ago I won lotto and got to go back stage and on the stage afterward. Didn't get to meet Lin though he had to catch a flight. Still, the best night of my life and my favorite show on Broadway, just so full with spirit and emotion. I really didn't see any problems with the book though. Any way It is soooooooo amazing!

Updated On: 4/9/08 at 06:37 PM

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/9/08 at 9:37pm

Wife just texted me at intermission that Seth Stewart started the show, but was replaced shortly before the intermission

(

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 4/9/08 at 9:39pm

Yikes, I hope he's okay.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/9/08 at 9:59pm

Same here !!! Goin' tomorrow, and watching Seth dance is truly a highlight for me !

[withoutlovewithoutU]

Posted: 4/9/08 at 10:33pm

Oh, I hope he's better by Sat. night when I see the show

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 4/10/08 at 12:42pm

Yay, I just got my tickets row c for the 22nd :) I hope I didnt get my hopes up too much!

[singingbackup]

Posted: 4/10/08 at 2:11pm

Everyone's hopes might be different, but just go in with an open mind and a willing heart and you will be swept away. The energy of the audience alone will put you in the right frame of mind. Then the music and passion that radiate from the stage will enthrall you. And if nothing else, you will want to get up in your seat and dance!

[singingbackup]

Posted: 4/10/08 at 2:12pm

What's the countdown to the OBCR again?



Updated On: 4/10/08 at 02:12 PM

[dwperkins]

Posted: 4/10/08 at 4:23pm

oh my god I thought this show was just AWFUL. The most hackneyed ridiculous plot that you could see coming a mile away. So totally unbelievable and soap opera ish. YUCKKK.
Updated On: 4/10/08 at 04:23 PM