rOcKS @ 'In The Heights' (with some spoilers)

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 2:45pm

"In The Heights" will be the phenomenon of the season. I predict strong reviews, even stronger word of mouth, and quite a few Tonys in its future. It is the most original, refreshing, and entertaining musical to hit the boards in years. It is so thrilling to see brand new musicals open on Broadway, especially ones written/created by up-and-comers like the incredibly talented Lin Manuel-Miranda. The show is absolutely wonderful. The first act is near flawless and while it falters and meanders a bit in the second act (which is too long for my taste), it never fails to entertain, thrill, and touch your heart.
The score is phenomenal. There wasn't one single song that I didn't enjoy, something that I have only experienced a handful of times (and which is especially rare because this is a brand new musical). It's always gorgeous, original, and fresh-sounding. The lyrics are very strong and beautiful. The book is great in the first act but falters a bit in the second act. The ending was a bit too abrupt, but still managed to make me a little teary-eyed, and the first few scenes of the second act are a bit pedestrian and blandly written. Suddenly these characters who were so fun to watch in the first act are a bit cloying. Thankfully though, midway through the second act when an emotional bombshell is dropped, the book starts to redeeem itself.
There are simply not enough adjectives to describe how unbelievably talented this cast is. Miranda is a fine "tour guide" if you will and really manages to make his role extremely touching. He digs deep to play this role and it shows and pays off. My favorite performance came from Mandy Gonzales as Nina. Her Act 1 solo ("Breathe", I believe it's called) was incredible. Andréa Burns was very funny and as time goes on, will eventually end up chewing the scenery (I can just tell). Robin De Jesus is funny as well, but also touching in a unique way. Karen Olivo is somewhat bland when it comes to acting but once she breaks out vocally, she is breathtaking. Priscilla Lopez is very good but underutilized and the rest of the cast is phenomenal. The talent onstage in this show is almost overwhelming. This is one of the finest casts on Broadway in recent memory.
The dancing is absolutely amazing and will certainly win Andy Blankenbuehler a Tony.
Thomas Kail's direction is swift and brisk, allowing for traffic to move on and off the stage quickly and organically.
The sets, costumes, and lighting are all very good (particularly the sets which are gorgeous.)

Is 'In The Heights' perfect? No. But it's flaws soon become endearing quirks that make you only love the show more. It is a truly brilliant show and I predict (at this point) it will take home Tonys for its choreography, score, a performance or two (we'll have to see who the critics fawn over...every performance is so great it's hard for me to pick one), and Best Musical. I would see it again in a heartbeat and am planning on buying tickets soon because once it opens, ticket sales will be through the roof. Go see it!

***1/2 out of ****
Updated On: 3/2/08 at 02:45 PM

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 2:48pm

Couldn't agree with you more. Glad you enjoyed the show!

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 2:49pm

Thanks for sharing! Sounds like you enjoyed yourself!

[obsessedjb]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 2:52pm

Great review!! I completely agree!

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 2:52pm

Oh! I forgot to mention Olga Meredez who is wonderful as Abuela Claudia. She seemed to be the audience favorite ('Pacencia y Fe' got a rousing round of applause although '96,000' made the audience go WILD as did the title song).

The audience ate the show up and seemed to LOVE LOVE LOVE it. 90% of the orchestra stood up as soon as the show ended to give a standing ovation. Some of the reactions though were a bit inappropriate...in scenes that were obviously not comical, the audience laughed, which is also partly the book's fault as some scenes have awkward transitions in mood. Regardless though, many people were crying during the second act and roaring with applause after most of the numbers.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 3:58pm

Excellent review, and could not agree more !!! Have seen it 5X so far, and there will be many more !!!

Agree about Merediz- She is amazing !!

The entire cast is excellent. Robin De Jesus and Andrea Burns draw laughs every time they open their mouths- so good !!

Lin-Manual Miranda is wonderful as Usnavi, and Mandy Gonzalez and Karen Olivo have such great voices !

You are right--- its not PERFECT, but not many shows are. The score and the choreography carry the show, which I believe, is the hit of this season.

Glad you enjoyed !!!

I will still love to see them separate "Paciencia y Fe" and "96,000"- Both numbers are so strong, would love to see them broken up. And there is a song that does not allow a break for audience applause (I think it might be "Sunrise"?) Anyone know for sure? They need to change that to allow applause.
Its a beautiful song !

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 4:38pm

Is the ending still "They graffiti-ed my store so I'm staying in NY?"

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 5:28pm

Yup.

I mean, the way it was written was actually pretty moving (the music in that scene leading into the finale is really sensational and the revelation is Miranda's best acting moment in the show, which doesn't hurt) but it still comes very abruptly...they should have had more people besides Vanessa convincing Usnavi to stay or SOMETHING to flesh that decision out more...I also thought the book had issues defining main character "decisions"...it does a great job of capturing the atmosphere and defining the characters but it never really progresses the story...the story is mostly progressed through the score which was fine by me because the score was brilliant, but for tourists or younger children, they may want to define some of the more crucial moments in the show via the book so that it is more clear.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 5:30pm

Oh, and I thought the spray-painting was UGLY...it made Abuela Claudia look like a monkey or something. It was supposed to be touching (and it was) but if the painting was better, it would have been all the more moving...it did garner applause from the audience though.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 6:00pm

<< Is the ending still "They graffiti-ed my store so I'm staying in NY?" >>

No, its "Finale" - Basically Usnavi explaining why he is going to miss "The Heights", and deciding that someone has to keep the legacy of the neighborhood (and his parents) alive-

He apologizes to Abuela for deciding to stay, and states that he is "home"

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 6:29pm

Then they must have added his "apology," since I saw it.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 6:35pm

Yankee,

You saw it recently, correct? The "apology" has been part of "Finale" since the off-broadway run.

Was not added recently.

[barcelona20]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 6:41pm

The ending just speaks to the problem of the whole show. This is one cliche filled piece of work with almost zero memorable songs. Is the choreography really that great, or does everyone like it because its just so different than anything else out there on Broadway. I mean West Side Story, that is an ethnic show about family, culture, home, with a book and memorable music.

I saw the matinee on Sat, and while the audience was one of the loudest I've ever been a part of, this show reminded me of something like the George Lopez show on ABC. I was able to predict every event 20 mins before it happened. I did like Lin-Manuel's performance and the Abuela, but everyone else was kinda blah.

While all that being said, it looks like it will be successful since it's "wholesomeness" and "energy" will appeal to families looking for something different than Disney or Wicked, although I am interested to see who the audience is that purchases the $100 tix. I like to think of this show as "Rent for families", a coincidence given who the producers are???

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 6:54pm

I don't think it's wholesome...I think it's a welcome respite from recent Broadway musicals in which hispanics are displays as drug-addict thugs. It's nice to see a heartfelt story with real, relatable hispanic characters dealing with real, relatable situations (for the most part).

I also don't think this will be a family hit...there's a lot of adult themes that will fly over kids heads (especially those under 10 or 11). I think it will be a Spring Awakening-esque (teens and older) hit although it's not nearly as risque etc etc...

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 6:56pm

I saw an early preview and either I missed it or it wasn't there.

'Cause the way I had taken in the show - Granny wanted to leave NY, and with her winnings, she, Usnavi, and Robin de Jesus would go to la playa Dominicana (or wherever). But then his store is graffiti-ed and out of nowhere NY is the best place and he decides to stay. Because seeing Grandmom on his store inspired him. When she was the one who wanted to get the hell out to begin with.

No doubt that this show will be the overwhelming audience favorite. Good for them. It's got dazzling choreography, and a pretty good score. But the book just suuuuuuuucks.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 6:58pm

You didn't like how the first act was handled in the book either?

I thought the first act was pretty damn flawless.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 7:05pm

It was a bit long. I got the idea after the 1 hour mark.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 7:13pm

<< I saw an early preview and either I missed it or it wasn't there.

'Cause the way I had taken in the show - Granny wanted to leave NY, and with her winnings, she, Usnavi, and Robin de Jesus would go to la playa Dominicana (or wherever). But then his store is graffiti-ed and out of nowhere NY is the best place and he decides to stay. Because seeing Grandmom on his store inspired him. When she was the one who wanted to get the hell out to begin with.

No doubt that this show will be the overwhelming audience favorite. Good for them. It's got dazzling choreography, and a pretty good score. But the book just suuuuuuuucks.
>>

It has always been there, Yankee... I just think it your attempt to trash the book (and, I agree, it has flaws--- but it certainly doesnt "suck"), you are refusing to acknowledge it.

You seem to be equating the fact that his store was "graffiti-ed" with someone getting mugged in NY and deciding to stay.

The mural was used to remind him of Abuela... its not the equivalent of the beginning of the story when his store is "graffiti-ed" and he chases the artist away.

If you listen to Usnavi's lyrics during the finale he talks about how he feels the need to continue the legacy his parents left, and how he feels that someone needs to be there to take care of Sonny and to guide him.

He also apologies to Abuela for deciding that the best place for him to do these things is at home.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 7:20pm

Oh, and I thought the spray-painting was UGLY...it made Abuela Claudia look like a monkey or something. It was supposed to be touching (and it was) but if the painting was better, it would have been all the more moving...

^^^ Oh my god.. I agree with you on that. I hate that graffiti of Abuela in his store..

But you were RIGHT! IN THE HEIGHTS is one of the strongest show this season... I hope it gets all the nods it deserves.. Can't wait for the critics reviews ..It looks like we have a "new" favorite here in the Board.

Thanks for your review...that's why I think that I dont need to post my review and see the show anymore bec. between your review, dave (of course) Yankee fan & Wanna Be a Foster..You guys nailed it perfectly !



J*
Updated On: 3/2/08 at 07:20 PM

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 7:23pm

Testing, I'm not saying it out of an attempt to trash the book, I'm saying it because I legitimately don't remember it.

And on 1 viewing (yes, some people can only see thigns once), not every single lyric of every single song will register. Unfortunately, it seems the most important one didn't. The way I saw it, he sees the mural, decides to stay, everyone else be damned, and then it ends.

I will point out that I'm not the only one who has major problems with the book.
Updated On: 3/2/08 at 07:23 PM

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 7:27pm

<< But you were RIGHT! IN THE HEIGHTS is one of the strongest show this season... I hope it gets all the nods it deserves.. Can't wait for the critics reviews ..It looks like we have a "new" favorite here in the Board.

Thanks for your review...that's why I think that I dont need to post my review and see the show anymore bec. between your review, dave (of course) Yankee fan & Wanna Be a Foster..You guys nailed it perfectly !
>>

Jay,

I would love to hear your opinion of the show, if not a full review !! Are you saying its one of the strongest shows this season because of the quality, or the opinions of the people on BWW? Seems to me like you like it, but looks like Yankee hates it, yet you think he nailed it. I am confused.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 7:27pm

I'll add this thread to ATC, which shows that I'm not the only crazy one.

http://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/d.php?id=1536603

[BlueWindSadness]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 7:29pm

I basically wanted to melt in my seat when I heard Mandy Gonzales singing "Breathe"...she has a phenomenal voice...

Thanks for the review, I thought very much the same thing as you did from when I saw it!! Sounds like you had fun!!

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 7:35pm

I told you that I enjoyed the music and choreography.

But I have problems with the book. And I've defended my problems with the book.

[mominator]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 7:37pm

Had the chance to catch this show during its off Broadway run. Can't wait to see it again!