#1
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 ****
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
