Entertaining
by SHOWY on 7/2/09Richard Rodgers Theatre - New YorkLoved the music and dancing was supurb. Had a little difficulty understanding some of the words. Very well casted!
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Loved the music and dancing was supurb. Had a little difficulty understanding some of the words. Very well casted!
As someone who lived in Washington Heights for eight years, I loved this presentation. In particular, the set and the choreography were great.
Cannot say enough about ALL the talented actors in this show!
It's no wonder why this is now my favorite show on Broadway. Filled with vibrant music, intricate sets, electric dancing, and lovable characters, the show takes place over a course of three days in the Latino community of Washington Heights, New York. Usnavi, the adorable bodega owner and narrator, takes us through the different relationships in the community: from Nina and Benny--the daughter and employee, respectively, of Limo Service owner Kevin and his wife, Camilia-- to his own relationship with Vanessa, his love-interest; Sonny, his cousin; and Abuela Claudia, Nina's grandmother and the beloved woman who had taken care of Usnavi since birth. Javier Munoz, the replacement for Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of the show), leads the cast as Usnavi. His performance that night certainly changed my opinion about him. He has so much charm and really feels comfortable in the role. My favorite scene is when we learn how the character gets his name. The look on his face = Priceless. Mandy Gonzalez plays Nina, who's returned home from college. She was also one of the cast members I met after the show. I told her, "You nearly had me in tears during 'Everything I Know'." And she did. Someone give this woman an award please? Instead of the usual Chris Jackson, his understudy, Marcus Paul James (moving in from the East Village stage of "Rent") played Benny. While disappointed at first, this man definitely pulled me into the show. He has a voice, and brings so much more emotion into his character, especially his final confrontation with his boss, Nina's father. Marcy Harriell plays Usnavi's love-interest, Vanessa. She was really what I expected. Beautiful voice, gorgeous dancing, and the acting... wow. And certainly one of the most friendliest people you could ever meet. Robin de Jesus plays Usnavi's cousin, Sonny. Oh my God. I cannot even begin to describe how much in love I am with him. From the moment I saw him shaving in the upper part of the set, I lost it. He is SO hilarious, and his trying to come off as a "grown-man" only makes him more adorable. From the amount of applause Robin received (after some of his lines and during curtain call), I can say that he deserved it. Newcomer, Justina Machado, best-known for her role in Six Feet Under, joins the cast as the salon-owner, Daniela, who knows everyone's business and everything going on in the Heights. I was disappointed at first that I wouldn't be seeing the original, Andrea Burns, but Justina's performance made up for it. She has perfect comedic timing, she can belt like a mother, and she's one of the kindest women ever. "They couldn't have chosen a better replacement," I told her. I can't say too much about Olga Merediz (Abuela Claudia) without spoiling the show, but she possibly one of the most heart-warming characters in the show, that by the end of Act 2, you're flooding the theatre with your tears. Right from her entrance you fall in love with her character and her big solo, "Pacencia Y Fe" only adds onto that. Other cast members include Seth Stewart (Graffiti Pete), a well-known hip-hop dancer and one of my FAVORITE dancers in the show; Priscilla Lopez (Camilia), perfect for her fierce attitude, her comedic timing, and her loving motherly nature; Rick Negron (Kevin), while easily the most dislikable character, has a reason as too why he doesn't want to watch his daughter fail; Janet Dacal (Carla), Daniela's lovable, Jesus-loving co-worker; and Eliseo Roman (Piragua Guy), another character who goes on my "Most Adorable Performance Ever" list. Ensemble members include: Michael Balderrama, Tony Chiroldes, Dwayne Clark, Rosie Lani Fiedleman, Afra Hines, Nina Lafarga, Jose-Luiz Lopez, Doreen Montalvo, Antuan Raimone, Gabrielle Ruiz, and Luis Salgado. Brilliant dancers of which the show would be NOTHING without. July 1st, I had the time of my life, thanks to Ticketmaster and thanks to the cast and crew of In the Heights.
Outstanding singing, dancing, cast. Venue was great...goos seating everywhere. Would highly recommend for entire family
In the Heights was an amazing ride through the trials and tribulations which face the latino community in Washington heights. It had a bit of everything from childhood memories to an unforgetable match making which swept the audience off their feet. I enjoyed every mintue of it and it not only identified with the latin community but any race which struggled to make a true living in New York.
Highly recommend. Great way to spend the afternoon!
WOW! !I've actually been on the net this AM recommending this show to everyone in my world. An extraordinary theater experience. As a 60 year old New Yorker, I've been going to the theater for almost 50 years. This show was so wonderful. I never thought I'd love, and understand, Rap. The combination of Rap, Latin, Rock was exhilarating. I could go on and on but bottom line is "In The Heights" couldn't reach any greater heights. SUPERB!
A touching and sensitive story which depicts the culture and feelings of the characters living in an underprivilaged area of New York. The audience witnesses their struggle to improve their lifestyle without losing touch with their heritage and camaraderie. A heartfelt lesson in empathy and understanding
I love the songs on the CD. After listening to the songs, my family and I went to see this Broadway show, and we thoroughly enjoyed the show. That was last year. This year, I brought two out-of-town friends to see this show -- an excuse for my self to see it for the second time. My friends loved it. I loved it again. It's even better seeing it the second time. The energy, the music, the choreography make the show!
Can I just say that the show exceeded my expectations! I was told by so many friends to see this show. I went and I am so glad I brought my whole family with me. The stories and dilemmas in the play were something we could all relate to. My dad was sobbing! I loved it. I was so proud of the production and the performance. I just may go to see it again. This is one of those plays!
My husband and i went to see "In the Heights" as his birthday present. The storyline was engrossing and held you captivated from the beginning to the end. It kept you laughing, tapping your feet to the music and shedding a few tears as well.
I expected to like this play, Tony winner and all, but i must say I was totally blown away. This is an amazing high energy show with several great song and dance numbers. It also has a strong story and all the characters are extremely likable. My personal favorite: the snowcone guy "Piragua". I have never seen the same show twice in one year, but this might be a first. Brian
In this show, you really had the feeling of being in Washington Heights, with all of the music, the noise, the mix of cultures, and even a great view of the George Washington Bridge. The music, the dancing, the energy, the gorgeous sets, and the multiple story lines were all compelling and, at times, created some very real emotion. I bought tickets for this show because my girlfriend wanted to see it. My personal taste in musicals leans more toward Sondheim, but I loved everything about "In the Heights." I would recommend it to anyone who wants a true New York City experience.
The Broadway play was absolutly up to par. I thought there was going to be more Spanish involved but overall very satisfying. My mother, who doesn't really go to Broadway shows, thought that she was going to sleep through the show because she had been very tired that day and was ready to go to sleep. When intermission came around, she commented that she was loving the play. My father also commented that he loved the show as well. There are several parts that I started to choke up on. This barrio family just brings it out to life. The theater was full f course and our seats were amazing. I thought that we would have had partial viewing since we we in the end seats but that was not true for us. We were in orchestra row Q. Overall, such a great atmosphere. I really recommend seeing this show.
In the Heights is a non-stop musical tidal wave of fun and heart. It's story is simple, but the producers spare no expense with a gorgeous set, impeccable lighting, a professional cast and some of the sexiest dancers on Broadway. The characters all bubble with life and with Broadway veteran Priscilla Lopez, this production has both sass and class. The Sonny character, reminiscent of one of John Leguizamo's young male characters, is a scene stealer, while the Abuela character has fierce backbone. The colors and constant movement from the cast and the effects will challenge any child with ADHD. I went with my 67 year old mother who could barely stay in her seat and my 86 year old landlady wanted to get up on stage and dance along.
This play brought me back to when i was chiquita. I cried and laughed all in one!
Amazing musical, lyrically, musically and of course the story line. Made me feel as though I was standing on the corner of 181st Street. A MUST SEE!