THE SEASON FINALE : Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on IN THE HEIGHTS (with photos)

[jaystarr]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 6:09pm

Wow! I thought I wont last this long. One week from now my 1st 10/10 Report (Xanadu) will celebrate its 1st birthday on June 18. I made it! I always wanted to do something like this on how I see a show, its not a professional review..its just things I like & dislike about a certain show ~and that's my basic formula, but I also include things that is important to me like the Theater- I always feel like ..watching it on TV like THE VIEW or THE TODAY or some sort of telecast is not quite as same when you enter these historic theaters in NYC.. its like coming in contact with Ethel Merman, Cole Porter, Mary Martin, George Gershwin, Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon, Rodgers & Hammerstein who once performed and wrote great american musicals for these theaters. The Broadway Theaters itself has a personality and everytime I step into one...I felt a connection in the PAST and the FUTURE of the American Theater. My Reports also include my personal experiences...sometimes when you read some of my reports...I feel like I am giving a part of myself to the readers. Being said that I would take this opportunity to THANK everyone for giving me a chance to tell my story and experiences. Lastly my report wont be completed without stage door photos which I became fondly lately, as a part of that.. Ive asked the actors to signed my playbills..I am actually going to donate all my signed autographed playbills to a local drama club here in Boston that would be auctioned at ebay, so the kids does not have to stand outside the grocery store with cans to ask for a donation for their drama club!

Also I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you..who pmed me and tell me not to GIVE UP and keep posting my reports. I personally doubted myself and I thought that I would just give up and quit posting some day..but your pm's and kind words gave me "the strength within me" to rise ABOVE all the negativities. I would not make it without all of you guys! you guys know who you are? so may people to thank... and finally to Chris my spouse of 4 years and my best friend of 14 years.. for all his support, unconditional love and understanding..who always advise me to write whatever I think is true to myself!

Basically these are my whole one year theatrical experiences..so far Ive reported more than 46 shows...24 Broadway shows (10 plays, 11 Musicals, 3 long running musicals) 10 off-broadway shows, 4 Regional Productions (New England), 2 Pre-Broadway Try-Outs, 1 Touring Company and 1 City Center Encore Production. (There were 3 shows that was not included, Broadway's GREASE, Boston's Touring Company of SWEENEY TODD and Regional Production of THE SCENE) To everyone again... THANK YOU... THANK YOU for giving me a chance to be a part of your life here!

J*




THE COMPLETE LIST OF REPORTS:

E1: The Xanadu Trilogy
(my 1st 10/10 Report)
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=938866#3098430
(revisited)
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=939399&boardname=bway
(onstage experience with my friends- Joe, Justin, Gregg & Brett) with Special Guests: millie_dillmount & broadwayjim
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=945705&dt=18

E2: THE COLOR PURPLE starring Fantasia.
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=940523#3140108

E3: 'eurydice'
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=944459&dt=3


E4: OLD ACQUIANTANCE
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=945038&dt=3

E5: 39 STEPS (Pre-Broadway Try-Out) at Huntington's in Boston, MA
E6: MAURITIUS
E7: THE RITZ
****parts of the threads that got deleted from Aug-Sep 2008 by accident!

E8: PYGMALION
E9: FARNSWORTH INVENTION
E10: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
E11: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY : RUDE AWAKENING
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=946198#3278828

with Tony nominated actress-Kerry Butler


with Tony nominated actor-Bobby Cannavale


with Tony nominated actress- Andrea Martin


Tony nominated musical- Passing Strange




E12: THE SEAFARER
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=947933#3303151

E13: CYRANO DE BERGERAC
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=947294#3310901

E14: DONNIE DARKO in Cambridge, MA.
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=948563#3314712

E15: SPAIN
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=949360#3327903

E16: STREAMERS in Boston, MA.
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=949997#3340042

E17: CELIA
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=950758#3353837

E18: THE GLORIOUS ONES
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=951940#3381730

E19: AUGUST : OSAGE COUNTY
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=951906#3421655

E20: SPEECH & DEBATE
E21: MAKE ME A SONG
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=952635#3414154

Tony nominated play- August : Osage County


with Tony nominated choreographer Rob Ashford


with Tony nominated actress- Loretta Ables-Sayre


with Tony nominated composer-Stew




E22: GONE MISSING
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=953148#3414254

E23: YELLOW FACE
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=953728#3422460

E24: THE LITTLE MERMAID (special guests : jordangirl & WaT)
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=954460#3433923

E25: MAMMA MIA
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=955744#3446305

E26: WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND in Boston, MA.
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=956275#3457287

E27: APPLAUSE (special guests: PalJoey, Calvin, n69n & miss pennywise)
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=957018#3458491

E28 : PASSING STRANGE (remix version)
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=968164&dt=29&boardid=1

E29: THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED at Theater Works in Hartford, CT.
E30: THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED at SpeakEasy in Boston, MA.
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=956413#3454965

E31 : SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (A DAY IN A LIFE)
https://Boston.BroadwayWorld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=947928&dt=10&boardid=5

Tony nominated musical- South Pacific


with Tony nominated actor-Tom Wopat


Lucille Lortel winning musical- Adding Machine





E32: NEXT TO NORMAL (special guests: frog_fans85 & dave1606)
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=959437#3482252

E33: SOUTH PACIFIC (with special guests : RyToast & WBaF)
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=960120#3492923

E34: LuPONE GYPSY
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=960822#3499345

E35: THE HOMECOMING
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=962298#3515982

E36: ADDING MACHINE (special guests: WBaF, WaT, Jeffreydogg & greekmusicalfan)
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=962959#3524121

E37: A CATERED AFFAIR (special guest: aliciag)
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=964399#3539101

E38: 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out) at Goodspeed in Chester, CT.
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=965905&dt=19&boardid=1

Tony nominated play- Boeing Boeing


with Tony nominated actress- Laura Benanti


with Tony nominated actor- Christopher Fitzgerald.


with Tony nominated choreographer Chris Gattelli (South Pacific)






E39 : CRY-BABY (special guests : brettystar & burnsy)
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=966654&dt=36&boardid=1

E40 : SHE LOVES ME at Huntington Theater Company in Boston, MA
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=967108&dt=17&boardid=1

E41 : BOEING-BOEING (special guest : thetinymagic2, frog_fans85, verynewyorkcurious, BenKaye, joe5 and luvtheEmcee)
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=967269&dt=25&boardid=1

E42 : RENT (Special Guests: NYCBoy2 & wheelsinmotion)
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=967985&dt=66&boardid=1

and my last report for season '07-'08.........




Updated On: 6/10/08 at 06:09 PM

[jaystarr]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 6:09pm

E43

In The Heights
New Musical
Richard Rodgers Theater
2 hours and 30 mins (with 1 intermission)
6/8 3 pm matinee show
Tix Price: $31.00

INTRO:

I always have a special love for the Spanish language, aside from speaking it fluently as my second language. Most of our words in Tagalog are Spanish~almost 4,000 words, its because Philippines was a colony of Spain since 1600. Filipinos have more in common with latinos in the Carribean than our neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. First our common heritage with Spain. Second our religion- The Roman Catholic Church, Third we share the same hispanic last names, that's why its so easy to figure out a filipinos from other Asian people-just ask them their last names- its mostly Cruz, Castro, Angel, Conception... etc... and lastly...which is just recently...most of us are immigrants to this country! Personally I can really relate "culturally" more to Hispanic people, more than Chinese or Japanese.

I thought as a Season Finale for my 10/10 Report. I'll end it with a show that I think will win the BEST MUSICAL this season. I guess you can say.. that I saved the best for last! Ive seen IN THE HEIGHTS during its off broadway run at 37 Arts Theater in January 2008. Its funny... bec. when I saw IN THE HEIGHTS.. It was 98 degrees in New York City, really fitting for the atmosphere of the show that happened in the 4th of July Weekend. So without further ado....

Things I LIKE about the show (out of 10)

1. The Overture: I dont know why is this NOT on the OBCR? Graffiti Pete (Seth Stewart) came out with a boom box radio at the beginning.. he was tuning the radio station looking for songs...1st song with static sound...In the Heights.. then he tuned it again to "It Wont Be Long" ..then you hear the static sound of the radio... he got another station .. its 96 G...I thought it was VERY ORIGINAL & VERY CREATIVE. It sets the mood to the show, before the opening.

2. Orchestration by Alex Lacamoire & Bill Sherman: I truly believe this is one award that ITH will bring home...BEST ORCHESTRATION. specially I was familiar with the 1st incarnation of the show. They did a great job! They really bring out that LATIN SOUND! The rich sound of the trumpet and percussion beats of Latin music was accomplished very well. Plus the scratch sounds of the hip-hop music and the reggaton beats. This alone would reassure ITH of winning it. I have the demo and I can tell that they improve the orchestrations for the Broadway productions!

3. Music & Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda: I saw THE VIEW a few weeks ago.. Whoopie asked Lin-Manuel as to what was his first Broadway show.. he replied.. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and he likes RENT a lot. If you listen to ITH. you can hear.. Andrew Lloyd Webber's influence on Miranda. There are certain characters that were assigned to a particular song or tune.. example.. Abuela- Paciencia Y Fe, Carla & Daniela - No Me Diga...Vanessa.. slow song that goes.. IF I could win the lottery, you never see me again...and I mean this in a good way... Miranda was able to use Webber & Larson's influences to CREATE HIS OWN SOUND! that is UNIQUE TO HIM! he added his own heritage to make the score "flavorful'~ and that's the PERFECT WORD for that! There are so many songs I like .. 96 G is my favorite, and you have to give him credit for adding Rap music and cleverly rhyming it. He is indeeed a very talented person. I dont personally dont think that he copied ReNT & Phantom. I think he uses it as an inspiration and put his own stamps and flavor to it.

There was a feature story on MTV about Passing Strange and In the Heights using popular music meaning "NOW" on Broadway..My question is WHY? just now? I am a big Sondheim fan, but I think we got stucked in his style for along time. Dont get me wrong.. then we have this pop-opera european style that came in the 80's that Widhorn is still doing... I am glad that FINALLY we have composer's like Stew and Miranda who is finally breaking away from the 'traditional broadway school of composer" to do something that is FRESH & NEW. Remember ..Porter, Rodgers & Hart used popular music in their time on Broadway. Why cant we do this today too? I dont mean juke box musicals! I mean..ORIGINAL MUSICAL that reflects our CURRENT POPULAR MUSIC! I really admire Miranda for using hip hop, rap, merengue, salsa and reggaton and same with Stew for using gospel and rock music!

4. Sound Design : Another award that ITH will probably take home. Have you guys listen to the beginning of In The Heights~the sound of birds, street noise, subway.
There is also one scene in the musical-interlude scene where there are riding subway- the sound of the train was perfectly captured in that interlude.

-The best part probably is THE CLUB song where it fades to Black Out... that "boom" sound ..then blackout! was soo captivating.. and the fireworks at the end of ACT 1.
Best Sound Design Ive heard for a long time. Tonys worthy!

5. Lighting : I love the lighting effect specially THE CLUB SCENE- its all red! you can really feel the "fuego" going on in a latin club! btw.. there was an addition.. that lights on the house steps that look like club lights was not on the off-broadway production..very cleverly done!

6. Choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler. I love Rob Ashford to death..but I think I am afraid to say that I LOVE Andy's choreography more!

-the 96 G number was choreoraphed very well.

- The Club/ Black Out are probably the 'best" number to show. The latin moves are very sexy... that girl wearing a red dress that "no habla ingles"... was soo good! This is a number that's hard to explain or just listen to the OBCR- you have to see this performed live.

-I think Andy will win the best choreography!

7. The Actors : Sometimes Latinos & Asian Americans are often overlooked and our roles were given to non-hispanics or non-asian. FINALLY! We are NOT denied anymore to play our own ethnicities on Broadway. I truly hope that this trend would continue...and I hope that the casting for WEST SIDE STORY would be REAL Puerto Ricans too or at least REAL latinos..bec. there are lot of talented hispanics and asian actors out there.

a. Andrea Burns as Daniela- I dont know why is she overlooked as featured actress?
She deserves to be nominated! She is actually the standout for me- she is very funny specially the part where is is touching her boobs .. and singing she needs a brand new lease (insinuating she needs a boobs job) on 96 G number. She has a very brassy voice too!

b. Olga Merediz- she was in full-force when I saw her, probably bec. there's a lot of Tony voters during the matinee. She was fantastic, she almost broke down (sounds like crying in her voice) during the Paciencia Y Fe number.. during the line.."Sharing Double Beds, Trying To Catch a Break, Struggling with English....got a job working as a maid, so we cleaned some homes, polishing with pride ~that's when she sounded vulnerable .. I thought I saw one of the greatest performance of an actress on that very moment. I almost actually cried! her performance gave me soo much RESPECT for all this immigrants in Latin American countries to leave their homes and come here without NOT knowing any words of English... working in the cafeteria, cleaning offices, picking crops...and they are doing it with PRIDE and HONOR! wow! talking about getting sick and tired of our jobs! Dont know why some people are commenting that there are not much story on ITH- its just a smorgashboard.. her character alone is a very good story!

c. Lin-Manuel Miranda- First and foremost.. I wanna clear something .. Miranda is playing Usnavi, a convienience store owner and HE IS NOT PLAYING HIMSELF, or else his character would be a composer and a rapper. lol! I thought he was very funny. I think I grew very well in his role from the first time I saw him off-broadway. I dont think he is not good, and he is not up there on the stage rapping.. he is ACTING , singing and yes..dancing! He acted very well in the Alabanza number~that's acting not singing!

e. Robin de Jesus as Sonny- he is the comic relief as Usnavi's sidekick. very charistmatic onstage.

f. Eliseo Roman- Piragua Guy- I actually love his character...I thought he got a beautiful voice. I love his song specially the lyrics...And Mister Softee's trying to shut me down...but I keep scraping down...

-I personally thought there was a symbolic meaning to his character- the piragua represents immigrant's costumes and Mr. Softees is the american costumes that immigrants acquired..but somehow our old costumes still scrapping by....

NOTE: Just make this short... I thought all the actors did a fabulous job..specially Priscilla Lopez-she has a new number. All of them seemed very well accustomed to their roles.

8. Changes they made from Off-Broadway to Broadway. I was actually improved a lot of stuff from the off-broadway run.

-Usnavi & Vanessa getting together at the end with a suprised kiss..I thought its more clearer now.

- Nina working two jobs to keep her scholarship and cant cope up. I thought it was iron out very well. Same with why the parents are willing to see out their business.

-Very polished show now... I'm impressed!

9. The concept and idea of In the Heights : People have said that there was a problem with the book...I dont see it at all. The show that I saw yesterday was very well polished. I mean.. you cant expect a deeper character development when you have soo many characters... I thought the score developed the characcter very well.
I really love the idea of making a musical about a group of immigrants- I mean simple one.. like maid, hairdresser, convience store owner- well this are the people you meet daily..its not green witches, green monster or muses. I think a lot of people missed the message of the show...bec. its kinda hidden... sometimes I missed the place where I grew up , but i know If I will go back.. its not the same place as I remembered it... its not the place... its the friendship, love ...and mostly our HERITAGE that make up that beautiful place we call home, no matter where we are!

10. Its a crowd pleaser. I saw this show yesterday during the Puerto Rican Day Parade, and there's a lot of PR in the audience. the crowd is very enthusiatic and they made side comments... like when Nina woke up with Benny in Act 2... I heard the lady infont of me saying..."oh no! she did not! Its a very entertaining piece and its easily understood. This is one thing that my other musical (that I would not mention, my favorite! ) that I think It does not have.... ITH is a crowd pleaser! Almost everyone will instantly LIKE the show. Its a very likeable show, and this is one reason why it will win the TONYS-imo. (of course its a good show too!)

Things I DID NOT LIKE about the show (out of 10)

N O N E

In Summary:

The day I saw this show was very very hot! Its the hottest day for a long time! Its good that I brought a tank top, bec. I was sweating so bad. I was originally wearing a white and brown shirt with a collar, but the theater got hotter later during second act and its a full house too! The stage door was literally a 100 degrees at 4:30 pm. The actors were all gracious and nice to the fans, even its very hot! It really feels like IN THE HEIGHTS on 4th of July! Hace mucho calor y humedo.... I am glad that I finally saw the show! I had a great time, and I think its a good show to end my Continous 10/10 Reports! Hopefully I will be back for SEASON 2 this Fall or whenever a new show. but till then...

HAPPY TONYS and ENJOY THE SUMMER !!!



Score : 10/0- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!



Richard Rodgers Theater














THE MERCHANDISE:












Production Photos
(from Playbill)
https://www.playbill.com/multimedia/search/12845.html





Lin-Manuel Miranda as Usnavi


Robin de Jesus, Karen Olivo & Lin Manuel Miranda


Mandy Gonzales & Christopher Jackson


Andrea Burns & Janet Dacall


The Cast in 96,000 number


Olga Merediz & Mandy Gonzales


Carlos Gomez, Priscilla Lopez & Lin-Manuel Miranda


The Playbill










Stage Door Photos

The Stage Door:
Direction: As you exit the theater..its on your immediate LEFT.


with Carlos Gomez



Tony nominated actress, Olga Mereditz




Eliseo Roman


with Janet Dacall & Eliseo Roman


Mandy Gonzales


with Mandy


with the Karen Olivo


Luis Salgado


with Andrea Burns


Afra Hines & Rosie Lani Friedleman


Tony nominated actor- Robin de Jesus


with Robin


Tony nominated actor & composer, Lin Manuel Miranda with Puerto Ricans Youths.


with Lin


Miss Priscilla Lopez with Puerto Rican Youths.


with Priscilla


My Autographed Playbill






Updated On: 6/10/08 at 06:09 PM

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 6:12pm

Great job!! I'm glad you gave this show your Tony blessing.

Looks like they have things better organized at the stagedoor. It also looked like a madhouse.

Updated On: 6/9/08 at 06:12 PM

[jaystarr]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 6:14pm

Check it now... took me awhile to post the ITH page...

J*
Updated On: 6/9/08 at 06:14 PM

[musicalmaster703]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 6:20pm

One of your best!!!!

[insertclevernamehere]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 6:21pm

Wow jay, I had no idea you saw all those shows. That's insane!

[BustopherPhantom]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 6:24pm

Thank God for you, Jay. You are the Enthusiast's Enthusiast, and it's nice to have someone on this board who's consistently optimistic and positive to everyone.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 7:00pm

Thanks Dottie & the rest!

Yeah! I actually said that to Lin-Manuel...that I have the feeling that they are going to win the TONYS...I actually congratulated him and the rest of the cast! They were ecstatic and happy!

J*

[jerseyfan2]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 7:11pm

Another great review!
For those of us who can only see a limited number of shows, they're really helpful.
Thanks for your many enthusiastic, detailed reviews.
I hope you're back next season to help me choose for my next trip to NYC.

[Johnnytoc]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 7:43pm

Jay, these are Great reviews!
Quick note, in the first post with past pictures you've labeled Christopher Fitzgerald as Christopher Invar.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 7:47pm

You deserve your own TONY for your coverage and pics Jaybird.
I always look forward to them and I love your caption baloons.

My fav pic is Loretta kissing your cheek.
God, I hope that woman wins the TONY!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 7:50pm

<< 9. The concept and idea of In the Heights : People have said that there was a problem with the book...I dont see it at all. The show that I saw yesterday was very well polished. I mean.. you cant expect a deeper character development when you have soo many characters... I thought the score developed the characcter very well. >>

THANK YOU !!!! The book is not perfect, but I think its just the easiest part of the show (for people that really dont like "ITH") to criticize, so they take it and run with it.

Another great review, and so glad you liked the show !! (and got some pics of our fave merch guy !!)

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 7:51pm

Even more impressive is that he doesn't live in NYC and saw all these shows!!

I noticed you didn't have a picture of Christopher Jackson or Seth Stewart.

I think the group photo with Lin Manuel is very sweet.

Updated On: 6/9/08 at 07:51 PM

[christhefish]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 8:32pm

Jay - I will miss these this summer, please come back with more in the fall.

I love that you singled out Andrea Burns (she was a highlight of the entire season for me)

Have a great summer.

[jewishboy]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 8:47pm

I also thought Andrea Burns was the standout. Glad you enjoyed the show!

[violet72]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 8:58pm

I totally agree with you about Andrea Burns...she was great...thanks for all your reviews...I was also in NYC on Saturday..I was seeing Sunday for the second time and you are right it was oppressively hot especially at the stage doors.....can't wait to read more of your reviews in the fall

Updated On: 6/9/08 at 08:58 PM

[JudasIscariot]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 9:28pm

Great review! Glad to see you loved the show so much, it has easily become my favorite of the season, if not one of my favorites of all time.

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 10:15pm

A WONDERFUL review like all of your reviews jay ! I am so gla you loved the show as much as I did ! And a BIG THANK YOU from us for beeing a very important part of our life here ! You are a fantastic, wonderful, caring and unbelievably sweet guy, as well as the BEST reviewer on this board and I'll club to death anyone who will dare to say otherwise !

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 11:05pm

This makes me happy. I love reading your reports.

I agree about Andrea Burns and Eliseo Roman (great picture, BTW). They're both hilarious and have gorgeous voices and are WAY underrated.

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 11:18pm

Thanks for sharing Jay! Your pictures look fantastic and it looks like you had a lot of fun!

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 6/10/08 at 1:30am

I *heart* you, Jay. I've really enjoyed reading all your reviews, and I just had to comment and thank you for your diligence, and posting all these great pics, and thoughts.

And I'm thrilled that you felt the love for Heights. I couldn't agree more, especially your sentiments about the book (It's become SUCH an easy target, and its weaknesses are grossly exaggerated. It's a perfectly FINE book!!), and Lin's performance (hell yeah he acts! And damn well, too, carajo). And you're spot on about the piragua guy's symbolism. He represents, among other things,the perseverance of tradition faced with the threats of assimilation. There's also a possible socio/political reading, but I'd rather not get into it. Cause I'm a nerd :-p

And:

Sometimes Latinos & Asian Americans are often overlooked and our roles were given to non-hispanics or non-asian. FINALLY! We are NOT denied anymore to play our own ethnicities on Broadway. I truly hope that this trend would continue...and I hope that the casting for WEST SIDE STORY would be REAL Puerto Ricans too or at least REAL latinos..bec. there are lot of talented hispanics and asian actors out there.

WORD

Gracias de nuevo por esta hermosa reseña. :) Updated On: 6/10/08 at 01:30 AM

[rgaywrites]

Posted: 6/10/08 at 1:34am

Excellent review, and I agree about the orchestrations. I've been working out to the cast recording and during Won't Be Long Now, there's some really subtle, nuanced stuff going on, particularly when Vanessa goes to the bodega for a Pepsi/packing tape. I found listening to the recording with head phones has revealed some really exciting work. Love this show.

[joe5]

Posted: 6/10/08 at 7:40am

Jay great report as usual!!!!! And I thank you for being so kind to all the shows. Have a great summer and look forward to the fall. Thanks joe

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 6/10/08 at 8:40am

Great review and pictures as always

Makes me even MORE excited ot see this in afew days

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK ON THESE *hugs*

You deserve a special Tony Award: Best Critic/Reviewer!!!

[folkyboy]

Posted: 6/10/08 at 8:45am

yay! i love In the Heights! i want it to win the Tony SO SO bad!