VISUALLY STUNNING–IN THE HEIGHTS

3. February 2010 by admin.

VISUALLY STUNNING—IN THE HEIGHTS

F. J. Hartland

The Tony Award-winning In The Heights opened at the Benedum Center last night, and it is a visually stunning production.  The set, the lights, the costumes and the dancing create a production that is simply eye-popping.

Unfortunately, the show is saddled with a book that is so predictable and contrived, replete with two-dimensional characters.  While In The Heights entertained my eyes, it left my heart feeling rather empty.

Set in a crumbling section of New York City, Washington Heights seems to be a place everyone would like to leave.

Recent CMU grad Kyle Beltran plays Usnavi, a young man who runs the corner bodega along with his cousin Sonny.  As Usnavi, Betran brings a great deal of charm to the role.  He also moves very well.  Some of his rap songs, however, re delivered so quickly (and are often overpowered by the orchestra) often making him unintelligible.

The women have powerful voices.  Arielle Jacobs as college drop-out Nina and Sabrina Sloan as hairdresser-with-a-dream Vanessa belt out their songs with total emotion and conviction.  Rogello Douglas, Jr. plays Nina’s love interest Benny is a fine actor—but the chemistry with Jacobs is lacking.  I don’t see any sparks between them.

As Graffiti Peter, Jose-Luis Lopez is a spectacular dancer.  If only his acting was on a par with his dancing.  Elise Santora captures the audience with her caring Abuela Claudia, the neighborhhood’s “grandmother.”

In the cameo role of the Piragua Guy, David Baida makes a memorable impression.  His soaring voice, humor and slick choreography prove the old adage, “There are no small parts, only small actors.”

A true delight are Vanessa’s co-workers at the salon.  Isabel Santiago is a sexy, sultry take-no-prisoners boss, and Genny Lis Padilla wrings every laugh out of her role.

And what a hard-working ensemble!  Hats off to these seemingly tireless singers, dancers and actors who bring so much to their roles.

Director Thomas Kail has done a brilliant job of filling the stage with movement and utilizes the set completely.  There is so much detail in terms of creating a realistic look for In The Heights.  He utilizes the windows and balconies of the worn apartment buildings and the streets behind the scene.  People move and criss-cross, greet one another.  The effect is almost cinematic.

I just wish that ten-minutes into the show, I was unable to predict everything that was going to happen in the two-and-a-half hours that were to follow…but I was.

In The Heights continues through February 7.

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