Customer Reviews

In The Heights (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

5 star:		(44)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

"In the Heights," the new musical with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, comes across vibrantly on this deluxe 2-disc cast recording. It's the best Latin-themed musical score since Paul Simon's "The Capeman." (Actually it might be the ONLY one since then, but nice that the field is growing!)

The show is set in the New York neighborhood of Washington Heights over a couple of days, where Latinos of various backgrounds converge and mingle with each other-- particularly with Usnavi, a young shopkeeper played with unyielding charisma by Miranda himself. There are a couple of romances, despair over debts and futures, neighborhood gossip, some business about the lottery, a blackout, and to be honest, more than a few clichés that had the cynic in me squirming a bit. The emphasis is on depicting a specific N.Y. community (echoes of "Rent"), and the plot elements are pretty formulaic, to be sure. But if I do wish the characters had more original things to sing about, that's okay-- the music is much too enjoyable not to be lenient.

Mixing a variety of styles, the score is thoroughly modern and Latin-flavored. There are salsas, pop ballads, and-- most surprisingly-- a significant amount of rap (assigned mostly to Miranda's Usnavi). Of course, various composers have successfully incorporated other genres-- classical, opera, pop, rock, country, jazz, etc. -- into past shows. But with "In the Heights," Miranda has really broken new ground for the use of rap in musicals. True, rap has been used before in musicals from time to time, but not this skillfully-- this is the first time I didn't find myself cringing. Lots of credit to Miranda for that--for his performance and for his nimble lyrics, which make it all work seamlessly.

But there's a lot more than rap, and it's not a one-man show. The rest of the talented cast shines on these discs, too-- especially Mandy Gonzalez and Christopher Jackson who, as the central romantic couple, get to use their attractive pop voices on the highest number of tracks. The score offers plenty of playful, Latin-tinged melodies, but the discs really excite with the ensemble numbers,--the opening "In the Heights," the hip-hop-styled "96,000," the first act's final numbers "The Club" and "Blackout," and the second act showstopper "Carnaval Del Barrio." Miranda has a genuine sense of theatricality and it's on full display when the cast is working together (along with the fantastic band). There's hardly a dull moment to be found on these discs-- among the decade's new cast recordings, "In the Heights" stands high indeed.

Though not quite reaching the level of "Rent" or "West Side Story", "In The Heights" is marvelous & feels a bit like a cross between these classic shows.

Conceived, scored and led by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show recieved 13 well-deserved Tony nominations in a season that the revivals ("South Pacific", "Gypsy", and "Sunday In The Park With George") garnered noticeably more attention ... and walked away with the big prize, "Best Musical".

In addition to Mr. Miranda, the cast includes Robin De Jesus (Tony-nominee & terrific in the movie "Camp"), Mandy Gozalez, Christopher Jackson, Priscilla Lopez (Tony-winner from "A Chorus Line"), and the amazing Olga Merediz (Tony-nominee).

The score is a mixture of pop, Latin, and hip-hop influences and sounds better and better with repeated listenings. Best tracks:

In The Heights
Breathe
96,000
Paciencia Y Fe (Patience And Faith)
When You're Home
Blackout
Sunrise
Enough
Everything I Know

Terrific Show/CD: 4 1/2 stars

If Spring Awakening wasn't enough to convince you last year that Broadway is back and better than ever, then Lin-Manuel Miranda's "In the Heights" should. The music and lyrics are pure gold, seamlessly fusing latin and modern musical theatre into one of the best scores to grace Broadway in recent history. Miranda's work has brought Broadway back into the mainstream. Is this a bad thing? Most certainly not. "In the Heights" understands that there are more people to reach than the traditional stuffy theatre-goer. It reaches a much broader audience with modern music and lyrics that are smart, melodic, and fresh.

Though every song stands out, there are a few with extra special moments. The title song is probably one of the best openers in recent Broadway history. "It Won't Be Long Now" has fantastic lyrics (as I sweep the curb, I can hear those turbo engines blazing a trail through the sky) and melody that will be in your head for days, in the good way. "96,000" follows the trail of traditional hip-hop, though the lyrics are extremly witty. The Act I finale, "Blackout", boats exteremly lush chords and writing.

The performances themselves are equally powerful. The show's creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, plays Usnavi, the quasi-narrator of the show. His performance doesn't merely tell a story, but invites you to be a part of it. Vanessa, Usnavi's evasive love interest, is played by big-voiced Karen Olivo. Nina, homeward bound college student, is brought to life by Mandy Gonzalez. Her power ballad, "Everything I Know", is also one of the show's strongest songs. Abuela Claudia, the mother figure that ties the characters together, is portrayed with a pure honesty by Olga Merediz, whose voice could outsing even Wicked's biggest stars.

If "In the Heights" is really the future of broadway, then that future is very bright. This is a must have for your collection.

I have to admit to being a bit cynical about the future of the Broadway musical. The Great White Way has become increasingly dominated by revivals, gimmicky star casting, and uninspired musicals based on movies that seemingly came out last year.

But "In the Heights" has renewed my faith in musical theatre's future. Here is a show that tells an original tale (hooray!) about a group of Latinos living in Washington Heights as they struggle to find their "home" in the world. Firstly, I applaud the show for helping to diversify the musical theatre scene. Secondly, it has been a long time since I have seen a show so singularly committed to a central theme (this theme being "home"), which I think lends "In the Heights" a cohesion other new works lack.

The Tony-winning score on this recording manages to be fresh and pop-influenced without being repetitive. Each song furthers the plot or character developement (a must in modern musicals), while the Latino flair and modern setting allow for sounds not often heard in the theatre. There's also some excellent dance music interspersed throughout.

The young and energetic cast performs these songs expertly, lead by composer Lin-Manuel Miranda as the rapping narrator/protagonist Usnavi. Miranda's raps (and indeed, his lyrics for the entire show) are sophisticated and clever while remaining authentic to the characters and situations, and he performs them admirably.

But he leaves the heavy vocal lifting to a trio of very talented women: Mandy Gonzalez, Karen Olivo, and Olga Merediz. As college drop-out Nina, Gonzalez has the most singing, which she handles well despite some strain heard in the upper range of her belt. Olivo - who plays Vanessa, a woman who desperately wants out of Washington Heights - has the best voice of the bunch, which is showcased especially well in the descant she sings during "96,000" and "Alabanza." And as Abuelo Claudia, the neighborhood matriarch, Merediz absolutely nails her showstopping "Paciencia y Fe," which is easily the best track on the CD.

From beginning to end, "In the Heights" is an entertaining show that manages to get you involved with the characters and their struggles without seeming heavy-handed or forced. Although "Spring Awakening" seems to be this decade's "Rent," I believe "In the Heights" will do the most to get younger and more diverse audiences into the theatre. It's honest and heartfelt message speaks to everyone.

This is one of the best musical soundtracks I've listened to. The story unfolds through the songs. I know I'll probably not get the opportunity to see it on stage so it's wonderful to understand the story without having to see it. The joy that this playwriter feels comes through in every song and the performers translate it perfectly. I had my doubts about the rap but the Latin beats underneath make it accessible. Additionally, there is no mumbling, the actors annunciate every word. I hope you like this musical as much as I do!

I had the pleasure of seeing IN THE HEIGHTS twice during its Off-Broadway run at 37 Arts in 2007. Now, the show is on Broadway, and the beautiful, heart-warming score is preserved for the ages on this glorious cast recording. Lin-Manuel Miranda - both the lyricist/composer and star of the show - is a musical genius, both onstage and off. He has created something unique, a show that uses musical styles seldom heard on Broadway. Latin rhythms combine with more traditional "show tune" music in a perfect blend. And the cast is absolutely wonderful, especially Mandy Gonzalez, Christopher Jackson, Andrea Burns, Robin de Jesus, Karen Olivo, and Olga Meridez. If you love Broadway and crave something new and entertaining, this show is for you!

"In The Heights" is an entertaining show about the residents of Washington Heights and the dreams they have. Lin Manuel Miranda is so good in his role as Usnavi. I like his rapping on the title track. My other favorite track is "96,000". This is a fun song as the cast sings about what they each do if they each had $96,000 dollars. Karen Olivo has a beautiful voice. I love her tune "It Won't Be Long Now". It is so pretty and hopeful. She is perfectly cast as a salon hair stylist Vanessa. "When The Sun Goes Down" is such a romantic song. Mandy Gonzalez and Christopher Jackson sound so good together singing this tune. Olga Merediz gives this track a latino flavor. I love the tune "Patience and Faith". I love this cast recording. This is a great show.

I had no particular interest in Broadway until a friend convinced me to go see Duncan Sheik's Spring Awakening musical in 2008. I had heard tell of Rent as an example of a rock-oriented musical experience, but for whatever reason did not ever see it when it was inb town. However Spring Awakening changed my perspective and opened my mind quite a bit, presenting me with a whole new definition of what consitutes a Broadway-style show. There was a band on stage the whole time, edgy songs, and just a rock n roll attitude about it that separated it from the type of thing I had feared it might be. It felt like it was ABOUT something. From then on I dropped my preconceived notions and began seeing more of these sorts of shows.

My wife, a big fan of Broadway and someone with a background in performing arts, introduced me to In The Heights. We saw it in New York during the Fall of 2010. I liked this show (and the accompanying music) more even than Spring Awakening. This was the musical taken somewhere completely new and very real, the streets of Washington Heights, NY. The characters were believable, their problems those that are likely to face immigrant communities in actual life. Here we have a group of characters whose lives intersect, all searching for greater meaning and purpose in their own ways. The story is incredibly funny and touching, with numerous little asides that require repeat viewings/listenings to pick up.

However the music alone is worth hearing for the intricate and seamless fusion of latin and hip-hop influences it provides. There are all kinds of rhythms here, and it's fun to listen on a purely musical level and try to absorb it all. Plus the singers are first-rate and bring these characters to life.

I suggest going to see this musical yourself, even if you might be hesitant about the genre. If that isn't a possibility, the music is still well worth hearing. For those who want to experience something truly new and unique, this is a must-buy.

I really love listening to this show! I've never seen the actual production, but I adore the soundtrack! It makes me want to get up and dance!

I saw this musical for the first time at the Durham Performing Arts Center back in February. The music was absolutely phenomenal so I decided to order the 2-disc package once I got home. I knew Amazon would have it for a good price so I searched and ordered it. I received the cd's within a week and a half of purchasing it. I absolutely love this music and would recommend this to anyone who would like to listen to a new kind of musical. I have yet to be disappointed with Amazon and will continue to use their fantastic service.