Some of the shows were performed in costume, most likely due to proximity (Billy Elliot, In the Heights), 3pm matinees (Jersey Boys, The Fantasticks), no matinees (Chicago) and being in rehearsals (Ragtime, White Christmas, Fela!).

The audience appreciated all the shows as they were announced, especially the popular ones like Jersey Boys, which featured a performance by the “Jersey Girls” who sang “Walk Like a Man”.  I had to say, it was a nice change, though I’m sure that there were people who wanted the guys instead.

There seemed to be less people in attendance than last year, most likely due to the US Open.  At the end, when the confetti fell, you could tell that it was just tossed off the roofs of the buildings because they came down in clumps.

Image from www.applause-tickets.com

Rating: 5 out of 5 masks

A must-see for all New Yorkers.

In the Heights has music and lyrics written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and is set in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan.  It tells the story of the community over the course of three days.  You met Usnavi (you have to see the show to find out how he got that name) who runs a bodega with his cousin.  Across the street, there is a car service owned by Kevin and Camila whose daughter comes home from college, who their employee, Benny, who has a crush on.   There’s Usnavi’s abuela, who buys a lottery ticket from him every day; Carla and Daniela, who work at the beauty salon with Vanessa, Usnavi’s not-so-secret crush.

I had seen this show off-Broadway at 37 Arts and was glad that it remained mostly unchanged when it transferred to Broadway.  When I found out it was being tranferred, I jumped at the chance to see it again on Broadway.

I really liked how realistic the set looked.  It’s like you’re watching the show across the street, not onstage in a theatre.  I only wish part of the set would give way to some of the scenes that took place indoors.  It was a little distracting when they would take place onstage that the following scene would have people walking around.  I liked how the backdrop changed depending on the time of day.

I liked the music and how original it was.  It’s good to go to a musical that has a fresh take on musicals in general.  I thought the musical numbers, especially “96,000″, felt organic like the characters weren’t breaking into song.  My favorite number is the one opening “In the Heights”, which introduces all the characters.

I can’t decide which is my favorite character, but it’s not a bad thing with this show.  There were no archetypes and no one you feel you should root for/against.  It was good to just enjoy the show.

I would recommend this show for teens and up.  There’s some material that may not be appropriate for teens, but I would leave it for their parents to decide.

Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes w/intermission