In The Heights
Location: Kings Cross Theatre
Date Seen: 27th February 2016
Seen With: 3 Friends
Understudies at This Performance: Jocasta Almgill as Vanessa and Alexzandra
Sarmiento as Carla
For
shows I’ve seen before and have previously reviewed, I don’t plan to do a whole
review again. This is the first time I can do a ‘REVISITED’ review where I can
add comments on extra observations and performances where different actors may
be on for that particular performance.
Since My
Last Visit…
When
I saw the show last, I have fallen in love with the characters and plot more
since I bought the soundtrack. I absolutely love Lin-Manuel Miranda’s style and
as a result bought his newest musical Hamilton
Whilst
having time to listen to the music, I became more excited about seeing the show
again with my new understanding of the characters and the music.
Review – REVISITED
I
was excited to hear David Bedella was on playing Kevin as I saw his understudy
last time. He recently won the WhatsOnStage award for Best Supporting Actor In
A Musical and I’m not surprised. One of my friends described him as having one
of those voices you’ll never forget like Morgan Freemen. His clarity in every
word he spoke or sung was beautiful.
My
views on the acting, songs and choreography have not changed and I enjoyed this
performance more because I was more emotionally invested in the show.
One
thing beyond my control I was sad about was that Jade Ewen was not performing.
I love seeing understudies and whilst Jocasta Almigill did a fantastic job,
there was something so strong about Ewen’s performance that I couldn’t help
thinking something was missing.
What
I was pleased to hear is that although the photo in this review shows Philippa
Stefani as an understudy, she has in fact been promoted full time to play Daniela
(this is reflected on the website). This is something I was over the moon to
hear about as she was the best understudy I’ve ever seen and fully deserves
this promotion.
Stand Out Performances
Sam
Mackay as Usnavi is still the stand out performer for me with Philippa
Stefani as Daniela close behind. One
thing I really picked up on this time was the relationships between characters
I absolutely loved Sam Mackay’s Usnavi acting alongside Clever September’s
Sonny. The family bond between them was so clear and didn’t look like any
acting was involved as it was so believable. I also loved the dyanamic between
David Bedella’s Kevin and Jodie Benson’s Camila and the song ‘Enough’ once
again really captures this.
Would I Still Recommend?
Yes
REVISITED Overall Verdict (Out of 5
Stars):
5
Stars
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