In the Heights

In the Heights
Warner Bros. Pictures
June 25, 2021

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

In the Heights is a vibrant movie adaptation of Lin Manuel Miranda’s acclaimed Broadway musical.  It focuses on dreams.  Each character moves in direct search and achievement of the highest vision they hold for themselves.  This is what makes this phenomenal adaptation relevant and uplifting.  

The movie opens with Usnavi (played by Anthony Ramos) sitting at a small bar on the beach, telling four children the story of his bodega in Washington Heights.  The New York neighborhood comes to life as Usnavy starts his day, opens his store, and greets his friends and customers.  The action flows seamlessly from dialogue to hip hop to song, then back again to dialogue.  Scenes start with characters walking down busy city streets.  As the movement organically grows with rhythm, the street becomes alive with dance, then smoothly returns to daily activity.  This is all due to the expertise of director Jon M. Chu, book writer Quiara Alegría Hudes, and choreographer Christopher Scott.  Their eye on every minute detail is extraordinary.  You are swept into the lives and needs of every character.  Your heart opens as you feel for them and with them on every challenge they face.  It is no easy task to make a successful movie musical, and this creative team has raised the bar higher than it’s ever been before.  

Anthony Ramos as Usnavi
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

The cast is superb.  Anthony Ramos is suave and magnetic as Usnavi.  Olga Merediz is endearing as Abuela.  Jimmy Smits is solid as Kevin Rosario.  Daphne Rubin-Vega is energizing in her portrayal of Daniela.  Gregory Diaz IV brings a dynamic charge to the role of Sonny.  Marc Anthony is heartbreaking in his cameo role of Sonny’s father, Gapo.  The list goes on and on of outstanding performers bringing their “A” game, giving the audience a truthful view into the struggles and desires of their characters. 

You MUST see In the Heights on the BIG screen.  If you’ve already seen it in the comfort of your own home, see it again in the theater.  Why?  Because now you can.  It is a worthy celebration, one to be shared in a communal setting.

Domenick Danza

The Players Theatre Short Play Festival

 The Players Theatre Short Play Festival
The Steve & Marie Sgouros Theatre (Players Loft)
115 MacDougal Street, 3^rd floor
June 19, 2021 

Photo courtesy of The Players Theatre Short Play Festival

The Players Theatre Short Play Festival just completed Week 2 of a three week run.  They present four new 10-minute plays each week.  The audience votes for their favorite play each night, and the winner of each weekend wins a cash prize.

The four shows presented in Week 2 were: 

8 Million is the Largest Number, written by Larissa Kruesi
A charming story of friendship where two lonely neighbors get acquainted on their adjoining fire escape.
     Featuring: Larissa Kruesi & Catie Carlton
The Quarantine, written by Michael Long
A satirical look at how Covid 19 would be portrayed on an episode of Seinfeld.
     Directed by Sharifa Williams
     Featuring: Jere Williams, Jonathan Dauermann, Brandon Thomas, & Amanda Gordon
Pizza/Bagel, written by Genny Yosco
A comic view of how a long distance relationship can turn into something more committed.
     Featuring: Genny Yosco & Dillon Herbig
Killer Chicken, written by Jack Rushton
A dark comedy about how dependence can turn into murder.
     Directed by Steve Marshall
     Featuring: Kim Blacklock & Melora Griffis

All the plays in the festival were NYC stories.  Each piece was light-hearted and enjoyable in their own way.  The performances were consistently strong and well-rehearsed. 

It is not too late to get tickets for their final week of performances (June 24 - 27).  Check their website for tickets and Covid 19 safety protocols (shortplaynyc.com).  You can also get tickets on tdf.org.  

Domenick Danza

Perfect Crime

 Perfect Crime
Ann L. Bernstein Theater
at The Theater Center
June 12, 2021 

Photo courtesy of Perfect Crime

Perfect Crime is a mind-boggling murder mystery… or is it?  In the first scene you witness a murder.  At the end of Scene 2, the murder victim enters, unscathed and very much alive.  Scene after scene you are given incriminating evidence for every character, pulling you deeper into intrigue caused by suspicious behavior.  Playwright Warren Manzi sustains this intrigue all the way through to the end of the play when the truth finally unravels. 

Psychologist, Margaret Brent (played by Catherine Russell) is on the brink of fame, as her new book is about to be released.  When Inspector Asher (played by Patrick Ryan Sullivan) visits to investigate her husband’s murder, her husband (played by David Butler) appears just as Margaret is about to be arrested.  In a session with Lionel, a severely psychotic patient (played by Charles Geyer), Margaret discusses murder fantasies as Lionel analyzes a painting by Margaret’s husband that hangs over the mantle.  Inspector Asher returns and questions Margaret’s husband, who turns the tables by grilling Asher on his attraction to Margaret.  Asher does not let up on his belief that Margaret is a murderer until her dark past is revealed and all questions are answered. 

Catherin Russell 
Photo courtesy of Perfect Crime

The success of this story rests on the timing and energy of the main character, and Catherine Russell plays this to perfection.  She pulls the strings of each of the other characters, callously manipulating their reactions and behavior.  The rapport she creates with Patrick Ryan Sullivan, David Butler, and Charles Geyer is realistic and believable.  Jeffrey Hyatt directed this piece to run at a momentous pace, which this cast adheres to brilliantly, keeping your mind alert and aware of every detail.

Premiering in 1980, Perfect Crime is “the longest running play in the history of New York theater, on or off Broadway.”  Having starred in Perfect Crime since its first performance, Catherine Russell has been hailed the “Cal Ripken of Broadway” by the People Magazine and appears in the Guinness Book of World Records for most consecutive performances in one role.  Get a ticket for Perfect Crime and keep this NYC theater tradition alive.  Safety protocols at The Theater Center are well implemented.  Ventilation is documented on their website.  Seating is sporadic.  Audience members are required to wear masks throughout the performance.  

Domenick Danza