June 6, 2009 8 PM. Richard Rodgers Theatre.

My sister and I were planning to watch Rock of Ages (see Avenue Q post). But since we lined up early at Times Square this time, I saw that they were selling tickets to In the Heights! The catch is, they were only giving out a 30% discount. Since the lines were long, we had time to choose between Rock of Ages and In the Heights. I wanted to watch In the Heights, more than Rock of Ages because I hear it’s a really great musical. And it won the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical. Hello?!?

But we bought tickets to the In the Heights because although we’re going to get cheaper tickets to Rock of Ages, we were seated apart. That was the deal breaker. Tickets to In the Heights were expensive (Orchestra tickets at USD 86.50 each, PLUS TAX) but it was worth it. The seats were great.

And of course, the show was AMAZING. The music was absolutely fantastic. It gave me goosebumps, especially during “In the Heights” (of course), “96,000″ and “The Club/The Fireworks”. The dancers added so much energy to the entire musical. There were the inevitable cheesy songs (almost all songs by Benny and Nina LOL), but it was a-ok with me.One thing my sister and I forgot to do was buying the cast recording. Ugh. And I remember an usher going around selling the cast recording. Argh.

There were 4 performers from the main cast who weren’t part of the original line up of the show’s cast. I knew Lin Manuel Miranda wasn’t playing Usnavi anymore, but Shaun Taylor-Corbett was still amazing. And Robin De Jesus! The guy from Camp! Funny! And of course, it’s a given that Olga Merediz, in her Tony-nominated role, was incredible. Pacienca y Fe!

Watching In the Heights was an incredible experience. I absolutely loved it. I would definitely watch it again.

Aaand I think I misplaced my ticket. Tsk.