Confession: New Obsession

I still haven't seen it yet, but I'm becoming obsessed with In the Heights.

Its the best kind of obsession, because I haven't seen the show yet and haven't been let down. I am solely going off of the Tony number that I have now watched 15 times, various YouTube clips and pieces from the soundtrack I've heard. But, so far--- OBSESSED.

The Tony number blows me away. I love that the number (the actual start of 96,000, not counting the little intro bit) has three or four different melody lines that come together at the end. I love the choreography, particularly the end section where everyone starts doing the same steps. I love the lighting, particularly that moment that everything slows down for a few beats. I love the last moment when the cast rushes the stage and then the last beat when they all throw their arms down and the lights change. So good.

Mostly, though, I love the number because the performers really hit it out of the park. It has the same energy of the Avenue Q number a few years ago, and Urinetown before that. The energy of a cast of some known people, some completely unknown people, feeling a palpable connection to the story they were telling. Their energy is mind-blowing.

Broadway needs a show with this energy and heart, that relies on its cast and creators more than special effects. I'm thrilled that it won. I wish it a long life.

I hope I feel the same after I see it.