In my humble opinion

Paz, amor, lueces y musicales

By JONATHAN CHARLES FOX
Posted 12/7/22

While I’m not exactly bilingual, I have more than a passing knowledge of the Spanish language, having studied it for years in high school and college. Still, at the tender age of …

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In my humble opinion

Paz, amor, lueces y musicales

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While I’m not exactly bilingual, I have more than a passing knowledge of the Spanish language, having studied it for years in high school and college. Still, at the tender age of (fill-in-the-blank), much of that has faded. Were it not for the fact that I’m seeing someone (hold the applause) who is a first-generation Dominican-American, it’s unlikely that I’d be brushing up on my language skills. But I am and I am. And I am what I am. Let’s just call it a “vested interest.”

How convenient, then, that I had the opportunity to check out “Peace, (Paz) Love (Amor) & Lights (Lueces),” the drive-through holiday light-up extravagancia running nightly through December on the grounds of Bethel Woods (BW) Center for the Arts. It highlights holiday celebrations from around the world, including the Dominican Republic, a country in the Caribbean.

Before my chauffeur (Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce president/CEO Jaime Schmeiser) steered us down the beautifully lit roads, we popped into a party in one of the market sheds. We hobnobbed with a convivial group of BW members, schmoozed a bit, and nibbled on “light fare” in a festive, fireside setting.

The evening was espectacular (see how fluent I’m getting already?) and I highly recommend a tour through the light show. Kids of all ages will love it.

Building on my Spanish-language theme, I was excited to see the Lin-Manuel Miranda Broadway smash “In the Heights,” which was performed at SUNY Sullivan’s Seelig Theater last Saturday. An American actor, playwright and filmmaker (“Hamilton,” Disney’s “Encanto,”) Miranda’s star has been on the rise for a while, and now I know why.

Where does my new friend live, you ask? Coincidentally, in Washington Heights, the northernmost section of Manhattan where the musical tale takes place. Hmmm.

With music and lyrics written by Lin-Manuel and a book penned by Quiara Alegría Hudes, the musical (spelled the same in both languages) was (IMHO) fantástico and, as directed by Jessica López-Barkl, SUNY Sullivan professor of theater and speech, really quite good.

The production is a bit of a herculean effort, featuring more than 20 actor/singer/dancers (including little ones). Thankfully, co-music directors Leon Hilfstein and Brandon Sparkman had a handle on the difficult score, leading six musicians, who played multiple instruments throughout the dual-language show, with their excellent skills.  

Choreography by Beau Brennon was energetic fun, and Brennon did double duty as the adorable “Piragua Guy,” the role played by Miranda in the 2021 film version of “In the Heights.”

My English-to-Spanish translator informs me that “piragua” means “canoe” (the character sold shaved ice) so I’m a little confused—maybe the name came from the hombre’s rolling street cart? I might have to ask a special friend.

In addition to Brennon, the show boasted some standout performers, most notably Kevin Hurtado (as Usnavi) who sings, dances (and raps) incredibly well. He charmed his way into the hearts of those onstage and off.

 A funny and touching performance by Faye Kaiser-Valdera (Sunny), a solid turn by Nick López (Kevin), and lovely vocals by Allysia Watts (Nina) added to the overall production. Nicholas Connal’s stage debut as Benny was impressive.

“This is his first show,” Connal’s bio in the program read. “Nicholas has never had any musical training, but [is] excited to be a part of a musical that shines light on Hispanic culture.” And he was very, very good.

In addition, Daphne Rodriguez-Garcia (Camila) was muy bueno (that means “great”), as was recent SUNY graduate Tameka Harris as Abuela (pretty sure that means “Grandma”) Claudia.

Harris’ show-stopping number, “Patiencia y Fe” (“Patience and Faith”) was a tremendous highlight, and by the time the show came to its conclusion, the audience was on its collective feet.

The show is nothing if not a collaborative effort, and the entire company shone on occasion, singing and dancing its way through impressive choral numbers like “96,000” and the title song. That featured the talented Hurtado, who led the other players by example, carrying the show on his more-than-capable shoulders.

Supported by an impressive set, which was designed by Aaron Kaplan, and stunning lighting and projections created by Tláloc Lopez-Watermann, “In the Heights” is more than just a musical, and about more than just a neighborhood. It’s about love, family and resilience set against a backdrop of turmoil, class struggle, angst and a multilingual way of life both complicated and enhanced by life “in the heights” circa 1990-something.

I’m going to go on record, stating that “In the Heights” was the “mejor obra musical” show I’ve seen at SUNY Sullivan to date. That means “best musical play,” and coming from me, “grandes eloggios” (high praise) indeed.

Ask the Google: What is “hobnobbing”? It means “to mix socially, especially with those of higher status.” Let’s face it: I’m from the wrong side of the tracks.

Peace (Paz) Love (Amor) & Lights (Lueces), Peace Love and Lights, Bethel Woods, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, In the Heights, SUNY Sullivan, Lin-Manuel Miranda

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