February 2010 Archives

"From the moment we walked in we were all amazed. The music and the dancing were out of control and I enjoyed every second of "In the Heights." I felt like my friends and I could all relate to the characters that were in the play and truly enjoyed it." 

-Carlton, P256

"Yes!Yes!Yes! is all I have to say about this show. "In the Heights" was such an amazing play that I would recommend it to anyone, young or old. It was such a wonderful experience and you could tell that the actors really put their hearts into each of the characters. Everything about this play reminded me of being younger and living in the Bronx. The people, the music and the atmosphere were exactly the same. All my expectations were exceeded by the end of the show. I would love to go back and see "In the Heights" again!"   

-Juan, P256

"The show was amazing and once the music started I was hooked. I was a little confused in the beginning because they were speaking Spanish but once the singing and dancing started it was easy for even the people in the audience who didnt speak the language to understand. My favorite part was when Sonny used the money to rebuild the store, it showed how people can rise above and better themselves. The show reminds me of the time I spent living in a small spanish community in Boston, it was full of life and music just how Washington Heights was portrayed in the play. I would definitely recommend this play to others because of the amazing acting, art work and rhymes. From the moment you walked in you felt an intense energy that stayed with you long after the show was finished."

 -Jerome, P256

"This play really stuck with me. Overall the play was amazing, I loved the dancing the most and my favorite character was Nina. I would recommend this play to anyone who wants to see a show that they can relate to."   

-Gregory, P256

"This was my first time at the theater and it was absolultely amazing. I could see and feel everything going on up on the stage. The show was a ball, I've never seen something so spectacular. My favorite part of the show was when they were singing with their countries' flags; it made me proud of my own country. The show reminded me of my own culture and the streets I grew up in. The one thing I took away from the show is that anyone can make it, never become a quitter. I would definitely recommend it to friends and family either old or young. Kids and adults could learn something really great about life and their culture."   

-Richard, P256

"I knew a little bit about the storlyine before coming to see the play, but between the singing,dancing and acting it completely blew me away. I think the reason why we all enjoyed it so much was because of how my classmates and I could relate to the characters and music. It showed us all how if you really want something all you need to do is work hard and you will get it. I would recommend "In The Heights" to everyone I know because the play had such an amazing energy level and carried such a great storyline. It kept us on our feet at all times!"

-Devon, P256

"Before coming to the theater I did not know much about this play. I was hoping it would be funny and it definitely was. The music was amazing and even though the play takes place in Washington Heights everything reminded me of my old block back in the Bronx. The most memorable scene for me was when the Rosarios were trying to sell the store so that their daughter could continue her education at Stanford because they believe that this is her way out of the neighborhood so she can have a better life. I would recommend this play to my friends and family because of how great of a performance it was."

-Chris, P256

"When I was told I was going I was going to a Broadway show the first thing I thought of was just an act to be performed.  I haven't ever been at a Broadway show, it was my first time attending, and it was a really good experience.  A group of kids and I went to the city with two adults and ended up seeing a teacher I knew.  We all went in and I was amazed at how everything looked.  When I got to my seat I was really excited, I saw tons of people pile in their seats and got ready for the show.  I noticed the performers need to be good in multiple things, like singing, dancing, acting, and not just performing.  The show was just the beginning of many shows I would start to go to.  The women were gorgeous and great dancers.  Their singing blew me away!  These performers had amazing talent and I would advise for anyone to at least go to a Broadway show one time in your life time and see how amzing it can be."

 -Oscar P256

Students from Eleanor Roosevelt HS Respond to "Piano/Pianists"

"Recently my music theory class and I went to Lincoln Center to watch five of the most well known pianists in the world perform a variety of classical pieces of music.  It was the first time that I attended a piano recital of this kind. I noticed that each Pianist had a different style and when they played, they really showed their passion for music. I'm starting to be more aware of the importance of the Arts in our culture."

Camilo

"I found the event to be absolutely spectacular. I got to see some of the best pianists in the world play some very complex classical pieces and what was even more interesting was that pieces were played in either the "four hands" approach (two people playing on the same piano) or in the "two pianos" approach. 

This concert relates to my own life in that I take an AP Music Theory class.  This recital helped me to better understand how all these concepts are actually put into practice.  I am personally a drummer, but obviously I have interests in other instruments and musical orientations."

Ilir

"This was my first time at a piano concert.  That atmosphere there, and the atmosphere at other concerts I've been to, is contrastingly different.  It was also my first time attending a show at Lincoln Center.  I was impressed visually with the architecture of the buildings.  I felt relaxed and excited at the same time; excited to hear world-famous musicians and relaxed by the beautiful music.  The pianists played in such grace together, either sharing one piano or on two adjacent pianos.  At the end of the show, I thought, maybe one day I can play music as elegantly as them."

Melody

"I loved the use of two pianos.  Not only were the pianists unique, the duets played were different and memorable.  Whether it was Mozart's Sonata in C or Maurice Ravel's La Valse, the audience was never bored and truly never knew what to expect.  No matter where you sat in the hall, the sound was great and the feel of the pieces were portrayed in a beautiful arrangement.  I enjoyed seeing the pianists switch partners, and each pair brought something new to their performance."

Devorah

"I loved the concert.  The music struck me with the emotion put into it, and it was a welcome relief from everyday life.  I especially loved the Revel waltz because of its emotional intensity and grand waltz feel.  I play piano and that piece inspired me to want to learn its arrangement for one piano.  The other pieces were also fantastic, especially the Rachmaninov.  I enjoyed everything about this concert, including the acoustics of the space, the pianos, and the players."

Ryan

"I have never been to a concert in which there is only one instrument.  The sound was clear.  I liked when there was one piano with two pianists because it sounded like a battle from the way each person played (dynamist, pitch, tempo, etc).  I liked when the piece played would build up from being soft and low to dramatic and loud.  The changes in each piece of music kept the music interesting, and I never knew what was going to be played next.

I also like the pieces when there were two pianos.  There was a different feeling for me when a piece was played with one piano than when a piece used two pianos.  Music pieces with two pianos allowed me to pay attention to both pianists better because they were separated.  When I listened to the two piano pieces it made it easier for me to get a sense of each pianist.  Some pianists were quiet while others were loud, and made sure to make an impact based on the way they moved while playing. The concert was a great experience and I hope to go again someday."

Molly

It was the first Broadway show I've ever seen. I felt like I could really relate to Elphaba in a lot of instances, like how she felt constrained by societal stereotypes and norms. The play was fantastic and has made a theater lover out of me.

-Fei, Stuyvesant High School

The show was riveting. Sitting in that chair, watching this show makes me want to follow this career path even more. And I am realizing that daring to go beyond can get me there.

 -Taina-Fe, James Baldwin School

My first Broadway experience was phenomenal and I can't wait to be able to see more of them. I have always deemed Broadway shows as shows for the artsy people, something I am not. But going to see Wicked really changed my perception. Because of this musical, I am really excited to go on more trips and have even included Broadway shows on my list of "Things To Do" with friends.

-Dionicio, Stuyvesant High School

I expected the show to be like a fairy tale story. The show turned out to be different than what I expected. It protrayed the life of adolescents now. It showed what it means to be the popular girl in school and what it is like to be different than anyone else, inside and out.

-Altagracia, Lower East Side Prep

This show reminded me a lot about my childhood. As the oldest child, I had to take care of my little siblings, just like Elphaba had to look after her sister.
-Luo, Lower East Side Prep

I think that what I took from this performance was that you shouldn't judge anybody based on what they look like or what kind of shape or size they are, because you never really know who is bad and who is good.

-Nicolle, Coalition School for Social Change

Wicked was absolutely AMAZING. The way Elphaba had to go through so much turmoil reminded me of the real world and how certain people are not accepted right away based on their outlook. From this show, I now know the real story behind the Wizard of Oz and have learned to see things from all perspectives before reaching a decision.

-Darren, Stuyvesant High School