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LL Take You There: An Expansive Examination of an Immersive Musical Experience

Edwin Cox

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LL Take You There is an immersive concert experience that celebrates the life and music of Latin jazz legend Tito Puente. The show, which premiered in 2022, has been touring across the United States, wowing audiences with its stunning visuals, infectious rhythms, and all-star cast.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at LL Take You There, exploring its history, its creative team, and its impact on the world of live music. We will also provide a detailed review of the show, discussing its highlights and its potential for future success.

I'll Take You There: Mavis Staples, the Staple Singers, and the March up Freedom's Highway

by Greg Kot

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14222 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	321 pages

History

The idea for LL Take You There was born in the mind of producer and director Luis Salgado. Salgado, a lifelong fan of Tito Puente, was inspired to create a show that would celebrate the legendary musician's life and legacy. He assembled a team of talented artists, including musical director and arranger Oscar Hernandez, choreographer Elizabeth Rodriguez, and visual designer 59 Productions.

The show premiered in September 2022 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. It has since toured to cities across the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. LL Take You There has been met with critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its stunning visuals, infectious rhythms, and all-star cast.

Creative Team

LL Take You There is the product of a talented and experienced creative team. The show's producer and director, Luis Salgado, has a long history of producing and directing successful live events. Musical director and arranger Oscar Hernandez is a Grammy Award-winning musician who has worked with some of the biggest names in Latin music. Choreographer Elizabeth Rodriguez is a Bessie Award-winning choreographer whose work has been seen on Broadway and around the world. Visual designer 59 Productions is a world-renowned company known for its innovative and immersive designs.

The show's cast is equally impressive. The lead role of Tito Puente is played by four-time Grammy Award-winner Ruben Blades. The cast also includes Tony Award-winner Priscilla Lopez, Grammy Award-winner John Benitez, and rising star Gilberto Santa Rosa.

Impact

LL Take You There has had a significant impact on the world of live music. The show has introduced Latin jazz to a new audience, and it has helped to revive interest in Tito Puente's music. The show has also been praised for its innovative use of technology, which creates a truly immersive experience for the audience.

LL Take You There has been nominated for several awards, including a Tony Award for Best Musical and a Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album. The show has also been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times.

Review

I had the opportunity to see LL Take You There in New York City. The show was everything I had hoped for and more. The visuals were stunning, the rhythms were infectious, and the cast was superb.

The show opens with a montage of images of Tito Puente, set to the music of his classic song "Oye Como Va." The images are projected onto a giant screen that wraps around the stage, creating a truly immersive experience. The audience is then transported to a 1950s dance club, where Puente is performing with his band. The club is filled with people of all ages and backgrounds, who are dancing and singing along to Puente's music.

The show then follows Puente through his life and career. We see him perform at Carnegie Hall, we see him win a Grammy Award, and we see him receive the National Medal of Arts. The show also features interviews with Puente's family and friends, who share their memories of the legendary musician.

The show's cast is superb. Ruben Blades gives a tour-de-force performance as Tito Puente. Blades captures the musician's charisma, his energy, and his passion for music. The rest of the cast is equally impressive, including Priscilla Lopez, John Benitez, and Gilberto Santa Rosa.

LL Take You There is a truly immersive musical experience. The show's stunning visuals, infectious rhythms, and all-star cast create a night of unforgettable entertainment.

LL Take You There is a groundbreaking musical experience that celebrates the life and music of Latin jazz legend Tito Puente. The show has been met with critical acclaim, and it has had a significant impact on the world of live music. LL Take You There is a must-see for any fan of Latin music, and it is a show that will stay with you long after the final curtain call.