UP HERE is an eight-episode romantic musical series, which has been created by several iconic legends. The musical composers, Robert Lopez and his wife, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, are epic in what they have accomplished so far. Robert is among the very few acclaimed EGOT winners. His career includes AVENUE Q, THE BOOK OF MORMON, WINNIE THE POOH, and his dynamic, talented wife, Kristen, did FROZEN II and is also the co-composer and writer for WINNIE THE POOH and WANDAVISION. There is a FROZEN III in the works. Steven Levinson who wrote the book for DEAR EVAN HANSEN, (which won and Obie Award and a Tony for Best Book) is the creative developer and writer. Musical geniuses.
Kristen wanted to write songs about ordinary people falling in love every day. It is set in 1999 in New York City. This was around the time of the Y2K hoopla. Everyone was so stressed about the future and the past colliding. It was a strange moment in history.
If you are a fan of musical theatre, then this show will make you stand up and cheer. The choreography was stunning and seamlessly woven into the production numbers. I loved how entwined the dancers were around the main characters, literally pushing the story forward. The different scenarios allowed for several dance styles on the spectrum, from hot and sexy to minute, demure movements.
The singing was off the charts. Both main actors, Lindsey (Mae Whitman) and Miguel (Carlos Valdes) were surrounded by three other characters. They were the voices everyone hears in their heads, but thankfully for the viewers, we get to hear them sing as well. Entertaining, funny, snarky, and perfectly matched for our on/again/off-again couple. Oh, the angst of letting go and permitting yourself to really know someone and vice versa. Scary moments maneuvering a romantic journey.
The chemistry between Lindsey and Miguel was always present. But how do they quiet those voices and find their authentic selves? This is always the test of finding and keeping love, even with a cliffhanger that could change everything. The writers took us on an adventure that I hope returns for another season. The fans seem more in love with this story than the critics. I am standing with the fans on this one. The ensemble is way too talented not to bring back for more.
UP HERE is a delightful, intriguing love story. It made me think about how necessary partners must be honest with each other. It is not smart to second guess what someone may or may not be thinking, but it creates an enjoyable, toe-tapping, binge-worthy afternoon.
UP HERE is available to stream on HULU.
