In the Heights Review - Salsa, Hip-Hop, Rap and There's No Place Like Home

Opening night of the musical IN THE HEIGHTS at the Oriental Theater through Broadway In Chicago was a big hit as the audience enjoyed invigorating music filled with rhythms of salsa and Latin pop, hip-hop salsa dancing that made you tap your feet and bounce in your seat, rap that was laid back yet told much of the story, and soulful singing that made you weep.

The story is set in the barrio of Washington Heights with peoples from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic who have come to America to pursue their dreams.  With the backdrop of the George Washington Bridge, the drama is a three day snapshot of this New York neighborhood as the principal characters dream of the riches possible beyond their neighborhood if only they could access them.  The male lead Usnavi (Perry Young) and his abuela, Claudia (Christina Aranda), his adopted beloved grandmother who is loved by everyone in the neighborhood, dream of returning to their homeland of the Dominican Republic.

Nina (Virginia Cavaliere), after losing a scholarship during her freshman year at Stanford is supported by her parents (Celina Clarich Polanco and Benjamin Perez) who will sell  their business to provide money for her return to Stanford. Her newly found soul mate Benny (Kyle Carter), will start his own business and wait for her as she returns to college.

Vanessa (Presilah Nunez), who has won the heart of Usnavi, wants to leave the urban decay of the barrio and move into a modern apartment.  Daniela (Tauren Hagans), who owns the beauty salon where Vanessa works, is forced to leave the neighborhood to relocate in the Bronx.

Usnavi’s 16 year ole cousin Sonny (Robert Ramirez) is the only one who believes in the strength of the neighborhood and wants to stay.

IN THE HEIGHTS is the winner of four 2008 Tony Awards and the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.   In addition to winning the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show’s creator won the Tony Award for Best Music and Lyrics, Andy Blankenbuehler won for Best Choreography, and Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman won for Best Orchestrations.

Based on a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award nominee Quiara Alegria Hudes and conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda, IN THE HEIGHTS is directed by Joseph A. Callaway Award-winner and Tony Award nominee Thomas Kail. Music arrangements are by Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman.

After opening off Broadway in 2007, IN THE HEIGHTS  then spent 2008 to 2011 on Broadway and was the 79^th longest running show in Broadway’s’ history.  It was on a national tour, showing in Tampa and San Juan, Puerto Rico, the homeland of author Quiara Huydes and composer and performer Lin-Manuel Miranda who played Usanavi in his homeland.  The show is currently on a new, non-Equity United States national tour, which started on October 17, 2011, with a new cast of players.  This was truly a fast-paced, soulful, wonderful musical.  I would highly recommend it. 

IN THE HEIGHTS has ONLY 4 MORE PERFORMANCES in Chicago, on Jan. 12, 13, 14, and 15^th.  Tickets are on-sale online at www.BroadwayinChicago.com or call (800) 775-2000.