In The Heights, now playing at the Durham Performing Arts Center through February 27, may very well be one of the most charming, deliriously feel-good musicals ever written. The story is universal. A community must come together to find the true meaning of family or be torn apart. The music is fresh and dynamic, while reflecting the rhythms of past generations. The fascinating choreography is an eclectic mix of modern, hip-hop, and salsa. In The Heights is so full of love and joy that even the hardest hearts will melt by the final number. This is a musical masterpiece that must be seen!
In The Heights won four Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Music and Lyrics, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations. The musical also won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. As the musical opens we are treaded to the sights and sounds of New York’s Washington Heights, a community located in northernmost Manhattan which contains the largest Dominican population in the nation. The area is quickly becoming gentrified. As shops close and families move we are treated to the story of Usnavi, the unofficial mayor of his small community, as he tried to hold the community together. We meet the Rosarios, a proud family with big dreams for their daughter Nina, Abuela Claudia, the neighborhood’s adopted grandmother, and Daniela, the owner of a salon that is moving to the Bronx. Everything begins to change when Nina comes home from college with disturbing news, someone in the neighborhood wins the lottery, and a summer blackout darkens the neighborhood’s spirits.
The story was masterfully conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who played the original Usnavi on Broadway. Miranda also wrote the joyful music and lyrics. Quiara Alegria Hudes wrote the excellent book. The brilliant set by Anna Louizos is centered by a towering image of the George Washington Bridge. The costumes by Paul Tazwell are perfectly appropriate and the sound by Acme Sound and lighting by Howell Binkley are both superb. Andy Blankenbuehler, who won a TONY Award for his efforts, created choreography that is both incredibly beautiful to watch and moves the story forward with grace and ease.
The entire cast is brilliant. Joseph Morales plays Usnavi with charm and great skill. Elise Santora is beautiful and wistful as Abuela Claudia. Sonny, Usnavi’s little cousin, played by Chris Chatman, is an adorable pain. Nicholas Christopher, who plays Benny, is strong and sexy, and his love interest Nina, played by Genny Lis Padilla, is tortured and beautiful. The Rosarios, played by Daniel Bolero and Rayanne Gonzales are a powerful couple. It’s Ms. Gonzales’ rendition of “Enough” that nearly brought down the house last night. Lexi Lawson, as Vanessa, is sexy and ambitious, and April Ortiz, as Daniela, sizzles with every step she takes. Three of my favorite characters play smaller, but vital parts in the story. Jose-Luis Lopez, as Graffiti Pete, is sinister and sexy, David Baida, as Piragua Guy, is full of fun, and Ana Nogueira’s Carla is full of ditzy humor. The ensemble of dancers is also amazing as they create the community of Washington Heights.
In The Heights is a perfect musical treat. It is full of charm and joy, beautiful music and gorgeous dance, with a story that will make you want to visit In The Heights again and again. Do not miss your opportunity to see this engaging musical while you can.
