In the Heights is about three days in the life of Washington Heights, a close-linked community in north Manhattan. Winner of the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical, this energizing show highlights lovable characters, a modern Latin-themed score, and award-winning hip-hop dance moves. On the other hand, In the Heights is also a very sweet and sentimental story, while wearing its heart on its sleeve and maybe even bringing a tear to one’s eye by the time the final curtain falls. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this contemporary musical will win over audiences with its touching message and hot music.
>> More
In the Heights shines the spotlight on a variety of characters living in Washington Heights, a neighborhood located in upper Manhattan. The central figure is Usnavi, a bodega owner who while keeping a watchful eye on the aging Cuban lady next door, has dreams of being with the beautiful local beauty salon girl, and winning the lottery in order to escape to the Dominican Republic, his native land. In the meantime, Nina, a childhood friend of Usnavi’s, returns home after her first year at college, with surprising news for her parents who have spent their life savings on building a better life for their daughter. When all is said and done, Usnavi and the other residents of Washington Heights all get a distinct message of what home really means.
While the street smart youthful characters in the show do occasionally express themselves using profanity, In the Heights is no worse than your average PG-rated motion picture. Adults would be hard-pressed to find anything offensive to the younger generation n this candy-coated story of El Barrio. Actually, teens will undoubtedly appreciate the coolness factor of a show in which the main character expresses himself in rap form.
The Broadway production of In the Heights began previews on February 14, 2008, with an official opening on March 9, 2008 at The Richard Rodgers Theatre. As with the off-Broadway production, the show was once again directed and choreographed by Thomas Kail and Andy Blankenbuehler, with most of the other off-Broadway principals repeating their roles as well. In the Heights has received favorable praise and reviews due to its contemporary score, youthful cast, choreography, and set design, and has been nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, including Best Musical, book and score, in addition to direction and choreography. Of the thirteen nominations, In the Heights won four awards, including best musical, original score, choreography, and orchestration.
In the Heights, currently playing at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York, is a touching tale of neighborhood and family values, as told using contemporary uptown Manhattan as the setting. Tickets for this award-winning Broadway production are available so make your plans for the entire family to share the experience of this show with a heartfelt message.