Exuberance from the first note is how to describe “In the Heights,” the Tony award-winning musical that was Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first Broadway production, currently running at Signature Theatre in Shirlington, Virginia, until May 4.
“This glorious and vivacious celebration of community and culture holds a significant place in the American musical theater canon, and we are so happy to finally bring it to the Signature stage,” wrote Signature’s Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner and Managing Director Maggie Boland in the show’s program. “When In the Heights premiered on Broadway in 2008, its electricity, joy, and blending of Latin and hip-hop musical styles changed the genre forever.”
The scene is Washington Heights in upper Manhattan, New York. It’s a tight-knit, diverse Latinx community with various small businesses that include a limo service, travel agency, small grocery store, and hair salon. Folks know each other to be seen at the neighborhood hub, a bodega owned by Usnavi, played by Angel Lozada.
Despite familiarity, change is coming to Washington Heights, and it is called gentrification.
“This show is about a community of people fighting gentrification,” said Lozada during a “talk back” conversation for Signature’s “In the Heights,” directed by director James Vásquez. “Things are becoming more expensive, and in reality, they can’t afford to live there anymore.”
Who Lives in the Neighborhood?
From the same artist who brought “Hamilton,” “In the Heights,” features a colorful cast of engaging characters.
Abuela Claudia, played by Rayanne Gonzales, is the rock of the community. While she raised Usnavi, Abuela Claudia is everyone’s grandmother in this Washington Heights neighborhood. She is always smiling and beloved by everyone and is the sunshine that keeps her neighbors together. Abuela Claudia also has a secret that causes excitement when it is discovered.
Lozada’s character, Usnavi, has had a long-time crush on Vanessa, who works in the salon and is portrayed by Adriana Scalice. Individually, Vanessa and Usnavi hope to leave the neighborhood, but their first date awaits.
Nina, a Stanford college student played by Victoria Gomez, is the daughter of Kevin and Camila, owners of the limo company. Rudy Martinez and Crissy Guerrero play the parents.
In this musical saga, Nina represents the future. Everyone sees that with a college degree, she is sure to escape the community, but Nina had to drop out of college. She had to work to pay her college bills but could not keep up with her studies.
Benny works for Nina’s parents, and he has long desired Nina. Because Benny is African American and not Latino, Nina’s father does not see him as suitable for his daughter.
The Pieces Come Together
Told primarily through music, lyrics, and dance, this is a fast-paced production.
Even with the relationship and money complications, this is an upbeat telling of a solid community. Through 24 musical numbers, the story unfolds. The entire ensemble sings and dances.
In addition, the choreography is rigorous. Kudos to choreographer Shani Talmor, whose engaging dance moves made audiences want to join the action on stage.
Using a “theatre in the square” layout, the audience had a satisfying view of the actors. Because of the square format, a neighborhood could be felt with storefronts and residences. Andrew Cohen, scenic designer, was responsible for allowing the stage to be expansive while feeling intimate.
Cheers to Vásquez, who with the many moving pieces of “In the Heights,” brings the show together seamlessly. Change in communities is now a part of life and Vásquez’s guidance allowed the audience to experience the struggles the characters were wrestling with.
In addition, the show highlighted unity between Dominican, Puerto Rican, Chilean, and other Latin cultures, especially in one scene when ensemble members held up their country’s flag.
“There is something very special about doing a show about a community, especially when it’s your community,” said Lozada. “How we are on stage is how we are off stage. We’re like a family, and I think our director did a great job bringing that on stage.”