(Miranda, who played Usnavi in the stage production, appears in a cameo as a shaved-ice salesman in scenes that, for their understandable sentimental value, begin to feel like filler.)Īs appealing as the individual cast members are, the real stars of “In the Heights” are the production numbers, all-out extravaganzas of singing, dancing, color and contagious joie de vivre that Chu perfected as far back as “Step Up 3-D.” That sensational opening sequence turns out to be a tantalizing amuse-bouche in advance of an increasingly impressive feast for the eyes and ears: From a spectacular Busby Berkeley-inspired swimming pool number to a sultry nightclub scene and courtyard dance-off worthy of less bellicose Sharks and Jets, “In the Heights” pays homage to its movie-musical forebears through a new lens. They also serve as welcome relief from female characters who too often hew to the “saucy Latina spitfire” trope. Although “Hamilton” fans won’t be surprised by Ramos’s natural charisma, this is a breakout moment for the gifted actor both Barrera and Grace acquit their roles with a combination of starry-eyed idealism and grounded credibility. Chu has assembled a powerhouse ensemble of veterans - including Smits, Rubin-Vega and the great Olga Merediz in an emotionally shattering set piece - as well as promising newcomers. Released by Ghostlight in 2016 containing music from In the Heights (1999).
While “In the Heights” isn’t nearly as strong a show as its more famous cousin - it’s repetitive, plotty, over-insistent and often gratingly melodramatic - it overcomes those minor flaws with sheer force of gumption and unflagging good cheer. In the Heights - Original Broadway Cast soundtrack from 1999, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Probably not - and that would be true even if Chu hadn’t thrown in a clever needle-drop from “Hamilton” while a character is stuck on hold.
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