In The Heights Musical

IN THE HEIGHTS

* Synopsis:

¨Winner of the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical, In the Heights is the story of 3 days in the life of Washington Heights, a tight knit community at the top of Manhattan. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this is a cool musical that will win you over with its interesting story and hot tunes

* Background:

¨Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote In The Heights first draft in 1999, his sophomore year of college

¨Added freestyle rap, bodegas, and salsa!!!

¨ Miranda’s impact on life which made him write this musical was his own life experiences growing up on Dyckman street, Washington Heights.

¨Having a close-knit family inspired his work as a writer, composer, and performer

* Fun Facts:

¨Productions began in 2005 Connecticut

¨Off-Broadway in 2007

¨Show opened in theatre production in March 2008

¨In The Heights was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, winning 4 awards for: Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations

¨Finalist for 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama

* Director's Vision:

¨Get the audience to see and feel what it is like to live in Washington Heights

¨Not be stereotypical

¨High energy, fun musical! 

¨Director: Tommy Kail

* Costumes:

- Consisted of modern casual clothing

-Women wore dresses/heels for the bar scene and Salsa dancing

 

*Sounds & Lighting:

- Lighting varied from very bright to dull colors. Spotlight was always on character who was either singing or speaking. 

-The songs in this musical were:

¨"In the Heights" — Usnavi and Company

¨"Breathe" (Respira) — Nina and Company

¨"Benny's Dispatch" — Benny and Nina

¨"Inútil" (Useless) — Kevin

¨"It Won't Be Long Now" — Vanessa, Usnavi, and Sonny

¨"No Me Diga" — Daniela, Carla, Vanessa, and Nina

¨"96,000" — Usnavi, Benny, Sonny, Vanessa, Daniela, Carla, and Company

* I would have loved to experience this musical on Broadway! A review by WOR Radio from David Richardson in March 10, 2009 said that it is "one of the most polished and exuberant musicals now on Broadway. If you have any rhythm in your heart you shouldn't miss it!"