Stage Review: In the Heights

L-R: Debra Cardona (Abuela) and Joseph Morales (Usnavi). Photo by Alexander Weisman.

In the Heights, which is playing at Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City, was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who grew up in Washington Heights. The show is a love letter for the neighborhood where he was raised. And what a lovely love letter it is. It’s a sweet, vibrant, and at times touching snapshot of the Manhattan neighborhood.

The musical opens on a wonderful set representing the neighborhood, with a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge and a bright full moon in the sky. As we get into the story, walls open so we see the inside of Usnavi’s bodega, the Rosario Car Service, Daniela’s beauty salon, and the Rosario dining room.

The music is a eclectic mix of rap, Latin rhythms, and beautiful ballads. Some of the songs had you tapping your feet, wanting to stand up and dance along with the ensemble, especially during " Carnaval Del Barrio." The first number, “In the Heights,” draws you into the world while Usnavi raps about his life in the neighborhood and introduces his neighbors. Each of the solos gave you a glimpse of the characters, who they are, where they came from, and what they want in life.

The majority of the cast was very good, but standout performances came from Joseph Morales (Usnavi), Natalie Hill (Daniela), Natalie Toro (Camila), John Herrera (Kevin), Emily Vasquez (Nina), and Anthony Ramos Martinez (Sonny).
Joseph Morales has performed the same role in the touring company, and his performance of Usnavi was very strong and moving. Natalie Hill is a native of Orem, Utah. Her portrayal of Daniela was very entertaining, and her voice was one of the strongest in the cast. Natalie Toro’s rendition of “Enough” was one of the highlights of the all of the musical numbers in the musical.

L-R: Manoly Farrell (Vanessa), Natalie Hill (Daniela), Emily Vasquez (Nina) and Ariana Escalante (Carla). Photo by Alexander Weisman.



One of the most moving numbers in the show, “Everything I Know,” was sung by Emily Vasquez. I don’t like it when musicals make me cry, but I forgave them this time because “Everything I Know” was such a beautiful song that will touch the heart of anyone who had someone special in their life help change them for the better.

The ensemble was very strong, and the choreography was energetic, entertaining, and well performed.

I seldom give a standing ovation at a theatrical performance, even if everyone around me is standing, but by the end of the curtain call for In the Heights, I was on my feet. The musical won me over completely.

In the Heights plays at Pioneer Theatre Company through September 29, 2012.