BWW Reviews: IN THE HEIGHTS Breathes Life into Austin

2008 Tony-winning best musical In The Heights has set up shop at University of Texas' Bass Concert Hall through April 25.

Written by native New Yorker Lin-Manuel Miranda, In The Heights is a high energy musical set in modern day Washington Heights, a neighborhood in far-north Manhattan.  With a score filled with salsa, hip-hop, and soul that celebrates the largely Latino heritage of the neighborhood's population, In The Heights tells the story of three days in the lives of its residents.  With lyrics and dialogue containing nearly as much Spanish as English, In The Heights is a cultural immersion that one need not be fluent in to understand.

Strongly led by newcomer Kyle Beltran as Usnavi, the owner of the corner bodega in the neighborhood, the cast of In The Heights is packed with actors bursting with character and vocal talent.

Usnavi yearns for Vanessa's heart (played by powerhouse Sabrina Sloan) and is goaded to make a move by wise-cracking cousin Sonny (Shaun Taylor-Corbett) and friend Benny (Rogelio Douglas, Jr.).  Meanwhile, Nina Rosario (Arielle Jacobs) has returned to the Heights from her first semester at Stanford University and struggles with what she wants her future to be under the pressures of her parents.  Beloved neighborhood grandmother, Abuela Claudia, stands by to offer advice and reassurance to all who need it.

In The Heights' message about the strong ties of family - and the fact that family is not defined by blood - and the innate human desire to spread one's wings and fly is poignant and not lost on anyone, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background.  It is one of my favorite musicals (this week's viewing was my third), and I believe it's a show for all ages and a great vehicle for introducing a young adult to the world of musical theater.

In The Heights was nominated for 13 Tony Awards in 2008, including best musical, book, score, direction, and choreography.  It won for Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography, and Orchestration.

The In The Heights touring cast also stars Jose-Luis Lopez, Genny Lis Padilla, Isabel Santiago, Elise Santora, Natalie Toro, David Baida, and an incredible ensemble.

In The Heights is playing at Bass Concert Hall through April 25.  Tickets are available at the box office or at Broadway Across America.

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