BWW Reviews: SoLuna Studio's IN THE HEIGHTS

When I attended In the Heights on Broadway, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm thrilled that Hauppauge's SoLuna Studio has added it to their summer season. The wonderful production runs through July 26th at the adorable Long Island venue.

The story (score by Lin-Manuel Miranda; book by Quiara Alegria Hudes) tells the tale about the historic Washington Heights community in New York City. Explored are the people, culture, and what it is like to live in this area. Several story lines weave throughout the musical where, at its heart, are about people navigating life.

SoLuna Artistic Director Karen Braun directs the superb cast filled with SoLuna vets with some newbies mixed in. Ms. Braun also serves as Choreographer, put together the costumes (with Nick Caron), in addition to portraying Graffiti P (or, Graffiti Pete from the Broadway incarnation). She always has a fantastic eye for her shows with this as no exception. The voices of the cast were beautiful, everyone was age appropriate, and Ms. Braun wonderfully modifies the choreography to accommodate the smaller stage.

I had the pleasure of seeing the extremely talented Niko Touros as Usnavi (Mr. Miranda's role from Broadway) as he alternates the role with SoLuna vet Austin Morgan. Mr. Touros is absolutely stellar in the role. It is apparent he is enjoying his time in the show and doesn't miss a beat reiterating the hip-hop score. Also part of the cast is Jahlil Burke as Usnavi's friend Benny who works at the limo service next to his bodega that he runs with his cousin, Sonny, adorably portrayed by Lorenzo Jordan.

The women in the cast are incredibly strong as well. Portraying Usnavi's love interest Vanessa (Karen Olivo's role from Broadway) is Michelle Rubino and Nina, Benny's girl, is Anastasia Zieler. They are both exquisite in their respective roles. And, you will absolutely love the sass that Kayla Arias and Angie Martinez-Whitacre bring as salon owners Daniela and Carla. Their rendition of "No Me Diga" is, indeed, an audience favorite. Of course, you must also have an extraordinary actress to portray Abuela Claudia, the town grandmother, and Ariana Valdes delivers a top notch performance. Her "Paciencia Y Fe" is one of the strongest numbers of the production.

As for Ms. Braun's creative team, one of the biggest I've seen at SoLuna, Megan Pietroforte creates the set, manages the projections, and designs the lighting and sound. Additionally, Danny Passadino, who is among the SoLuna vets, wonderfully coordinates as Music Director.

At the end of the day, this production of In the Heights is incredibly enjoyable with an absolutely remarkable cast. This heartfelt story and well executed show make for a thrilling night of theatre.

In the Heights is presented by SoLuna Studio in Hauppauge, Long Island, through July 26th. Music & Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, book by Quiara Alegria Hudes, Direction and Choreography by Karen Braun, Musical Direction by Danny Passadino, Stage Management/Assistant Director by Samantha Coleman, Assistant Musical Director/Assistant Director by Ariana Valdes, Assistant Choreography by Kylie Lavrenchik & Nick Caron, Lighting & Sound Design by Megan Pietroforte, Projections by Broadway Motion Design, Set Design by Megan Pietroforte & Steve Maiorca, Costumes by Karen Braun & Nick Caron. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 761-6602 or visit www.solunastudiony.com.

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