Today we are celebrating incredibly accomplished multi-award-winning performer, composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Hundreds Of Stories The undisputed breakthrough theatrical voice of the new millennial generation, Lin-Manuel Miranda burst upon the theatre scene with much fireworks and fervor in 2007 when his self-penned stage piece all about contemporary life in modern-day Washington Heights arrived Off-Broadway, appropriately titled IN THE HEIGHTS. Besides composing the score, featuring a book by Quiara Alegria Hudes, Manuel also starred in the new musical, as well, personally presenting to a rapt audience his revolutionary mix of modern music - rap, R&B, dance music and more - with more traditional sounds of not only Broadway, but the barrio itself. Absorbingly and energetically telling the tale of a bright-eyed young man, Usnavi, and his colorful collection of friends, family and foes, the instant audience hit was soon met with critical hosannas once it premiered - with particular praise for Miranda's groundbreaking score, elegantly incorporating multiple rap passages overflowing with witty wordplay, humor, heart, dramatic and thematic heft, with many inventive internal rhymes; not unlike those that would be heard from the very best emcees themselves, many of whom are name-checked in the endlessly entertaining, pop culture-flecked songstack. Due credit was also given to director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler and music director Alex Lacamoire, with the original Off-Broadway production eventually going on to receive 9 well-earned Drama Desk nominations. A Broadway production seemed inevitable for the hot property after that acclaimed arrival, and, on February 14, 2008, it came to be - with even more huzzahs for the accomplished cast, creative team and central mastermind.
Don't miss this "Run This Town"-themed promo video for the IN THE HEIGHTS tour.
Check out this electric IN THE HEIGHTS flash mob.
Photo Credits: CBS, The Public Theater/Joan Marcus, etc.
Videos