Review: IN THE HEIGHTS Finds Second Home in Miami
It seems an obvious choice for Miami to produce one of the first regional productions of In The Heights, a musical centered around Latin culture in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. Theatre is meant to be relatable and hold up a mirror to its audience and, after feeling the electricity on opening night, the line between actor and audience was barely discernable. The energy and vibrancy of this community was felt to the back of the house.
Although In The Heights swept the 2008 Tony's, a remounting of this ethnically-specific musical demands insight from actors who have previously been involved with the show. Fortunately, Actors' Playhouse was able to assemble a mixed ensemble of both local performers and prior cast members, as well as choreographer Stephanie Klemons, an associate of original choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler. The result is a transfer of original intent that legitimately stands up to both Broadway and touring productions.
Artistic Director David Arisco and Klemons seamlessly intertwine story and song to create a powerful piece of theatre. Standing out among the strong cast are Miami-grown Nick Duckart as lovable shy-guy Usnavi and Rayner G. Garranchan as his adorable sidekick Sonny. Doreen Montalvo, as Abuela Claudia, provides us with a matriarch worthy of being revered and the quartet of girls on 'No Me Diga' keeps their audience in stitches. Actors' Playhouse has a sure hit on their hands that probably couldn't find a better home than in Miami.
The cast of In The Heights playing now through April 7 at Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. Photo Credit: Alberto Romeu
Rayner G. Garranchan (Sonny), Sarah Amengual (Nina), Marcus Paul James (Benny), Nick Duckart (Usnavi), Christie Prades (Vanessa), Jose-Luis Lopez (Graffiti Pete) and Alicia Taylor Tomasko (Carla) in Actors' Playhouse's production of In the Heights. Photo Credit: Alberto Romeu
Jose-Luis Lopez as Graffiti Pete in Actors' Playhouse's production of In the Heights. Photo Credit: Alberto Romeu
Alicia Taylor Tomasko (Carla) and Elisa Santora (Daniela) in Actors' Playhouse's production of In the Heights. Photo Credit: Alberto Romeu
Nick Duckart as Usnavi in Actors' Playhouse's production of In the Heights. Photo Credit: Alberto Romeu
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