BWW Reviews: Woodlawn Theatre's IN THE HEIGHTS is a Can't-Miss Event

One of the key characters of In the Heights, now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre, often exclaims "Alabanza!" at moments of extreme joy. Alabanza, we are told, translates to "Praise to this." It's also the most fitting response I can give to this glorious production. There is much to praise in Woodlawn Theatre's remarkable production of this hit, Tony Award winning musical.

In the Heights, with music and lyrics by Broadway wunderkind Lin-Manuel Miranda and a book by Quira Algera Hudes, is an anomaly in many ways. Miranda's score is a beautiful, intricate mash-up of rap, salsa, and traditional Broadway sounds, but the characters and story are far less complex. The entire story involves a Latino community in New York's Washington Heights. The show's leading character, Usnavi, is a young convenience store owner whose shop is next door to the neighborhood hair salon where his crush, Vanessa, works. Usnavi's best friend, Benny, works across the street at Kevin Rosario's taxi service and is in love with the boss's daughter, Nina. Over the course of three days, the characters explore their relationships and reflect on their hopes, dreams, and struggles in this simple slice-of-life show.

Director Greg Hinojosa offers a vast improvement on the recent National Tour with his production of the musical. While the tour was bloated, self-important, and preachy as it explored Latino culture though these characters-many of whom were played as cringe-inducing one-dimensional racial stereotypes-Hinojosa's version is far more focused, moving, and effective. He illuminates the show's themes of culture, community, and the difficulty of pursuing and achieving the American Dream by creating believable and realistic characters and relationships.

Hinojosa's creative team is also at a caliber not often found in regional theatres. The choreography by Carla Sankey is a splashy mix of hip-hop and salsa that rivals the original production's Tony winning choreography in difficulty and creativity. The production's musical director, Jaime Ramirez, and the musical stylings of San Antonio's barrio big band Bombasta ensure that every musical number is energetic and top-notch. Matt Smith's lighting design is colorful and appealing, the costumes (by Hinojosa himself) give a multihued personality to the cast, and the set by Kurt Wehner and Benjamin Grabill is fully-realized barrio, complete with three-story tenement buildings decorated with graffiti.

The cast of In the Heights is just as exceptional. The large ensemble is full of professional, focused, high-energy performers. As the show's lead, Miguel Ochoa is great as the likeable everyman, Usnavi, though I'm still puzzled that the role, which Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote for himself, has the least interesting storyline of the bunch. Olivia Legarda is wonderful as Vanessa, Usnavi's sexy, leggy love interest. As Abuela Claudia, the wise and respected mother hen of the barrio, Ann Hernandez is magnificent, particularly in her standout solo number "Paciencia y Fe." Anthony Pena proves to be a young talent to watch. He is excellent as Usnavi's wisecracking, swaggering cousin Sonny. Rebecca Trinidad is a delight as Daniella, the sarcastic, gossiping salon owner who teases both hair and those around her, and Kass Ortiz is adorable as Daniella's naïve friend and employee. While he doesn't get much stage time, Gerardo Vallejo is fantastic as the golden-voiced, optimistic Piragua Guy. Stephen Martinez is brilliant as Kevin Rosario, the stubborn, overly protective, and bigoted taxi company owner, and Melissa Gonzales is great as Camilla, Kevin's headstrong wife.

But the two biggest standouts of the show-and it's definitely an achievement to stand out among this incredibly talent cast-are Michael J. Gonzalez as Benny and Rachel Pena as Nina. Gonzalez, last seen as the outrageously flamboyant Carmen Ghia in Woodlawn's production of The Producers, gets to play a drastically different character with the masculine Benny. Gonzalez is excellent as the charming, street-smart good guy, and his R&B voice is swoon-worthy. As for Rachel Pena, the role of Nina fits her like a glove. Pena is an exceptional leading lady who can belt to the rafters but also shows a range of emotion and vulnerability in her acting, particularly in the several moments where it becomes clear that she has not lived up to the expectations set by her parents and by herself. When paired together, the chemistry between Gonzalez and Pena is undeniable.

Without a doubt, In the Heights takes Woodlawn Theatre to new heights. This is by far the most polished, professional, and enjoyable production that the Woodlawn Theatre has mounted this year and arguably the most memorable theater production of San Antonio's 2012-2013 season. In the Heights solidifies Woodlawn Theatre's status as one of the most successful and respected theatre companies in San Antonio. Alabanza indeed.

Photo (Clockwise from top left): Michael J. Gonzalez, Rachel Pena, Miguel Ochoa, Ana Hernandez, Olivia Legarda, Luis Garcia Jr., and Anthony Pena in Woodlawn Theatre's production of IN THE HEIGHTS.

Running time: 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one 15 minute intermission.

IN THE HEIGHTS plays The Woodlawn Theatre at 1920 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio 78201 now thru June 23rd. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $15-$23. For tickets and information, visit www.woodlawntheatre.org.

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