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In the Heights

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This article is about the stage musical. For the film adaptation, see In the Heights (film). For the film soundtrack, see In the Heights (soundtrack).

In the Heights
Broadway promotional poster
MusicLin-Manuel Miranda
LyricsLin-Manuel Miranda
BookQuiara Alegría Hudes
Concept
  • Lin-Manuel Miranda
PremiereJuly 23, 2005: Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, Waterford, Connecticut
Productions2005 Waterford
2007 Off-Broadway
2008 Broadway
2009 US tour
2015 West End
2022 Poland
AwardsTony Award for Best Musical
Tony Award for Best Original Score
Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album
Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music
Obie Award

In the Heights is a musical with concept, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. The story is set over the course of three days, involving characters in the largely Dominican American neighborhood of Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan, New York City.

After a 2005 tryout in Waterford, Connecticut and a 2007 Off-Broadway run, the show opened on Broadway in March 2008. It was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards and won four, including Best Musical. A film adaptation of the musical was released in June 2021.[1]

Synopsis

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Act 1

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As the sun rises on the hottest day of the summer, Usnavi de la Vega, the owner of a small bodega in Washington Heights, chases away a small-time vandal, Graffiti Pete, before introducing the audience to the corner he lives on and some of its many residents: Abuela Claudia, an elderly Cuban immigrant who raised Usnavi after the death of his parents; Sonny, Usnavi's younger cousin who works in the bodega; Daniela and Carla, who own the local salon; Kevin and Camila Rosario, a married couple who own the cab company; Benny, Usnavi's longtime best friend and an employee at the cab company; and Vanessa, an employee at the salon and aspiring fashion designer ("In the Heights").

As the day begins, the Rosarios' daughter, Nina, arrives home from her first year at Stanford University. Often considered the "one who made it out" and the pride of the corner, Nina dreads telling her parents and neighbors the truth of her return home: that she dropped out of Stanford because she had to work two jobs to maintain her tuition, leading to her getting poor grades and losing her scholarship ("Breathe"). As she tries to find her parents to tell them the news, she runs into Benny. Clearly harboring latent romantic feelings for one another, Benny and Nina reconnect ("Benny's Dispatch").

Elsewhere, Vanessa dreams of one day leaving the corner and getting an apartment in the West Village ("It Won't Be Long Now"). While she is on a break at the salon, Sonny asks her out on a date on Usnavi's behalf, and she accepts; Usnavi rejoices at his success, as he has been in love with Vanessa for years. However, he worries that Vanessa may forget about him and the rest of the community when she moves.

Nina reunites with her parents and is ultimately forced to reveal that she dropped out. Her parents are stunned at this revelation, as well as her dishonesty. Kevin grows devastated that he has been unable to provide for his family, fearing that he has continued the cycle started by his father, a poor tenant farmer ("Inútil"). Nina goes to the salon to seek comfort from Vanessa, but Daniela and Carla insist on giving Nina a makeover and subjecting her to their gossip about the happenings in the neighborhood, specifically regarding Benny and Usnavi. Daniela, Carla, and Vanessa then praise Nina and her successes. Nina reluctantly reveals to them that she dropped out, then leaves exasperatedly. ("No Me Diga").

As Usnavi closes up shop, he, Benny, Sonny, and Graffiti Pete discover that the bodega has sold a winning lottery ticket worth $96,000. The news gets out and the entire block begins to fantasize about what they would do if they had that much money ("96,000"). After the excitement dissipates, Abuela Claudia sits down to feed the birds and reminisces about her childhood in Cuba and her life in relative poverty, and the events that have led her to where she is today. She reveals that she holds the winning lottery ticket, and expresses gratitude for her patience and faith ("Paciencia y Fe").

Benny comforts Nina by walking with her and discussing their memories of growing up in the neighborhood. Nina expresses her doubts about her own self-worth to Benny, but he reassures her that she is destined for greatness ("When You're Home"). As they head to Nina's house for dinner, the local piragua merchant (referred to in the script as "Piragua Guy") pushes his food cart through the neighborhood, but all of his prospective customers would rather buy frozen treats from a nearby Mister Softee truck ("Piragua").

Kevin and Camila host Nina, Benny, Usnavi, Vanessa, and Abuela Claudia for dinner, where Kevin announces that he has sold the car service to pay for Nina's tuition. Nina and Camila are shocked. Benny, who had been dreaming of eventually managing the car service, is outraged and confronts Kevin over his decision. Kevin insists that Rosario's is a family business, and he does not consider Benny to be part of his family. Benny is furious and abruptly leaves. Nina, refusing to accept Kevin's money, follows Benny.

Usnavi soon arrives at a local nightclub for his date with Vanessa, but is overly nervous and aloof. Vanessa begins dancing with other men, aiming to make Usnavi jealous. In response, Usnavi dances with another woman as an attempt to make Vanessa jealous. Nina follows Benny to the club to apologize for Kevin's decision. Benny, already drunk, angrily brushes her off. Tensions rise in the club as the two couples cope with their own jealousy, culminating in Benny punching a man dancing with Nina, causing a fight to break out ("The Club"). Suddenly, the power goes out throughout the city as a result of the intense heat and humidity. The neighborhood descends into chaos as Usnavi and Vanessa, as well as Benny and Nina, desperately try to find their way back to one another. Sonny and Graffiti Pete, fearing looters, set off fireworks to distract potential robbers as well as to light everyone else's way home. Usnavi reunites with Abuela Claudia, who reveals her lottery ticket to him. Benny and Nina find each other amid the chaos, and despite initially arguing, they finally kiss ("Blackout").

Act 2

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Kevin spends the night searching for Nina, who is spending the night with Benny in Benny's apartment. Benny worries about whether Kevin will approve of him dating Nina, but is happy to spend time with Nina regardless ("Sunrise"). Usnavi's bodega has been robbed. Usnavi convenes with Abuela Claudia to discuss what will happen with the money. Abuela Claudia decides to give Sonny and Usnavi each a third of the money and urges Usnavi to use his money to achieve his lifelong dream of returning to his home in the Dominican Republic. While Usnavi shares some doubts, he eventually decides to go ("Hundreds of Stories"). Nina eventually returns home, and discovers her parents have been frantically searching for her. Kevin grows furious when he learns Nina was with Benny and disapproves of their relationship, partially because he wants Nina to date a Latino man, which Benny is not. Nina and Kevin loudly argue before Camila intervenes, criticizing Kevin for throwing Benny out and Nina for not coming home. She urges them to come together and work things out as a family ("Enough").

As the neighborhood copes with their frustration over the heat and blackout, Daniela urges them to dispel the negativity and muster up enough energy for a neighborhood celebration. Daniela leads the crowd in playfully teasing Vanessa for not realizing Usnavi's feelings for her, and Benny for his tryst with Nina the previous night. Usnavi arrives and announces that Abuela Claudia had won the lottery, and that he has booked a flight for the Dominican Republic, which will leave the following day. Vanessa is visibly upset by the news of Usnavi's impending departure. Sonny is upset by that news and the news of Nina's relationship with Benny, as Sonny had a crush on Nina himself. Usnavi calms Sonny down by revealing that he and Abuela Claudia are giving him third of the lottery winnings. Usnavi encourages the neighborhood residents to celebrate before everything changes ("Carnaval del Barrio").

During the celebration, Nina arrives and pulls Usnavi offstage. Kevin makes an announcement over the dispatch: Abuela Claudia has suddenly died ("Atención"). Usnavi holds an impromptu memorial for Abuela Claudia, revealing that she died of "a combination of the stress and heat," and Nina leads the entire block in mourning Abuela Claudia ("Alabanza"). Afterward, Usnavi and Nina go through Abuela's old photographs to reminisce. Nina begins to remember the central role Abuela Claudia played in her education and motivation, and in memory of Abuela, she resolves to accept her parents' money and give college another try, returning to Stanford at the end of the summer ("Everything I Know"). As Vanessa prepares to move out, Daniela gives her a final piece of news: Usnavi convinced Daniela to cosign Vanessa's lease for her new apartment ("No Me Diga (Reprise)"). As the blackout continues, many neighborhood residents patronize the Piragua Guy, partially because the Mister Softee truck broke down; the Piragua Guy is overjoyed to finally have good business ("Piragua (Reprise)").

Overwhelmed by his kind act, Vanessa visits Usnavi as he cleans up the bodega. She flirts with him and offers him a bottle of champagne. She quietly suggests to him that he should stay in the neighborhood, saying that if he leaves, she will never see him again. Usnavi, overwhelmed, firmly decides to leave. Vanessa kisses him, lamenting that she was too late in realizing her feelings for him ("Champagne"). As Nina tells Benny of her decision, they agree to spend the summer together before pursuing a long-distance relationship when she returns to school; Benny reaffirms his faith in her, and they promise to keep contacting each other ("When The Sun Goes Down"). Benny confronts Kevin for a final time, insisting that he was always there for him while Kevin never did the same. As the night winds down, Sonny approaches Graffiti Pete with a secret proposition, which Pete accepts.

The next morning, the neighborhood has visibly changed: the car service sign over the Rosarios' building has been removed, and the grate in front of the bodega is still open. As Usnavi listens to Abuela Claudia's old records, he accepts that the neighborhood has changed and wonders if any of his neighbors in Washington Heights will miss him after he leaves. Sonny approaches Usnavi and, having fixed the bodega's grate, pulls it down, revealing a graffiti mural of Abuela Claudia painted by Pete. Seeing the mural, Usnavi has an epiphany and tells Sonny and Pete to inform the neighborhood that he is not leaving. As he reflects on his role as the neighborhood's storyteller, Usnavi ponders a potential future with Vanessa, declares he will commit himself to protecting the legacy of his family (as well as Abuela Claudia), and accepts Washington Heights as his true home ("Finale").

Musical numbers

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† Designates number not included on the original cast recording

Characters

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  • Usnavi de la Vega is the narrator of the musical's exposition and a major character throughout; he is the owner of a small bodega in Washington Heights called De La Vega Bodega. He was originally played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, songwriter of the musical. He was named after one of the first sights his parents saw when they arrived in America, a ship with the sign "US Navy" on it. Abuela Claudia, the neighborhood matriarch, "practically raised" him when his parents both died during his early childhood. He dreams of moving to the Dominican Republic. He is in love with Vanessa.
  • Nina Rosario is an intelligent girl, and the first in her family to go to college (Stanford University), and everyone in the barrio admires her as the "one who made it out." However, she returns home from school for the summer to reluctantly tell her parents that she has become overburdened and dropped out. She is the typical "good girl" and always got along with her parents. Upon arriving back home, though, she loses patience constantly over her father's overprotectiveness and his refusal to accept Benny, with whom she gets into a romantic relationship.
  • Benny works at the dispatch of Nina's father, Kevin. The only character in the play who does not speak Spanish, Benny falls in love with Nina. He dreams of opening his own business.
  • Vanessa García is Usnavi's love interest who works at Daniela's salon. She is stunningly beautiful and catches the eye of every guy in the Heights; however, she takes interest in Usnavi. She lives with an alcoholic mother and dreams of getting out of the barrio and getting an apartment downtown but cannot yet afford it.
  • Abuela Claudia (“abuela" means "grandmother" in Spanish) is the loving matriarch of the barrio who is like a grandmother to all. She is the one who looked after Usnavi when his parents died. She and her mother moved from Cuba to New York in 1943 while she was a child. She worked as a maid for several years but never earned the money for her and her mother to travel home.
  • Sonny de la Vega is Usnavi's younger cousin who works with Usnavi in the bodega. He is a jokester, and has an intelligent and thoughtful side that yearns for social justice.
  • Daniela is the owner of the salon where the neighborhood girls come to gossip. She is very bold and loud and loves to banter.
  • Carla works at Daniela's salon along with Vanessa, and is Daniela's close friend; young and pretty, but a little slow to get the others' jokes and innuendos, she is of Chilean, Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican descent.
  • Kevin Rosario is Nina's overprotective father, who, coming from a long line of farmers, has worked hard to resist following in his own father's footsteps. He now owns his own taxi cab service: Rosario's.
  • Camila Rosario is Nina's strong-willed mother, who wants what is best for Nina. She is typically tolerant of Kevin's control issues, but in the course of the show, reveals her real feelings.
  • Piragua Guy (Piragüero) is the owner of a small piragua stand that competes with Mister Softee.
  • Graffiti Pete is a graffiti artist. He is good friends with Sonny and is one of the few characters who acknowledge Sonny's dreams. Usnavi believes Pete is a trouble-making vandal (constantly referring to him as a 'punk'), until Pete reveals his amazing skills as an artist.

Cast and characters

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Character Connecticut Off-Broadway Broadway First US tour[2] London[3] Kennedy Center[4] Film
2005 2007 2008 2009 2015 2018 2021
Usnavi De La Vega Javier Muñoz Lin-Manuel Miranda Kyle Beltran Sam Mackay Anthony Ramos
Nina Rosario Natalie Cortez Mandy Gonzalez Arielle Jacobs Lily Frazer Ana Villafañe Leslie Grace
Benny Christopher Jackson Rogelio Douglas Jr. Joe Aaron Reid J. Quinton Johnson Corey Hawkins
Vanessa Sheena Marie Ortiz Karen Olivo Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer Jade Ewen Vanessa Hudgens Melissa Barrera
Abuela Claudia Doreen Montalvo Olga Merediz Elise Santora Eve Polycarpou Saundra Santiago Olga Merediz
Kevin Rosario Rick Negron John Herrera Carlos Gomez Danny Bolero David Bedella Rick Negron Jimmy Smits
Camila Rosario Nancy Ticotin Priscilla Lopez Natalie Toro Josie Benson Blanca Camacho -
Sonny Robin de Jesús Shaun Taylor-Corbett Cleve September Mateo Ferro Gregory Diaz IV
Daniela Monica Salazar Andréa Burns Isabel Santiago Victoria Hamilton-Barritt Eden Espinosa Daphne Rubin-Vega
Carla Janet Dacal Genny Lis Padilla Sarah Naudi Arianna Rosario Stephanie Beatriz
Graffiti Pete Matt Saldivar Seth Stewart Jose-Luis Lopez Antoine Murray-Straughan Virgil Gadson Noah Catala
Piragüero (Piragua Guy) Eliseo Román David Baida Vas Constanti Eliseo Roman Lin-Manuel Miranda

Notable Broadway replacements

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Notable West End replacements

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Background

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Miranda wrote the earliest draft of In the Heights in 1999 during his sophomore year of college. After the show was accepted by Wesleyan University's student theater company Second Stage, Miranda added "freestyle rap ... bodegas, and salsa numbers."[5] It played from April 27 to 29, 2000, as an 80-minute, one-act show that reportedly sounded like "A hip-hop version of Rent".[6] After seeing the play, two Wesleyan seniors and two alumni, John Buffalo Mailer, Neil Patrick Stewart, Anthony Veneziale and Thomas Kail, approached Miranda and asked if the play could be expanded with a view to a Broadway production. Miranda started working with director Kail in 2002 and wrote five separate drafts of In the Heights.[7] Book writer Quiara Alegría Hudes joined the team in 2004.[8]

Productions

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Connecticut (2005) and off-Broadway (2007) tryouts

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A new version of In the Heights was presented at the National Music Theater Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut between July 23 and July 31, 2005, directed by Thomas Kail and with music director Alex Lacamoire.[9][10] The cast featured Natalie Cortez, Janet Dacal, Robin de Jesús, Huey Dunbar, Christopher Jackson, Doreen Montalvo, Javier Muñoz, Rick Negron, Sheena Marie Ortiz, Matt Saldivar, Monica Salazar, and Nancy Ticotin[11]

The musical then opened at the 37 Arts Theater off-Broadway, running from February 8, 2007, through July 15, 2007. Directed by Thomas Kail, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and music direction by Alex Lacamoire, it was produced by Jill Furman, Kevin McCollum, Jeffrey Seller and Sander Jacobs. The off-Broadway production was nominated for nine Drama Desk Awards, winning two, as well as winning the Outer Critics' Circle Award for Outstanding Musical.[12]

Broadway (2008–2011)

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The musical premiered on Broadway, starting in previews on February 14, 2008,[12] with an official opening on March 9, 2008, at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. The Broadway production was again directed and choreographed by Kail and Blankenbuehler, with most of the off-Broadway principals reprising their roles. The creative team included set design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Acme Sound Partners, arrangements and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman, and music coordination by Michael Keller.

The producers announced on January 8, 2009, that the show had recouped its $10 million investment after 10 months.[13] The cast recording was released on June 3, 2008, by Ghostlight Records and won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, beating the recordings of The Little Mermaid, Young Frankenstein, and the revivals of Gypsy and South Pacific. The Broadway production celebrated its 1000th performance on August 2, 2010.[14]

The Broadway production closed on January 9, 2011, after 29 previews and 1,184 regular performances.[15][16] The final cast included Lin-Manuel Miranda, Arielle Jacobs, Marcy Harriell, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, Olga Merediz, Andréa Burns, Christopher Jackson, Tony Chriroldes, Priscilla Lopez, and Jon Rua (understudy for the roles of Usnavi and Sonny for most of 2010).[17]

North American tour (2009–2011)

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The first national tour of In the Heights began on October 27, 2009, in Tampa, Florida.[18] The musical ran in San Juan, Puerto Rico in November 2010, the first time an Equity tour has played in the city. Librettist Hudes and songwriter-star Miranda are both of Puerto Rican descent. Miranda played this engagement.[19] The tour closed on April 3, 2011, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Florida.[20] At the time of its closing, the tour starred Joseph Morales as Usnavi.[21]

Manila, Philippines (2011)

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The international premiere ran in Manila, Philippines, from September 2 to 18, 2011. The new production was directed by Bobby Garcia and starred Nyoy Volante as Usnavi, Ima Castro as Vanessa, K-La Rivera as Nina Rosario, Felix Rivera as Benny, Calvin Millado as Kevin Rosario, Jackie Lou Blanco as Camila Rosario, Tex Ordoñez as Daniela, Tanya Manalang as Carla, Bibo Reyes as Sonny, and Jay Glorioso as Abuela Claudia.[22] The show had a repeat run in March 2012.[23]

Non-Equity US tour (2011–2012)

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A non-Equity United States national tour of In the Heights ran from October 17, 2011, until June 2012.[24][25][26] The tour played in Chicago in January 2012, with Virginia Cavaliere as Nina, Presilah Nunez as Vanessa, Kyle Carter as Benny, and Perry Young as Usnavi.[27]

Panama City, Panama (2013) and São Paulo, Brazil (2014)

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In Panama, In The Heights was performed by Instituto Alberto Einstein's student body from June 20 to June 25, notable performances by Valerie Cohen, Isidoro Cherem and Alegrita Angel, acting was made entirely in Spanish and songs sang in their original lyrics. Carnaval del Barrio (In the Heights) was staged at the famed Teatro en Círculo, from the October 3 to 31, 2013, produced by Top Line Events and directed by Aaron Zebede, who also adapted the book and songs to Spanglish. Jose "Pepe" Casis was the musical director, who also played the part of Piragua Guy.[28]

The Brazilian premiere of Nas Alturas was staged at Teatro Bradesco from April 17 until May 25, 2014. The cast featured Myra Ruiz (Nina), Ricardo Marques (Benny), Mauro Gorini (Kevin), Germana Guilherme (Camila), Renata Brás (Daniela), Milena Martines (Carla), Lola Fanucchi (Vanessa), Thiago Vianna (Graffiti) and Rafael Dantas (Piragua Guy).

Off-West End, United Kingdom (2014)

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The UK premiere of In The Heights was staged at Southwark Playhouse from 9 May until June 7, 2014. The cast featured Sam Mackay as Usnavi, Christina Modestou as Nina, Emma Kingston as Vanessa, David Bedella as Kevin Rosario and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Daniela, with direction by Luke Sheppard and costumes by Gabriella Slade.[29]

Tokyo, Japan (2014)

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The Japanese premiere played in Bunkamura's Theatre Cocoon from April 9 until April 20, 2014, and featured Yuya Matsushita, Ayaka Umeda, Chihiro Otsuka, and Motomu Azaki, among others.[30]

Melbourne, Australia (2015)

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The Australian premiere of In The Heights, produced by StageArt, opened at Chapel Off Chapel on Feb 20 and ran for a short season of 21 shows, closing on March 8. Directed by James Cutler, Musical Direction by Cameron Thomas and choreographed by Yvette Lee, Starring Stephen Lopez in the title role of Usnavi. The show received overwhelming critical acclaim.[citation needed]

West End, United Kingdom (2015–2017)

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Poster for the West End production

In the Heights transferred to the King's Cross theatre, London on October 3, 2015.[31] The production was directed by Luke Sheppard, choreographed by Drew McOnie with musical supervision by Tom Deering. The production was nominated for four awards at the 2016 Olivier Awards: Best New Musical, Best Theatre Choreographer (Drew McOnie), Outstanding Achievement in Music and Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical (David Bedella).[32] The performance of the production at the Olivier Awards was introduced by Jonathan Groff, in character as King George from Miranda's musical Hamilton.[33] Following the end of his run in Hamilton, composer Lin-Manuel Miranda made a surprise visit to the production on September 4, 2016, while he was in London working on Mary Poppins Returns.[34] The production closed on January 8, 2017, after a hugely successful run; with several extensions from its initial 4 month limited run.[35] The final show was concluded with speeches by actor Sam Mackay and producer Paul Taylor Mills, and a surprise appearance by Lin-Manuel Miranda.[36]

Vancouver, Canada and Seoul, South Korea (2015)

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The Canadian premiere of In the Heights, produced by The Arts Club, opened at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage on May 6, 2015. Directed by Bill Millerd with co-direction and choreography by Lisa Stevens and musical direction by Ken Cormier. The cast featured Luc Roderique as Usnavi, Elena Juatco as Vanessa, Kate Blackburn as Nina, Chris Sams as Benny, Sharon Crandall as Abuela Claudia, Caleb Di Pomponio as Sonny, Francisco Trujillo as Kevin, Caitriona Murphy as Camila, Irene Karas Loeper as Daniela, Julia Harnett as Carla, Michael Culp as Graffiti Pete and Michael Antonakos as Piragua Guy.

The South Korean production opened in the Samsung Card Hall, Blue Square, Seoul on September 4, 2015. The production was scheduled to star numerous K-pop and hip hop musicians including Jeong Won-young, Yang Dong-geun, Jang Dongwoo of Infinite, and Key from Shinee as Usnavi, Seo Kyeong-su, Kim Sung-kyu of Infinite, and Chen from EXO as Benny, and Kim Bo-kyeong, Luna of f(x) as Nina.[37]

Lima, Peru (2016)

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Los Productores presented In the Heights during the first months of 2016. The premiere took place on January 20, 2016, at Luigi Pirandello Theater. The composition of the cast does not match those characteristics that the original work proposed. While the original work proposed racial diversity as an essential feature, the Peruvian version has a cast composed mainly of actors with white ancestry and not one single actor with Indigenous background.[38] Gisela Ponce de León, a member of the cast, said, "Peruvians are experts in self-managed racism."[39]

Lohne, Germany (2016)

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The first ever German performance took place in May and June 2016 in Lohne and was an amateur production by the local high school. The musical was translated by Laura Friedrich Tejero and directed by Rainer Eschner and Stefan Middendorf.[40]

US Spanish Premiere (2017)

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Directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, a member of the original Broadway Cast, and Assistant Latin Choreographer to Mr. Blankenbuehler, and presented by GALA Hispanic Theater, In The Heights had its Spanish Premiere in the US in April 2017. While Spanish-language versions of In the Heights have been produced in Latin America, this production is distinctive for several reasons: It is the first Spanish version of the show in the United States, it is the first Spanish translation sanctioned and approved by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and it is directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, Assistant Latin Choreographer on the original Broadway production of In the Heights.[41] The production included lyrics and scenes in Spanish, with elements from the original English, as well as an English anchor through the character of Benny. The production offered English and Spanish subtitles.

The production combined a varied Spanish speaking cast from countries including the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Spain, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Switzerland and the USA. It starred Juan Luis Espinal (Usnavi), Verónica Álvarez Robles (Vanessa), Laura Lebrón (Nina), Vaugh Midder (Benny), Scheherazade Quiroga (Daniela), Shadia Fairuz (Camila), Rafael Beato (Sonny), Michelle Ríos (Abuela Claudia), José Fernando Capellán (Kevin), Gabriella Pérez (Carla), Myriam Gadri (Graffity Pete) and Felix Marchany (Piragua Guy). The ensemble included: Ximena Salgado, Melinette Pallares, Natalia Raigosa, Amaya Perea, Aaron Cobos, José Ozuna and Hector Flores. The production garnered 18 nominations to the 2018 Helen Hayes Awards (the DC equivalent to the Tony Awards), more than any other DC production in the season,[42] including Best Musical, Best Ensemble, Best Director, Best Choreography, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor among others.[43]

Nyborg, Denmark (2018)

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The first ever Nordic performance took place in January and February 2018 at Bastionen theatre in Nyborg, Denmark. It was an amateur production by the Musical Talent School of Nyborg. It was translated into Danish and directed by Jesper Nielsen.[44]

Saltillo, Mexico (2019)

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The musical premiered in May 2019, in Teatro Fernando Soler. It was a semi-professional production in Spanish directed by Saul Martínez and produced by Cuarta Pared Teatro.[45]

New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A., Regional Premiere (October 7–16, 2022)

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Produced by the Jefferson Performing Arts Society, directed and choreographed by Michelle Pietri with Assistant Choreographer AJ Hernandez, In The Heights had its Regional Premiere in The Jefferson Performing Arts Center on October 7, 2022. Maestro Dennis Assaf conducted The Jefferson Performing Arts Society Pit Orchestra.

The Scenic Designer was Eric Porter, the Lighting Designer was Jonathan Michael Gonzales and the Sound Designer was Kage Laney. The Wigs and Makeup Designer was Amanda Bravender, the Costume Designer was Arturo Hernandez Jr., and the Props Designer was Olivia Winter. Mona Naswari was the Stage Manager.

The production combined a varied Spanish speaking cast from countries including the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. It starred Alcee Jones (Usnavi), Gia Martinez (Vanessa), Kelly Laines (Nina), Neal Eli (Benny), Skylar Broussard (Daniela), Elizabeth Lowry (Camila), Claudio Venancio (Sonny), Elana Polin (Abuela Claudia), Paul Bello (Kevin), Rachel Carter (Carla), Clarence Smith (Graffity Pete) and Adriel Aviles (Piragua Guy). The ensemble included: Gabriella Vazquez Harlamert (Dance Captain), Aubry Snipes, Graciela Gonzales, Aaliyah Thompson, Alejandra Dollis, Shiquita Brooks, Yorkel Ballesteros, David Hidalgo, Cal Desmith, Fransheska Peña, Joshua "Juice" Hernandez, AJ Hernandez, Aleyla Ybarra, Sophia Christilles and Stefan Armando Hernandez-San Martin.

Koszalin, Poland (2022)

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The first ever Polish performance directed by Kacper Wojcieszek took place on 24 September 2022 in Koszalin's Musical Theater "Adria" (Teatr Muzyczny Adria).[46]

Awards and nominations

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Original Off-Broadway production

[edit]
Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Result
2007 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Musical Nominated
Outstanding Ensemble Performance Won
Outstanding Director of a Musical Thomas Kail Nominated
Outstanding Choreography Andy Blankenbuehler Won
Outstanding Music Lin-Manuel Miranda Nominated
Outstanding Lyrics Nominated
Outstanding Orchestrations Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman Nominated
Outstanding Set Design Anna Louizos Nominated
Outstanding Sound Design Acme Sound Partners Nominated
Clarence Derwent Award Most Promising Male Performer Lin-Manuel Miranda Won

Original Broadway production

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Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Result
2008 Tony Award Best Musical Won
Best Book of a Musical Quiara Alegría Hudes Nominated
Best Original Score Lin-Manuel Miranda Won
Best Actor in a Musical Nominated
Best Featured Actor in a Musical Robin de Jesús Nominated
Best Featured Actress in a Musical Olga Merediz Nominated
Best Direction of a Musical Thomas Kail Nominated
Best Choreography Andy Blankenbuehler Won
Best Orchestrations Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman Won
Best Scenic Design Anna Louizos Nominated
Best Costume Design Paul Tazewell Nominated
Best Lighting Design Howell Binkley Nominated
Best Sound Design Acme Sound Partners Nominated
Grammy Award Best Musical Show Album Won
2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama Finalist

Original West End production

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Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Result
2016 Laurence Olivier Awards Best New Musical Nominated
Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical David Bedella Won
Best Theatre Choreographer Drew McOnie Won
Outstanding Achievement in Music Lin-Manuel Miranda Won
2016 WhatsOnStage Awards Best New Musical Nominated
Best Actor in a Musical Sam Mackay Nominated
Best Actress in a Musical Lily Frazer Nominated
Best Supporting Actor in a Musical David Bedella Won
Best Supporting Actress in a Musical Victoria Hamilton-Barritt Nominated
Best Direction Luke Sheppard Nominated
Best Choreography Drew McOnie Nominated
Best Set Design Takis Nominated
Best Lighting Design Howard Hudson Nominated

Reception

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The reviews for the show were positive to mixed (the median grade of 9 major reviews was "B+").[47] Charles Isherwood's review in The New York Times said that "when this musical erupts in one of its expressions of collective joy, the energy it gives off could light up the George Washington Bridge for a year or two."[48] Heather Bing of The Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote, "Although I was sometimes struggling to keep up with the hip-hop and Spanish-infused lyrics, the exciting set and choreography paired with excellent acting held my interest in the storyline."[49] David Rooney's Variety review said, "That depth of feeling, together with the wit of Miranda's lyrics, the playful dexterity of his rhymes, his dynamic score and a bunch of truly winning performances, make the show an uncalculated charmer."[50]

Hudes' book received mixed reviews. Charles McNulty's The Los Angeles Times review mentioned that "the downside to In the Heights is the book...which is overstuffed and oversimplified."[51] The New York Post's Clive Barnes also gave negative comments about the book, saying that "Hudes' work is droopily sentimental and untruthful."[52] Joe Dziemianowicz of the NY Daily News also disliked the book, but added that "what it lacks in story and believability it makes up for in a vibrant rap- and salsa-flavored score, spirited dances, and great-looking design."[53]

Documentary

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On May 27, 2009, PBS' Great Performances aired an episode entitled In the Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams. It documents the journey taken by the cast and crew to bring the show to Broadway and to later win the Tony Award for Best Musical.[54] Producer Andrew Fried and director Paul Bozymowski captured footage of the cast and creative team for over two years, from the off-Broadway production to their Tony Award wins. The special previewed at the Paley Center for Media in New York on May 4, 2009.[55]

Film adaptation

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Main article: In the Heights (film)

In November 2008, Universal Pictures announced that they had acquired the rights to adapt the musical as a feature film for release in 2011.[56][57] Kenny Ortega was set to direct it, and Quiara Alegría Hudes would write the screenplay.[58][59] However, Universal opted not to develop the film, and the project was canceled.[60] In January 2012, Lin-Manuel Miranda said the adaptation was back under discussion.[61]

In May 2016, it was announced that The Weinstein Company would distribute the film.[62] The following month, it was reported that Jon M. Chu was in talks to direct.[63] In September 2016, Chu was confirmed as director, with production potentially beginning in spring 2017. Lin-Manuel Miranda said he would not return as Usnavi, the role he originated, but could return in another role.[64]

In October 2017, Hudes revealed that she had asked The Weinstein Company to permit her to take the production elsewhere, in light of the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse allegations.[65] In April 2018, the film rights reverted to Miranda and Hudes.[66] In May 2018, Warner Bros. Pictures acquired the film rights in a $50 million deal after a bidding war with several other studios.[67] Warner Bros. originally set a release date of June 26, 2020.[68] In October 2018, Anthony Ramos was cast as Usnavi.[69] In January 2019, Corey Hawkins was cast as Benny.[70] In April 2019, Jimmy Smits was cast as Kevin,[71] Leslie Grace as Nina, Melissa Barrera as Vanessa,[72] Stephanie Beatriz as Carla, Olga Merediz as Abuela Claudia (reprising her Tony nominated role from the original Broadway cast), Gregory Diaz IV as Sonny, Daphne Rubin-Vega (who did one of the radio voices in the original Broadway production) as Daniela, Lin-Manuel Miranda as Piragua Guy, and Dascha Polanco as Cuca.

Filming began on June 3, 2019, in New York.[73][74] A teaser trailer was released on December 11, 2019, followed by a full trailer the next day.[75][76] The film was scheduled to be released on June 26, 2020, in the United States, and on August 7, 2020, in the United Kingdom.[77] However, it was delayed to June 10, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[78] The film had an opening weekend box office of $11.5 million worldwide.[79]

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (June 11, 2021). "'In The Heights' Moves Up Release Date". Newsweek. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  2. ^ "In the Heights Tour Cast".
  3. ^ "Exclusive: Casting announced for In the Heights". September 2, 2015.
  4. ^ First Look at Anthony Ramos, Vanessa Hudgens, Ana Villafañe, and More in Kennedy Center In the Heights
  5. ^ "The Conceiver". In the Heights. Archived from the original on February 8, 2008. Retrieved August 26, 2008.
  6. ^ Scheps, Leigh (March 6, 2018). "In the Heights' 10 Years Later: From 'Vague Promises' to a Broadway Smash (Exclusive)". etonline. Retrieved March 14, 2019.
  7. ^ Noble, Alex (June 10, 2021). "ow Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'In the Heights' Went From College Project to Major Motion Picture". The Wrap. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  8. ^ Low, David. "Scaling the Heights", Wesleyan magazine, June 20, 2007, accessed June 13, 2017
  9. ^ Hernandez, Ernio. "New York-set, Hip-Hop-Salsa-Merengue Musical 'In the Heights' Starts at O'Neill Center, July 23", Playbill, July 23, 2005
  10. ^ Listing Archived November 28, 2010, at the Wayback Machine theoneill.org, accessed November 30, 2010
  11. ^ Fierberg, Ruthie (November 24, 2016). "How the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Gave Birth to 'In the Heights'". Playbill.
  12. ^ a b Jones, Kenneth (July 26, 2007). "In the Heights Will Play Broadway's Richard Rodgers Starting February 2008". Playbill. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007.
  13. ^ Jones, Kenneth."In the Heights Is in the "Hits" Category; Producers Recoup Investment" Archived January 25, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, playbill.com, January 8, 2009
  14. ^ "Photos: 'In the Heights' Celebrates 1000th Performance on Broadway!" broadwayworld.com
  15. ^ "In the Heights Musical Will End Its Run: Art" Archived July 17, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, TheMathhattan.com, October 27, 2010
  16. ^ "In the Heights to Close on Broadway in January; Miranda to Return to Cast" Archived December 1, 2010, at the Wayback Machine, playbill.com
  17. ^ "IN THE HEIGHTS - CAST". www.playbill.com.
  18. ^ Jones, Kenneth."'In the Heights' Tour Will Launch in Tampa, FL, in October" Archived September 25, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, playbill.com, April 16, 2009
  19. ^ Jones, Kenneth. "No Me Diga! Lin-Manuel Miranda Stars in Puerto Rico Leg of In the Heights Tour Nov. 30-Dec. 5" playbill.com, November 30, 2010
  20. ^ Jones, Kenneth. "Lights Out: In the Heights Ends Broadway Run Jan. 9; Tour Continues and Film Is in the Wings" Archived January 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.playbill.com, January 9, 2011.
  21. ^ BWW News Desk. "IN THE HEIGHTS National Tour Ends Tonight".
  22. ^ "Next to Normal, In the Heights and The Little Mermaid to Play Manila" Archived October 20, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, playbill.com, January 28, 2011.
  23. ^ Oliveros, Oliver. "Lin-Manuel Miranda Lands in Manila for the Restaging of IN THE HEIGHTS, 3/16-25".
  24. ^ "Seeking dancers for non-Equity tour of IN THE HEIGHTS - Topic". Archived from the original on August 16, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  25. ^ "dfltweb1.onamae.com – このドメインはお名前.comで取得されています。". Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  26. ^ "Find Jobs: Auditions, Casting Calls, Performing Arts, Theatre, Broadway Administrative - Playbill.com - Playbill".
  27. ^ Jones, Chris. "Theater Review: "In the Heights" at the Oriental Theatre"[dead link], Chicago Tribune, January 11, 2012
  28. ^ "Sobre el Sentimiento de Pertenencia" Archived October 13, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, La Prensa, Panama, October 10, 2013.
  29. ^ Shenton, Mark. David Bedella and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt Among Now-Complete Cast of London Premiere of 'In the Heights'" Archived March 28, 2014, at the Wayback Machine playbill.com, March 28, 2014
  30. ^ Nelson, Lindsay (April 9, 2014). "'In the Heights' sizzles across distant cultures". The Japan Times. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  31. ^ "In the Heights review – utterly huggable musical lights up London". TheGuardian.com. October 14, 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  32. ^ "Olivier awards 2016: complete list of nominations" The Guardian, February 29, 2016
  33. ^ Christine Allado (April 4, 2016). "In The Heights London - 40th Olivier Awards 2016 - '96,000'". Archived from the original on November 4, 2021 – via YouTube.
  34. ^ Hewis, Ben (September 5, 2016). "Lin-Manuel Miranda visits In The Heights London". WhatsOnStage. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
  35. ^ "Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights Announces London Closing Date". Broadway.com. December 9, 2016.
  36. ^ Ian Day (January 8, 2017). "In The Heights (London) closing speeches by Sam Mackay, Paul Taylor Mills and Lin Manuel Miranda". Archived from the original on November 4, 2021 – via YouTube.
  37. ^ "뮤지컬 인더하이츠". Facebook. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
  38. ^ "Gisela Ponce de León responde tras acusación de racismo en obra". El Comercio. November 19, 2015. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
  39. ^ "Gisela Ponce de León es criticada por esta frase sobre el racismo en Perú". Diario Correo. November 19, 2015. Retrieved December 24, 2015.
  40. ^ "Lohne weitaus mehr als lohnend". Alles ein Theater (in German). August 9, 2016.
  41. ^ "Review: 'In the Heights' (Spanish Version) at GALA Hispanic Theatre - DCMetroTheaterArts". DCMetroTheaterArts. April 22, 2017. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  42. ^ "2018 Helen Hayes nominees announced. In the Heights gets most nods for two companies - DC Theatre Scene". DC Theatre Scene. February 6, 2018. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  43. ^ "Nominations for the 2018 Helen Hayes Awards | Washington Theatre Guide | TheatreWashington | Helen Hayes Awards". theatrewashington.org. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  44. ^ "MusicalTalentSkolen Nyborg opfører 'In the Heights'". Nyborg Kommune (in Danish).
  45. ^ "'In the Heights'". vanguardia (in Spanish). April 8, 2019.
  46. ^ "In The Heights". Teatr Muzyczny Adria (in Polish). Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  47. ^ StageGrade Archived February 28, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. In the Heights.
  48. ^ Charles Isherwood. "In the Heights" Review. The New York Times
  49. ^ Heather Bing. IN THE HEIGHTS Archived December 15, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. Cleveland Leader.
  50. ^ David Rooney. Theatre Review: "In the Heights". Variety.
  51. ^ Culture Monster. THEATRE REVIEW: In the Heights at Pantages Theatre. Los Angeles Times.
  52. ^ Clive Barnes. Uptown Upstaged Archived October 19, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. The New York Post.
  53. ^ "With shallow story, Broadway's 'In the Heights' can't soar". NY Daily News Review
  54. ^ "'In The Heights' – Chasing Broadway Dreams", pbs.org, retrieved November 30, 2010
  55. ^ "Preview Screening and Discussion, PBS Great Performances: In the Heights, Chasing Broadway Dreams" Archived January 8, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, PaleyCenter.org
  56. ^ Gans, Andrew. "Universal Plans Silver-Screen Adaptation of In the Heights" Archived November 10, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, Playbill, November 7, 2008.
  57. ^ In The Heights Movie Lands New Screenwriter. Broadway.com.
  58. ^ "Ask a Star: In the Heights' Lin-Manuel Miranda". Broadway.com (video). January 7, 2011.
  59. ^ Itzkoff, David. In the Heights Movie Gets a Director and a Star. (You've Heard of Him.). The New York Times.
  60. ^ Hetrick, Adam (March 28, 2011). "Universal Pictures Will Not Produce In the Heights Film". Playbill. Archived from the original on April 2, 2011.
  61. ^ "Miranda at Work on Heights Film; New Adaption of Potok's My Name Is Asher Lev", BroadwayWorld.com
  62. ^ Siegel, Tatiana (May 31, 2016). "Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights Gets New Life at The Weinstein Co. (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  63. ^ "Jon M. Chu in Talks to Direct Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. June 10, 2016. Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  64. ^ Cox, Gordon (September 27, 2016). "Hamilton Star Lin-Manuel Miranda Is Ready for His Next Coup". Variety. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
  65. ^ Hudes, Quiara. "On #IntheHeights and #TheWeinsteinCompany". Twitter. Archived from the original on October 12, 2017. Retrieved October 12, 2017. I hope The Weinstein Company has enough grace, in the wake of these revelations, to respect my stand as a woman, and to allow us to extricate In the Heights from them. In the Heights deserves a fresh start in a studio where I'll feel safe (as will my actors and collaborators).
  66. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (April 5, 2018). "Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights Escapes Weinstein Co Bankruptcy Tsuris". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  67. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (May 17, 2018). "In The Heights: Warner Bros Closing $50M Deal For Movie Rights After Hot Auction". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  68. ^ McNary, Dave (June 7, 2018). "Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights Sets Summer 2020 Release". Variety. Archived from the original on June 7, 2018.
  69. ^ Kroll, Justin (October 10, 2018). "Anthony Ramos to Star in Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights Movie (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  70. ^ "In The Heights Finds Its Benny In Corey Hawkins". Deadline. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  71. ^ "Exclusive: Jimmy Smits Joins Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights Movie". Collider. April 10, 2018. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  72. ^ "Lin-Manuel Miranda & Jon M. Chu Find Their Nina & Vanessa For In The Heights Movie". Deadline. April 11, 2019.
  73. ^ "After Yang" (PDF). NYC Media & Production. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
  74. ^ "Lin-Manuel Miranda, 'In the Heights' director surprise high school performance of musical". EW.com. Archived from the original on June 3, 2019. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
  75. ^ Desk, TV News. "VIDEO: 'Lights Up' on the First Trailer for IN THE HEIGHTS!". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved December 12, 2019. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  76. ^ Fretts, Bruce (December 12, 2019). "'In the Heights' Trailer: Lin-Manuel Miranda's Show Dances to the Screen". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  77. ^ Fuster, Jeremy (June 7, 2018). "Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'In The Heights' Set for Summer 2020 Release". TheWrap. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  78. ^ Burton, Jamie (June 11, 2021). "The story of how Lin-Manuel Miranda struggled to make "In The Heights"". Newsweek. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  79. ^ "In the Heights". IMDb.
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