IN THE HEIGHTS

Book, Music and Lyrics by Lin Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes

Audience Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available. Not a sensory friendly show.

ASL Showing: Not Avaiable

Volume Level: May be loud for some patrons

Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: Spraying of aerosol sprays in the beginning, suggestive sexual content, appearance of a power outage.

Reviewed by Natalie Shaw

Theatre Arlington opened Lin Manuel Miranda's In the Heights this weekend, and man was it hot, hot, hot! Even though we're in the month of February, we feel that July heat from the stage. With Lin Manuel Miranda's familiar beats (and downbeats,) audience members dance in their seats and nod to the rhythms of the Hispanic inspired vibrations of Washington Heights in New York.

The cast of Theatre Arlington's In the Heights brings the party in that famous Lin Manuel Miranda style, with intense energy that provokes our inner Latin lover. Ensemble performers dance with fire under their feet and hip hop in their hearts, while principal actors sing with emocion sentida in their voices. Director Alejandro Saucedo takes us on the emotional journey of this intimate New York community, primarily made up of three families, centered around Usnavi (Jeremey Coca,) Mr. Kevin and Mrs. Camila Rosario (John Sanchez and Araceli Radillo, respectively) and Daniela's (Samantha Padilla) salon shop. The matriarch of this family of families, without question is neighbor Abuela Claudia (Gigi Cervantes,) who is dear to all, especially the now-grown-up children of the neighborhood, namely Usnavi, who owns the neighborhood bodega and Stanford student, Nina (Jacqueline Castillo,) daughter to the Rosarios. While Usnavi tries to keep the bodega in working order and his younger cousin Sonny (Nicolas Lama-Riva) out of trouble, the Rosarios struggle to make ends meet with their car service, much like salon shop owner, Daniela and her stylish crew, Vanessa (Sophia Rodriguez Patterson) and Clara (Savanna Yasmine Elayyach.)

Coca's Usnavi is charming in an awkward sort of way, and celebrates every win he can take when it comes to the objective of su amor y deseo, Rodriguez Patterson's Vanessa, who's long, beautiful hair, radiant smile and confident personality have established as the neighborhood heart-throb. Although appropriately affectionate, Padilla's Daniela is the sassy senorita with outstanding vocals, who isn't playing with you, so you better get to work! Castillo's Nina is muy inteligente; the only one carrying a scholarship in college--to an Ivy League school, no less! But, finances still threaten her position there, and when she falls hard for the ever-handsome Benny, played by Jamal Houston with a voice from the gods, she may be staying in Washington Heights for longer than the summer.

Choreography by Hannah Arguelles is a strong point in this production, along with Lighting elements by Bryan Stevenson and Costumes by Hannah Bell. Music Direction is provided by Cherish Love and band members Antone Amalber (Trombone,) Hector Garcia Jr. (Guitar,) Mason Hicks (Trombone,) Anthony Holmes (Guitar,) John (Jeriah) Mitchell (Drums,) and Mildred Perez (Bass) provide the soundtrack to this fast-paced story.

Director Alejandro Saucedo and the cast of In the Heights set us ablaze with Lin Manuel Miranda's electrifying musical about community, family, and pursuing your dreams while holding down your roots! Asi que levantate y consigue tus entradas ahora! (So, get up and get your tickets, now!) Tickets at theatrearlington.org In the Heights continues through February 23!

Enjoy the show!

Natalie

For more on In the Heights, check out the Extended Review on the Dallas Theatre Journal Patreon page!