In the Heights. Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Book by Quiara Alegria Hudes. Conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, March 2018.
Lights up on Washington DC! Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights has come to the Kennedy Center with nearly all the energy it had on Broadway. This is billed as a concert version, and while the set isn’t as detailed as a full production, Heights is still completely staged and choreographed.
In the Heights is the story of a vibrant Latin-American community on the brink of change in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood. It introduced the work of Miranda to audiences and won Tony Awards for best production, music and lyrics and leading performance by Miranda.
The show is directed and choreographed by Stephanie Klemons, who was Associate Choreographer for Hamilton and Bring it On: The Musical. Scenic designer Anna Louizos, costume designer Andrea Lauer, and music director Zachary Dietz all have experience from Miranda’s Broadway productions.
The lead of Usnavi is played by Anthony Ramos, known for originating the role of John Laurens/Philip Hamilton in Hamilton. Ramos brings a youthful energy to Usnavi and is compelling from the top of the show when he introduces his unique character who runs a mom-and-pop shop and serves sweet café con leche.
The female lead of Vanessa is portrayed by celebrity Vanessa Hudgens. Here she displayed much more than what we saw in her High School Musical days. She captured the sexy confidence Vanessa demands. Ana Villafañe (Gloria Estefan in Broadway’s On Your Feet) sweetly played Nina while J. Quinton Johnson took a break from starring in Hamilton to play love interest Benny. A standout was Broadway’s original Piragua Guy, Eliseo Roman, who reprised his role of the lovable entrepreneur and brought a gigantic smile to the audience’s faces during both of his songs.
For those whose awareness of Lin-Manuel Miranda came only with Hamilton, the Kennedy Center is offering a chance to see his original work. This star-studded production offers infectious energy and optimism, something rare in our nation’s capital these days.