In the Heights is a musical about the people living in the Washington Heights area of New York City. The play’s advertising says that Jordin Sparks of American Idol would be playing the part of Nina, but she wasn’t there the day we went. Most of the cast during this performance was understudies. I believe that the absence of Jordin made the production stronger because there was no distraction from the music, story, and set on a “celebrity”.
My favorite character was Usnavi (Jon Rua), named after the boat his parents saw as they came to America (a US Navy boat). He owns a drug store that everyone knows and goes to for their daily needs. Across the street lives Abuela Claudia (Olga Merediz), the grandmother of the entire neighborhood. She has such a personality and listens to everyone’s problems and is extremely caring and loving. Nina, originally played by Jordin Sparks, was played by Gabrielle Ruiz. She was the one person in her town that had the opportunity to leave Washington Heights and better herself. She had the opportunity to move out and do better than become a hairdresser of a cashier. She comes back to her family in the summer and gives the news that her scholarship had been revoked due to her poor grades. She had been working to pay for her textbooks and living expenses. Lastly, another hilarious character was Daniela (Andrea Burns), who was the neighborhood gossip and hairdresser. She acted with a strong accent (Puerto Rican? Dominican?) and was
always moving her arms about.
There were two love stories going on as well. Usnavi was in love with a girl named Vanessa (Marcy Harriell) who was practically clueless to his infatuation. Nina was in love with Benny (Clifton Oliver), the guy who had been working for her parents’ car rental shop since he was a little boy. In the end, obviously, they all get together and are happy. Of course, they have to go through difficult times first.
The music really brought the show together. The lyrics included Spanish words, bringing the feel of the Latin American heritage of the characters. Many of the songs had a certain Latin flavor, and others had a little more rap in them (usually sung by the guys). One of the songs I liked was “No Me Diga”. It was sung by Daniela, the hairdresser, Vanessa, Carla (Courtney Reed), and Nina who had just gotten back from college. The way it was sung was funny and the accent put on by Daniela enhanced the song.
Overall, the show was very exciting in its music and energy. The story wasn’t that original, but it wasn’t boring. I would definitely recommend seeing it.
In The Heights
Richard Rodgers Theatre
November 6, 2010
Marina B. Nebro
