In the Heights Comes Back With Its Head in the Clouds
Vulture • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical In the Heights heavily uses metaphors of altitude, with themes of planes, elevated trains, and cityscapes symbolizing aspiration and hope.
- The show, originally premiered in 2007 and a precursor to Hamilton, retains its optimism despite the political and social challenges faced by immigrant communities since its debut.
- The current City Center revival features a talented new cast, including Matte Martinez as Usnavi and Ishmael Gonzalez as Sonny, who bring fresh energy and nuanced performances to the production.
- The musical’s narrative pacing is uneven, with a structure more like a showcase than a cohesive story, and its second act grapples with complex plot points about lottery winnings and community decisions.
- Ultimately, In the Heights celebrates themes of home and belonging, emphasizing the immigrant experience and the desire to create a future while honoring the past, with the production running through November 15 at New York City Center.
