Signature Theatre: In The Heights

 Before "Hamilton," there was "In The Heights"; a joyful, exuberant celebration of community also written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.  Washington Heights from a certain time comes to life at a certain moment in which its inhabitants are arriving at a pivotal juncture in their lives.  Some are coming together.  Others breaking apart.  The tension is palpable, and the way uncertain, until a sudden blackout miraculously brings light and clarity to everyone's path.   That and the death of everyone's beloved matriarch.  

It's a show full of funny and sweet characters who's flaws come to be seen as endearing.  It's a love letter to a people: Dominican, Cuban, Honduran, Mexican, a little west African, too.  And it is most certainly a celebration of dance!  

Upon opening the program, I first noticed that three of the characters would be portrayed by understudies.  This initially felt a little disappointing, but then I reminded myself that sometimes understudies bring a heightened joy and earnestness at being able to finally play with their friends.  The fact that two of the MIA cast members had relatively small parts also lessened any potentially negative impacts--and how would I really know, anyways?  It's not like I'm going to go back and see it again with the principles in performance.

Of the cast I really only recognized one member, Rayanne Gonzales who was played Abuela Claudia.  A magnificent voice, she nearly brought the house down with her rendition of "Paciencia y Fe".  A steady presence in any ensemble.  Among the others were many wonderful surprises.  Chief among which were the Bodega duo of Sonny (Nicolas Garza) and Usnavi (Angel Lozada).  Both actors brought a boyish sincerity and excitement to their roles and the chemistry together made all their scenes a joy to watch.  Another stand out was Benny, played by Chibueze Ihuoma.  His voice was both tender and powerful.  Benny is the black boyfriend of the only child of a prominent Dominican business owner in the heights, and to complicate his story, he also works for her father.  Like so many of the scenarios in the show, grace wins the day in the end, but along the way, Ihuoma, is featured in some of the most beautiful songs in the show, including, "When You're Home," and "Sunrise."  The final standout has got to be Adriana Scalise as Vanessa.  She was the very definition of the "triple threat": Acting, Singing and Dancing.  

The set was an asymmetrical geometric platform running diagonally across the space with the audience on both sides in a very intimate proximity.  Kudos to Andrew R. Cohen for creating an eclectic space for an eclectic production.  And in a rare acknowledgement from me hats-off to Shani Talmor for such exciting choreography, and Associate Choreographer and Dance Captain, Matt Rivera who exemplified the final product as a member of the ensemble.

Such a feel good show celebrating diversity, equity and inclusion.  Bravo!

Principle Cast: Selected members [L-R] Nichole Forde (understudied for Graffiti Pete), Jose J. Munoz (ensemble - maroon vest), Rudy Martinez (Kevin - blue shirt), Crissy Guerrero (Camila), [standing in back] Berto Fernandez (Parigua man), Rayanne Gonzales (Abuela Claudia), Angel Lozada (Usnavi - green shirt) [skipping over], Chibueze Ihuoma (Benny - second maroon vest), Adriana Scalice (Vanessa - hand on hip), Matt Rivera (ensemble & dance captain), Karmine Alers (did not perform, replaced by understudy), and Carianmax Benitez (Carla)

Usnavi, Vanessa and Sonny (Nicolas Garza)

Sonny, Usnavi, Graffiti Pete (Michael Marrero - did not perform, replaced by understudy), and Benny

Sonny checking out Vanessa and Usnavi making a connection.

Abuela Claudia

Performing "Carnaval del Barrio"

Benny and Nina (Victoria Gomez - did not perform, replaced by understudy)